Zesty Fried Chicken

Get ready to elevate your fried chicken game with this irresistible Zesty Fried Chicken recipe, a perfect blend of crispy, golden perfection and bold, citrusy flair. Marinated in a tangy buttermilk mixture infused with garlic and spices, these succulent chicken drumsticks are then coated in a seasoned flour-cornstarch mixture for extra crunch. The magic touch? A sprinkle of fragrant lemon zest while the chicken is still piping hot, adding a zesty brightness that pairs beautifully with its crisp, savory crust. Perfect for family dinners, game-day gatherings, or anytime comfort food cravings hit, this fried chicken is served with fresh lemon wedges for a refreshing twist. With simple ingredients and an easy deep-frying technique, this recipe guarantees juicy, flavorful chicken with every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces Chicken drumsticks
• 2 cups Buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon Garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 4 cups Vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon Lemon zest
• 4 pieces Lemon wedges

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well.

Step 2

Add the chicken drumsticks to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

Step 3

In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, remaining 1 teaspoon of paprika, cayenne pepper, baking powder, remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.

Step 4

Heat vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.

Step 5

Remove the chicken drumsticks from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Coat each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.

Step 6

Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook each batch for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 7

Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.

Step 8

While the chicken is still hot, sprinkle it with lemon zest for a zesty punch of flavor.

Step 9

Serve the Zesty Fried Chicken immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2560.8 grams (2560.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	10037

Total Fat 929.60g	1192%
Saturated Fat 150.10g	751%
Polyunsaturated Fat 538.60g
Cholesterol 798mg	266%
Sodium 6262mg	272%
Total Carbohydrate 283.40g	103%
Dietary Fiber 12.40g	44%
Total Sugars 26.00g
Protein 221.00g	442%

Vitamin D 254IU	1269%
Calcium 744mg	57%
Iron 21mg	117%
Potassium 3000mg	64%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 80.6%

Protein: 8.5%

Carbs: 10.9%