County Fair Chicken

Get ready to bring the nostalgic flavors of the fair to your kitchen with this irresistible County Fair Chicken recipe! Juicy, golden-brown drumsticks are marinated in tangy buttermilk to ensure tenderness, then dredged in a perfectly seasoned flour mixture featuring paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of cayenne for a flavorful kick. Each drumstick is fried to crispy perfection, achieving that signature crunch reminiscent of your favorite fairground treat. Finished with a drizzle of honey for a delightful sweet and savory combination and served with optional lemon wedges for a zesty twist, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, County Fair Chicken is a comfort food classic that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces chicken drumsticks
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cups cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1.5 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 4 cups vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 optional Lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the chicken drumsticks under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl or resealable bag.

Step 2

Pour the buttermilk over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are fully submerged. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to tenderize and flavor the chicken.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, and baking powder. Whisk the mixture until fully blended.

Step 4

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge each drumstick in the flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to create a thick coating. Place the coated drumsticks on a wire rack and let them rest for 10 minutes to allow the coating to adhere.

Step 5

In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature.

Step 6

Working in batches, fry the drumsticks in the hot oil for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 7

Transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with a touch of salt while still hot.

Step 8

Drizzle the fried drumsticks with honey for a sweet and savory twist. Serve warm with lemon wedges if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2560.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	10033.1

Total Fat 929.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 150.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 538.6g
Cholesterol 797.7mg	0%
Sodium 6261.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 286.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.4g	0%
Total Sugars 60.9g
Protein 220.8g	0%

Vitamin D 253.8IU	0%
Calcium 742.8mg	0%
Iron 20.9mg	0%
Potassium 3031.1mg	0%

*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: 80.5%

Protein: 8.5%

Carbs: 11.0%