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Fried Chicken Drumsticks with Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A Classic Comfort Food
Fried Chicken Drumsticks with Creamy Mashed Potatoes is a classic and comforting meal that brings together crispy, flavorful chicken and rich, smooth mashed potatoes. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, this dish is sure to be a hit. Here’s a detailed recipe to help you create this delicious comfort food, along with tips and variations to make it your own.
Ingredients:
- For the Fried Chicken Drumsticks:
- 8-10 chicken drumsticks
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
- For the Creamy Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken Drumsticks:
- In a large bowl, pour the buttermilk over the chicken drumsticks, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add the heavy cream and butter, mashing until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Keep warm until ready to serve.
- Fry the Chicken Drumsticks:
- In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Remove the chicken drumsticks from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each drumstick in the flour mixture, coating thoroughly.
- Fry the chicken drumsticks in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes per batch. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the fried chicken drumsticks from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve the Meal:
- Plate the creamy mashed potatoes alongside the fried chicken drumsticks.
- Garnish the mashed potatoes with chopped fresh chives if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- Flavorful Buttermilk: Add hot sauce, garlic, or herbs to the buttermilk marinade for extra flavor.
- Crunchy Coating: For an extra crunchy coating, double-dip the chicken in buttermilk and flour mixture.
- Spices: Adjust the spices in the flour mixture to suit your taste. Try adding cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Add roasted garlic or garlic powder to the mashed potatoes for a garlicky twist.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time and reheat before serving. Keep the fried chicken warm in a low oven.
Conclusion
Fried Chicken Drumsticks with Creamy Mashed Potatoes is a comforting and delicious meal that is perfect for any occasion. Its crispy, flavorful chicken paired with smooth and creamy mashed potatoes is a classic combination that never fails to satisfy. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or try one of the suggested variations, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful comfort food with your loved ones!
Feel free to try this recipe and enjoy the comforting flavors of Fried Chicken Drumsticks with Creamy Mashed Potatoes. Happy cooking!
