Chicken legs are a delicious and versatile cut of chicken that can be prepared in many ways. One popular cooking method is pan frying which results in crispy golden chicken legs with tender and juicy meat. But knowing exactly how long to pan fry chicken legs is key to achieving the best results. This article will provide tips and guidelines to help you determine the ideal pan frying times for bone-in and boneless chicken legs.
Factors that Affect Pan Frying Time
Several factors impact how long you should pan fry chicken legs
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Bone-in vs boneless – Bone-in chicken legs take longer to cook than boneless since the bone partly shields the meat Boneless legs cook faster because heat can penetrate evenly,
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Size and thickness – Larger, thicker chicken legs need more time than smaller, thinner ones.
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Cooking method – Pan frying takes longer than deep frying but less time than baking or grilling.
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Cooking temperature – Higher heat cooks the chicken faster but risks burning the outside before the inside is done.
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Additions – Chicken legs coated with breadcrumbs, batter, or flour will require a few extra minutes.
Recommended Pan Frying Times
Based on the above factors, here are general guidelines for pan frying times:
Boneless Chicken Legs
- 6-8 minutes per side
- Cook over medium-high heat
- Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C)
Bone-in Chicken Legs
- 10-15 minutes per side
- Cook over medium heat
- Monitor temperature to avoid burning skin
Tips for Perfect Pan Fried Chicken Legs
Follow these tips for flawless pan fried chicken legs every time:
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Pat dry – Ensure chicken legs are thoroughly patted dry before cooking for optimal browning.
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Preheat pan – Heat oil in pan over medium-high heat before adding chicken. Oil should shimmer but not smoke.
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Don’t crowd pan – Cook chicken legs in a single layer with space between pieces. Avoid overcrowding.
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Flip once – For the best crust, flip the legs only once during cooking. Resist urges to move them around.
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Monitor heat – If pan seems too hot, reduce heat. If chicken is cooking too slowly, increase heat.
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Use thermometer – Always check internal temp to confirm doneness, especially for bone-in thighs.
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Rest before serving – Let chicken legs sit 5-10 minutes after cooking so juices redistribute evenly.
Cooking With Other Methods
While pan frying is a quick and easy chicken leg cooking method, you can also use:
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Grilling – Great for getting char. Cook bone-in chicken legs over indirect heat for best results.
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Baking – Allows you to cook chicken legs in bulk. Bake at 375°F for 40-60 minutes depending on size.
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Air frying – Makes crispy chicken legs without all the oil. Cook at 400°F for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway.
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Deep frying – Submerges chicken legs in hot oil for fast, even cooking. Takes only 7-8 minutes at 375°F.
No matter which cooking method you choose, using the recommended pan frying times as a guide will help ensure your chicken legs turn out moist, tender and flavorful every time. With the proper technique, you’ll be serving restaurant-quality chicken legs to your family in no time.
Read on for the secret to perfectly prepped pan-fried chicken legs.
Photos via CakeSpy, unless otherwise noted
Choose the right cut of meat: ideally bone-in, with skin.
By leaving the skin on the chicken legs, you allow the chicken’s own fat to render and infuse the entire leg with flavor. The bone helps seal in moisture while cooking the legs through, which means that you’ll have flavorful chicken that practically falls off the bone.
This recipe is a study in delicious simplicity. Made with minimal supplies, this technique is so simple that you’ll master it on the first try. It’s easy enough that it can be put into regular rotation on your weeknight dinner menu, but it’s certainly tasty enough to serve when you’ve got company coming.
Chicken cuts via Craftsy instructor Marge Perry
- This recipe can be made with just chicken thighs, or just drumsticks, rather than the entire leg quarter. Follow the same steps but be aware that the cooking time will be reduced drastically due to the smaller surface area of these cuts.
- For this recipe, a 12-inch skillet was a perfect amount of space for two bone-in chicken leg quarters, each of which will comfortably serve two (as long as you can agree on who gets the drumstick).
- What should you serve alongside your perfectly cooked chicken? Roasted vegetables, a cooked grain on the side, or mashed potatoes are always welcome additions. Parker house rolls or homemade bread are a simple, cozy accompaniment.
- A spatter screen is an asset to making this recipe with minimal mess. You don’t want to cover the cooking chicken until at least halfway through the process; this will keep it from getting too soft.
Pan Fried Chicken Drumsticks
FAQ
How long does it take to fry drumsticks in a pan?
How long do chicken legs take in a frying pan?
Sear over low heat for about 10 minutes, occasionally pressing down for an even sear. Once golden brown, flip and sear the other side for another 7 minutes. Pierce the chicken with a skewer to check for doneness. If the juice is clear, remove from the pan.