Crispy Fried Chicken Leg with Lemon-Herb Butter Glaze
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the delight of crispy fried chicken legs. Adding a zesty and aromatic lemon-herb butter glaze to these succulent chicken pieces transforms the usual recipe into something extraordinary. This guide will walk you through each step of the process, ensuring that you end up with perfectly golden and crispy fried chicken that bursts with flavor. Serving 2-3, this recipe is perfect for an intimate meal or as a part of a comforting dinner spread.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Crispy Fried Chicken Leg with Lemon-Herb Butter Glaze recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The outdoor frying brings out the crunch of the coating while the buttermilk marinade ensures each bite is juicy and tender. Topping it off with the freshness of herbs and zesty lemon adds brightness that’ll tantalize your taste buds. Plus, the straightforward steps make it accessible for cooks of all levels!
Ingredients
This recipe uses a mixture of classic ingredients that work harmoniously to create delicious fried chicken. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- For the Fried Chicken:
- 2-3 whole chicken legs (drumstick and thigh attached)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp vinegar, for tenderizing)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- For the Lemon-Herb Butter Glaze:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1/2 tsp honey (optional, for balance)
- Pinch of salt & black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Brine the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)
Begin by soaking the chicken legs in buttermilk or a solution of salted water for an hour or up to overnight. This step is crucial as it allows the chicken to tenderize and infuse flavors, resulting in juicy meat that stays moist even after frying.
Step 2: Prepare the Dredge
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. Once your chicken legs are ready from the brine, remove them from the buttermilk (if using) letting any excess liquid drip off before thoroughly coating them in the flour mixture. Make sure each piece gets a good coverage of the seasoned flour to form a crispy crust once fried.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat approximately 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken legs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning the pieces occasionally to achieve an even golden brown crust. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is cooked through. After frying, use a wire rack for draining, which helps keep the chicken crispy instead of soggy.
Step 4: Make the Lemon-Herb Butter Glaze
While the chicken is frying, take a small saucepan and melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Remove from heat and stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, thyme, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This glaze will add richness and bright acidity to your fried chicken, elevating the dish.
Step 5: Glaze & Serve
Once the fried chicken legs are crisp and golden, brush them generously with the lemon-herb butter glaze while they are still hot. This step ensures the flavors permeate the crispy skin. For a finishing touch, garnish with extra fresh herbs for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately for the best experience, alongside your favorite sides!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts or wings instead of legs?
Absolutely! This recipe can easily be adapted for chicken breasts, wings, or even tenders. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thinner cuts will cook faster.
Is it necessary to brine the chicken?
Brining is not strictly necessary, but it does enhance the chicken’s tenderness and flavor. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but the results will be less juicy.
How can I ensure my chicken remains crispy?
To maintain the crispiness of the chicken, drain it on a wire rack instead of paper towels and serve immediately after glazing. This prevents steam from softening the crust.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes! If you have leftovers, store the fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven to restore the crispness before serving.
What sides pair well with this fried chicken?
This fried chicken pairs excellently with classic sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with homemade biscuits for a comforting meal.
Conclusion
Making crispy fried chicken legs with lemon-herb butter glaze at home is a rewarding culinary experience that brings comfort food to a whole new level. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can impress family and friends with a dish that is both satisfying and incredibly flavorful. So, grab your apron and fry up some deliciousness today!
