Butterflied Drumsticks ~ Alternative to Wings

[thirdeye]

I've been getting in to lollipop drumsticks for a couple of years, but decided to revisit butterflying them. This is a decent lower price option to grilling wings, the prep is easy compared to lollipops, and dark meat likes higher internal temps. You follow the bone for the first cut, then cut to each side. When you see tendons, cut them out.

I did a brine, followed by a marinade in Italian dressing. The rub is a Canadian chicken (like Montreal, but for chicken) and black pepper. Grilling was indirect, turning a few times... then finishing direct for the final crisp-up.

 

[mr_whipple]

Interesting! I'd like to see how they compare to wings head to head, but for the price I think I can be ok with any difference.

 

[cptnding]

I've never seen this method before. What a great idea. I will be trying this soon.
We absolutely love drumsticks and the price is right! Often I'll grill about 20 pounds of them, vac seal them up 4-6 to a pack, and into the freezer. Makes for quick and easy lunch and dinners. Skin isn't quite as good but a quick ride in the air fryer gets it decent.
Thanks for idea! Those look fantastic!
Might have to give it a try with the Vortex as well.

 

[chilerelleno]

Nice method, they look great!

 

[Gonna Smoke]

Great Idea. I can often find drumsticks for 99¢/lb. or cheaper...

 

[gmc2003]

Looks good Thirdeye. That looks like a good wing work around

Point for sure
Chris

 

[civilsmoker]

Very cool idea! I'm going to do this! Thanks for sharing!

 

[crazymoon]

TE, Those babies look outstanding!

 

[JLeonard]

Hmm.......Thinking I could eat about a dozen of those...Looks mighty fine!

Jim

 

[thirdeye]

Thanks for all the kind words everyone.
And I forgot to mention that skinless drumsticks come out great too (those are boneless skinless thighs in the bottom row.

 

[Colin1230]

Awesome cook right there!

 

[civilsmoker]

just very nice!!!

 

[LoydB]

Great idea! Stealing.

 

[DRKsmoking]

Looks great , and love them split like that, I will give that a go sometime.
Lots of more area for more flavour for the rub or sauce.

Nice shot of the crispy chicken.

David

 

[Steve H]

Awesome idea! And they look utterly delicious!

 

[thirdeye]

Woo-hoo, thanks for ride on the carousel

 

[Fueling Around]

Woo-hoo, thanks for ride on the carousel

Well deserved feature ride,
BUT you are going to drive up the prices of drums with this kind of innovation.

 

[civilsmoker]

Well deserved feature ride,
BUT you are going to drive up the prices of drums with this kind of innovation.

Yup well deserved!

 

[masssmoke]

great idea thirdeye I will definitely be trying this method. I like the lollipop style but it's a ton of prep.

 

[thirdeye]

great idea thirdeye I will definitely be trying this method. I like the lollipop style but it's a ton of prep.

The lollipops cook very evenly, and folks that hate tendons now get a really clean bite. But you are right, the prep is time consuming.

That said, when butterflying I will remove tendons that I see, and with the meat laying flatter, the cooking is very even too.