Drumsticks are one of the most widely sold cuts of poultry. They are inexpensive, while still being extremely versatile. Drumsticks can be prepared baked, fried, grilled or broiled. In fact, there are few limits to the uses for this simple cut of meat. Below are some of the most common ways to cook drumsticks, as well as some interesting variations for you to try.
Baked Drumsticks
Baking drumsticks is one of the easiest ways to prepare this cut of poultry. Most people use some type of coating or breading when baking drumsticks, but there are really no rules. The coating, however, does serve as a flavor seal, keeping the juices inside the meat and providing a more tender finished dish.
1. Rinse the drumsticks and pat dry. If desired, you can trim off any excess fat or hanging skin.
2. Dip each drumstick in either butter, milk or whipped egg. This will provide a wet surface for your breading to stick to.
3. Prepare breading. Some popular choices are seasoned flour or herbed bread crumbs.
4. Place drumstick in your breading mixture, turning to coat each piece fully.
5. Place coated drumsticks in a standard baking dish, stacking each loosely, with no overlap. There should be at least a slight space between each piece of poultry. You do not need to grease the pan.
6. Bake at about 425 degrees for 45 minutes to an hour.
Parmesan-Garlic Drumsticks
This is an interesting variation on a standard baked drumstick recipe. Instead of using a plain butter or milk coating, flavor is added to the base layer before the drumstick is breaded. This recipe packs a huge punch and is perfect for special occasions.
- Melted butter
- Minced garlic
- Mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Parmesan cheese
- Bread crumbs
- Chicken drumsticks
1. Melt about a cube of butter for each six drumsticks you are preparing.
2. Add one clove of finely minced garlic to the melted butter mixture.
3. Mix in 1 tsp of mustard and 1 tsp of Worcestershire sauce, combining completely with the butter and garlic. The mixture will begin to thicken a bit.
4. Make the crumb coating by mixing a cup and half of bread crumbs with about 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
5. Dip the drumsticks in the wet mixture, coating completely. Place immediately in the crumb coating, coating completely.
6. Place drumsticks in baking pan, allowing room for air to circulate.
7. Sprinkle any remaining seasoning and coating mixture on the drumsticks.
8. Bake at 350 degrees for at least an hour.
Fried Drumsticks
Frying drumsticks is probably one of the most popular ways to prepare this simple cut of meat. Frying brings out flavor and locks in juices, making it an extremely delicious way to eat drumsticks. Fried drumsticks aren’t particularly hard to prepare, but you do need to pay attention to your technique to ensure the best results.
1. Dip the drumsticks in buttermilk to create a traditional fried chicken dish. If unavailable, you can substitute milk instead.
2. Prepare a breading mixture or batter. Mixing flour, cornmeal and seasonings creates a nice dry breading. A wet batter is preferred by some traditional recipes. If using a wet batter, the drumsticks can be dipped directly in that, without placing the meat in the milk mixture.
3. If using dry breading, allow the coating to dry slightly. This will ensure that the oil doesn’t splatter excessively.
4. Place at least two inches of oil in a deep skillet or fryer. Heat to around 365 degrees.
5. Place drumsticks loosely in hot oil mixture, making sure that the meat is only in one layer.
6. Turn heat down and cook gently for about 6 to 8 minutes, covering your pan with a lid.
7. Uncover pan and turn chicken pieces. Cook for another 6 to 8 minutes without the lid.
8. Remove carefully and let the drumsticks cool and drain on paper towels.
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