A simple pack of chicken drumsticks has so much flavour potential without too much fuss. You can get the taste of moreish Southern fried chicken in a flash with this recipe. And don’t forget to make our spicy dipping sauce!

SERVES 4 // COOKING TIME 40 min

INGREDIENTS
For the chicken
8 chicken drumsticks
1 cup buttermilk
4 sprigs thyme
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 cups flour
2 tsp dried rosemary
Salt and pepper
For the sauce
½ cup buttermilk
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
Juice of 1 lemon
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tsp mustard
½ tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika

METHOD
For the chicken
1. Preheat oven to 200°C.
2. Place the drumsticks, buttermilk, thyme and garlic in a ziplock bag. Leave to marinate for at least 10 minutes.
3. Preheat a large pot filled ¾ of the way with vegetable oil.
4. Place flour, rosemary, salt and pepper in a bowl. Mix in 2 tbsp buttermilk marinade to create fine lumps (and a crispier crumb).
5. Coat drumsticks in the flour mixture and deep-fry for 5 minutes.
6. Remove from the oil and roast in the oven for 20–25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
For the sauce
1. Whisk together all the ingredients until smooth. Serve with the crispy fried chicken.