How To Butterfly Fried Chicken Drumsticks

Related Fried Chicken Posts:

• Buttermilk Fried Chicken Wings
• Jerk Fried Chicken
• Southern Fried Chicken

Do you want crispy fried chicken that's as flavorful on the inside as it is on the outside? Then you're gonna love these butterfly chicken drumsticks.

Oh, but I've got a special melody for your taste buds tonight. Imagine this: tender chicken legs, butterflied and fried until they hit just the right note of crispy. We're talking about a symphony of flavor, each bite singing in harmony with the soulful essence of that sizzling hot pan. Get ready for a culinary rhythm that'll have you groovin' in your seat. Oh, it's gonna be a melody of taste that'll make you wanna holler! Let's fry it up, just like mama and big mama used to, so get in da groove!

Regular fried drumsticks are great, but you know the Food Fidelity way is to strive for mo better! Butterflying the legs is the first step to chicken fried greatness. But I also marinate these in white wine. The wine's acidity definitely helps to break the chicken down making it moist and tender. I also include a highly flavorful "jollof" spice mix which is a seasoning mix I use often on certain food.

Beats and Eats (music to pair with fried drumsticks)

Edwin Starr's song "Easin' In" is a good fit with crispy butterflied fried chicken drumsticks due to its smooth, soulful vibe that complements the comforting and satisfying essence of well-prepared fried chicken. The laid-back tempo and mellow instrumentation create a perfect backdrop for savoring each crispy bite.

It's like a musical counterpart to the enjoyable experience of relishing tender, flavorful chicken—both provide a sense of relaxation, pleasure, and a delightful groove that leaves you wanting more. Just as "Easin' In" is a treat for the ears, crispy butterflied fried chicken drumsticks are a treat for the taste buds, making them a harmonious pairing that elevates the overall sensory enjoyment.

What is a butterflied chicken leg?

A butterflied chicken leg refers to a technique where a chicken leg (drumstick) is prepared by partially separating the meat from the side of the chicken bone and flattening the meat. Note, for purposes of this recipe the full bone is not removed.

To butterfly a chicken leg, the meat is typically sliced along the bone to expose it, and then the meat is carefully pressed down away from the bone allowing for more uniform cooking. The best part of butterflying is you get the best chicken leg meat ever.

What Is Jollof Seasoning?

Jollof seasoning is a blend of spices and seasonings used to flavor Jollof rice, a popular West African dish. Jollof rice is a one-pot dish made with rice, tomatoes, peppers, and various other ingredients. The seasoning mix typically includes a combination of spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, ginger, and sometimes bouillon or stock cubes.

The exact ingredients and proportions can vary based on personal preferences and regional variations. Jollof seasoning enhances the flavor of the rice, giving it a distinctive taste and vibrant color. It is an essential component in making authentic and flavorful Jollof rice, a beloved dish in many West African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Liberia, and others.

So basically I created a spice mix combining those typical dry seasonings used in jollof rice combined with a few others I like.

Ingredients Needed For This Fried Chicken Recipe

For The Brine

• White Wine - is great for brining for a few key reasons. Unique Flavor Enhancement: it add a subtle fruity and tangy taste. Acidity: The natural acidity in white wine helps tenderize the chicken meat. Moisture Retention: The alcohol in white wine helps the chicken retain moisture during the brining process. This leads to juicier and more succulent chicken when cooked.
• Kosher Salt

For The Jollof Seasoning

• Smoked Sweet Paprika - smoky, earthy, and sweet. The smokiness is slightly dominant, but the sweetness balances things and the earthiness anchors the overall flavor.
• Cayenne Pepper -adds a fiery kick and depth of flavor, enhancing the spice rub. Its heat and tanginess elevate the taste, making the dish vibrant and memorable.
• Dried thyme - brings a fragrant, herby essence to the seasoning mix, elevating flavors and imparting a savory, aromatic touch for a delightful culinary experience.
• Garlic powder - enriches this spice mix with a robust, savory taste. Its umami essence enhances flavors, adding depth and a bit of zing to the dish
• Ground ginger - adds a zesty, aromatic kick, enhancing flavors with its warm and slightly sweet profile.
• Ground cinnamon - elevates things with its sweet, woody notes, imparting some warmth and depth of flavor to the dish.
• Ground coriander - brings a citrusy, earthy essence to the mix.
• Ground Nutmeg - adds a rich, nutty warmth plus some slightly sweetness to the profile.

For The Chicken

• Chicken drumsticks
• Egg - helps adhere the breading to the chicken, creating a crispy, golden coating during frying, enhancing texture and flavor.
• Vodka - in an egg wash for frying chicken alcohol helps reduce gluten formation, resulting in a lighter and crispier crust on the chicken when fried.
• Water - used in an egg wash to thin out the eggs, making them easier to coat the chicken evenly, promoting better adhesion of the breading and ensuring a crispy, golden crust.
• All-purpose flour - versatile and helps create a crispy, golden-brown crust when fried.
• Corn Starch - creates a light, crispy coating. It provides a satisfying crunch and helps retain moisture in the chicken.

How To Make Butterfly Chicken Legs

Butterfly the Chicken Drumstick

Butterflying chicken legs is easy. Using a sharp knife cut each piece along the side of the bone. Do for right and left sides then press each meat side down flat on your cutting board. Repeat for all pieces.

Marinate the Chicken

Place salt in a large mixing bowl and add the wine. Mix well ensuring the salt dissolves fully. Place chicken pieces in a large ziplock bag. Add the brine and refrigerate at least an hour.

Prepare the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry. Season generously with the jollof seasoning.

Prepare the egg wash by mixing a beaten egg, water, vodka, and a teaspoon of the seasoning mix.

Make the dredge by mixing the corn starch, flour, and a tablespoon of the seasoning mix.

Fry the Chicken

Dip the chicken in the egg wash and then dredge in the flour mixture.

Pre-heat a deep fryer to 350 degrees F.

Fry the chicken for 4-6 minutes then cool on a cooling rack (place a wire rack inside of a sheet pan) for 5 minutes.

Increase heat to 375 degrees F and fry 1-2 minutes.

Serve with some more of the spice seasoning and/or your favorite hot sauce.

What to Serve With Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Here are some popular options to serve with fried chicken:

1. Biscuits or Cornbread: Soft, warm buttermilk biscuits or hot water cornbread are perfect for soaking up the chicken's juices and adding a bread component to the meal.
2. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a popular side that complements fried chicken, offering a sweet and juicy element.
3. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy macaroni and cheese is a comforting and hearty side that pairs well with the flavors of fried chicken.
4. Collard Greens: Cooked collard greens or other leafy greens add a nutritious and flavorful element to the meal.
5. Green Beans: Steamed or sautéed green beans provide a light side that complements the richness of fried chicken.
6. Fries: Crispy French fries are a classic and satisfying choice to accompany fried chicken.
7. Honey or Maple Syrup: Offer honey or maple syrup for drizzling over the chicken, providing a sweet and savory contrast.

Tips For Crispy Skin

Here are some tips to help you make perfectly crispy fried chicken skin:

1. Pat the Chicken Dry: Before seasoning or battering, thoroughly pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Dry skin promotes a crispy texture.
2. Use Cornstarch or Potato Starch: Incorporate cornstarch or potato starch into the flour or batter mixture. These ingredients enhance the crunchiness of the fried chicken.
3. Double Dipping Method: Dip the chicken pieces first in seasoned flour, then in an egg wash, and back into the flour for a double coating. This provides a thicker and crispier crust.
4. Marinate or Brine: Marinate the chicken in a flavorful marinade or brine before coating with flour. This not only adds flavor but also helps the skin adhere better to the meat.
5. Let the Chicken Rest: After coating the chicken, let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the flour mixture to adhere well to the chicken, resulting in a crispier skin.
6. Use Baking Powder in the Coating: Adding baking powder to the coating mixture can help create air pockets, resulting in a lighter and crispier crust.
7. Hot Oil: Ensure the oil is at the right temperature (around 350-375°F or 175-190°C). A proper frying temperature ensures the skin crisps up quickly without absorbing excess oil.
8. Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the chicken in batches, leaving enough space between pieces to allow even cooking and crispy skin.
9. Fry Twice: Use a double-frying method. Fry the chicken at a lower temperature first to cook the inside, then fry at a higher temperature for a shorter time to achieve crispiness.
10. Elevated Rack for Draining: Place the fried chicken on an elevated rack rather than directly on paper towels to prevent the skin from getting soggy due to steam.
11. Season After Frying: Sprinkle the fried chicken with a pinch of salt and any desired seasoning immediately after frying to enhance the flavor of the crispy skin.
12. Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: Fry the chicken in a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution, allowing the skin to crisp up uniformly.
13. Maintain Oil Quality: Ensure the frying oil is fresh and not reused multiple times, as fresh oil helps achieve a better crispy texture.

Tips For The Most Flavorful Chicken Drumsticks

Creating a flavorful fried chicken requires careful selection of ingredients and seasoning. Here are some flavor tips to enhance your fried chicken:

1. Marinate Before Frying: Marinate the chicken in a flavorful mixture of spices, herbs, and buttermilk or yogurt for a few hours or overnight. This infuses the meat with additional taste and tenderness.
2. Season Generously: Ensure the chicken is well-seasoned with a blend of spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Adjust the amounts to your taste preferences.
3. Spice Up the Flour Coating: Add spices directly to the flour coating mixture. Consider incorporating chili powder, cumin, or curry powder to give your fried chicken an exciting twist.
4. Honey or Maple Syrup Glaze: Brush the fried chicken with a honey or maple syrup glaze right after frying for a sweet and savory contrast.
5. Hot Sauce or Sriracha: Incorporate a dash of hot sauce or sriracha into the marinade or coating for a spicy kick.
6. Fresh Lemon or Lime Juice: Squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice over the fried chicken just before serving to brighten the flavors.

FAQs

Can You Make These In An Air Fryer?

You can definitely air fry the chicken legs but the process and ingredients are a bit more simplified. For an example you can checkout this air fryer chicken thighs recipe. It comes down to using cooking spray and corn starch for your coating and air frying at high temperatures.

What Other Ways Can You Cook Butterflied Drumsticks?

You can do butterflied drumsticks on the grill. Grilling drumsticks are another great way to infuse all parts of the chicken with flavor. BBQ sauce is optional and cook time will depend on temperature you cook at.

Make Butterflied Chicken Drumsticks

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