Name: Spicy Pan-Fried Chicken Drumsticks: South Indian Style
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 Chicken Drumsticks; 2 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste; 2 Chilies (finely chopped, finely chopped; adjust to your spice preference; or substitute with 1 jalapeño, green); 1 tsp Chili Powder (adjust to your spice preference, red); 1/2 tsp Garam Masala; 1 tsp Salt (or to taste); 1 tbsp Butter (or vegetable oil); 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil (optional, for extra crispiness)

Spicy Pan-Fried Chicken Drumsticks: South Indian Style

livi ray

UpdatedJuly, 2025

25 minutes

992 reads

4 from 7 votes

Homestyle Cooking Indian South Indian

About Spicy Pan-Fried Chicken Drumsticks: South Indian Style

Craving a flavorful and healthy weeknight dinner? This South Indian-inspired recipe for Spicy Pan-Fried Chicken Drumsticks delivers juicy, tender chicken with a fiery kick, all without the guilt of deep frying. Marinated in a vibrant blend of ginger, garlic, and chilies, these drumsticks are pan-fried to crispy perfection.

Quick, easy, and bursting with authentic South Indian spices, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying weekend meal. The simple marinade infuses the chicken with incredible flavor, while the pan-frying method ensures a perfectly crispy skin. Get ready to experience a taste of the South Indian spice market in your own kitchen!

This recipe is easily adaptable to your spice preference. Feel free to adjust the chili quantity to your liking, adding more for an extra fiery punch or less for a milder flavor. Serve these drumsticks alongside your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Recipe Time & More

Prep5

Cook20

Total25

Calories50 kcal

Serves

Served AsBrunch Dinner Lunch

Recipe TasteSalty Spicy

Ingredients

Chicken & Marinade

▢ 4 Chicken Drumsticks
▢ 2 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste
▢ 2 Chilies finely chopped, finely chopped; adjust to your spice preference; or substitute with 1 jalapeño, green
▢ 1 tsp Chili Powder adjust to your spice preference, red
▢ 1/2 tsp Garam Masala
▢ 1 tsp Salt or to taste

Cooking

▢ 1 tbsp Butter or vegetable oil
▢ 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil optional, for extra crispiness

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

Combine ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt in a bowl.
Add the chicken drumsticks and toss well to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably longer in the refrigerator.

Pan-Fry the Chicken

Heat butter and oil (if using) in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the marinated chicken drumsticks to the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Work in batches if necessary.
Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Reduce heat if necessary to prevent burning.

Serve

Serve the pan-fried chicken drumsticks immediately. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Expert Tips

For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels before marinating and cooking.
Don't overcrowd the pan; cook the drumsticks in batches to ensure even browning and cooking.
Adjust the amount of chili powder to your preferred level of spiciness.
Serve with a side of lemon wedges or a cooling raita (yogurt dip) to balance the spice.