Fried Chicken Legs and Buttery Mashed Potatoes: A Homestyle Recipe to Satisfy Any Craving

Photo byAngie Bright

Few things bring more comfort to the dinner table than a plate of crispy fried chicken legs and smooth, buttery mashed potatoes. This classic duo is a staple in many homes, loved for its satisfying flavors and straightforward preparation. Whether it's for a weekend family meal or a special gathering, fried chicken and mashed potatoes never fail to bring people together around the table.

The key to perfect fried chicken lies in its crunchy, golden crust and juicy, flavorful meat. Marinating the chicken legs in buttermilk tenderizes the meat and enhances its flavor, while the seasoned flour coating ensures that each bite has a delightful crunch. The buttermilk also helps the flour mixture stick to the chicken, creating that irresistible fried exterior we all know and love.

As a perfect companion to the fried chicken, mashed potatoes provide a creamy, buttery contrast. Russet potatoes are ideal for mashing because of their fluffy texture when cooked. The addition of milk and butter creates a silky smooth consistency, while a touch of salt and pepper brings out the natural flavor of the potatoes. Together, the fried chicken and mashed potatoes form a classic comfort meal that's both simple and delicious.

Recipe: Fried Chicken Legs with Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

For the Fried Chicken:

• 4 chicken legs (drumsticks)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup milk (more if needed)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Start by placing the chicken legs in a bowl and covering them with buttermilk. For best results, refrigerate and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour, or even overnight to enhance the flavor.
2. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Fry the Chicken: Heat enough vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to submerge the chicken legs, bringing the temperature to 350°F (175°C). Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, and coat the legs thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture.
4. Fry the chicken legs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook each piece for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Once done, place the fried chicken on paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: While the chicken is frying, boil the cubed potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes or until they are tender. Drain and return them to the pot. Mash the potatoes with butter and milk, adding more milk if needed until you achieve a smooth, creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve: Serve the crispy fried chicken legs alongside a generous helping of mashed potatoes. For extra flavor, you can drizzle some of the chicken drippings over the mashed potatoes or serve with a side of gravy.

The Perfect Comfort Meal

This fried chicken and mashed potatoes recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a reminder of home, warmth, and togetherness. The crispy chicken and creamy potatoes are an unbeatable combination that can please any crowd, no matter the occasion. Whether you're cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this classic dish is sure to be a hit every time.

Here are a few useful sources to help you perfect your Fried Chicken Legs with Mashed Potatoes recipe:

1. Chef Lola's Kitchen offers a detailed guide on how to achieve crispy fried chicken drumsticks by maintaining the oil at the right temperature (350°F) and using a well-seasoned flour mixture. It emphasizes the importance of not overcrowding the pan to ensure each drumstick gets perfectly crispy​Chef Lola's Kitchen.
2. Taste of Home explains how to deep-fry chicken legs, including the ideal internal temperature (165°F for safety, with dark meat tasting better closer to 175°F). This source also covers tips on how to prevent soggy fried chicken by avoiding overcrowding in the fryer​Taste of Home.
3. SoDelicious Recipes provides a variation with pan-fried chicken drumsticks, adding flavors like onion and apple vinegar to enhance the depth of the dish. This could be a nice twist if you're looking to experiment with different flavors​SoDelicious.

These sources will guide you through frying chicken to perfection, along with tips on serving it with classic mashed potatoes!