Start by combining the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, Chinese five-spice, smoked paprika, and sea salt in a bowl. Mix thoroughly. The cornstarch will give your chicken a crunchy finish, while the other spices create a flavor explosion.

Next, you’ll want to whisk the egg, whole milk, and soy sauce together in a separate bowl until smooth. This mixture acts as the glue, helping the breading stick to the chicken.

Now, season your chicken drumsticks generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This step is essential as it lays the foundation for flavor.

Dip each drumstick first into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, roll it in the breading mix until it’s completely covered. Set each piece on a plate as you go.

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the breaded chicken drumsticks. Fry them until they turn a glorious golden brown—about 10-12 minutes—flipping halfway through. This step is when your kitchen will start smelling heavenly.

Once cooked, remove the chicken and place it on paper towels to drain any excess oil. You want crispy, golden perfection. Sprinkle on some additional spicy chicken powder just before serving for an extra kick.