drumstick is what part of the chicken

The Chicken Drumstick: An In-Depth Look at this Delicious Part of the Bird

As a dedicated home cook and chicken enthusiast, I’m always eager to learn more about different cuts of chicken and how to prepare them Lately, I’ve become particularly fascinated with the drumstick – it’s one of the most flavorful and versatile chicken pieces! In this article, I’ll provide an in-depth look at the drumstick, including what part of the chicken it comes from, why it’s so popular, how to cook it, and more. Let’s get pecking!

What Exactly is a Chicken Drumstick?

To understand the drumstick, we first need to know a bit about chicken anatomy. Chickens have two legs, each divided into three segments – the thigh, drumstick, and wing. The drumstick is the lower part of the chicken’s leg, directly attached to the knee joint. It consists of the tibia and fibula bones surrounded by delicious dark meat. Its name comes from its resemblance to the stick used to play a drum.

The chicken thigh, which is the upper part of the leg close to the chicken’s body, is not the same thing as the drumstick. When the leg is cut in half at the joint where the thigh meets the drumstick, these two pieces are split apart.

Why Are Drumsticks So Popular?

There are several reasons chicken drumsticks have become a beloved mealtime staple:

• Flavor – The dark meat of the drumstick has a richer, more robust taste than white breast meat. The skin also adds flavor.

• Affordability – Drumsticks tend to cost less per pound than other cuts like breasts.

• Versatility – Drumsticks work great for cooking methods like baking, frying, and grilling.

• Kid-friendliness – Their small size makes drumsticks an easy, fun finger food for children.

• Nutrition: Drumsticks have more fat than breasts, but they also have protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

Different Ways to Cook Drumsticks

From classic homemade recipes to fun restaurant spins, there are endless ways to prepare drumsticks:

• Baked – Seasoned with spices or herbs and roasted in the oven until cooked through and crispy.

• Fried – Coated in batter or breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown and juicy. Works great for chicken tenders too.

• Grilled – Gets nice char marks and smoky flavor when cooked on a hot grill. Basting with sauce adds even more flavor.

• Slow Cooked: Braised or simmered in a tasty liquid like barbecue sauce, wine, or broth. Makes the meat super tender.

• Buffalo Style – Tossed in spicy buffalo sauce after being fried or baked. A sports bar favorite!

• Teriyaki – Glazed with a sweet and savory teriyaki marinade. Delicious!

Tips for Preparing and Cooking Drumsticks

To get perfect results when making drumsticks:

• Thaw safely: If you’re using frozen drumsticks, thaw them slowly in the fridge instead of the microwave to keep the cooking from being uneven.

• Remove skin – For lower fat options, the skin can be removed either before or after cooking.

• Marinate – Letting them sit for 30 mins to overnight in a marinade adds lots of flavor.

• Pat dry – Dry drumsticks well before breading or frying to help coatings adhere.

• Use a meat thermometer – Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure safety and prevent drying out.

• Rest before serving – Letting them sit 5-10 mins after cooking allows juices to redistribute for juicier meat.

Mouthwatering Drumstick Recipes to Try

Here are two must-try drumstick dishes:

Crispy Baked BBQ Drumsticks

Coat drumsticks with seasoning blend then bake until crispy. Toss with sweet and tangy barbecue sauce to finish.

Buffalo Drumsticks with Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce

Fry drumsticks until golden brown then coat in spicy buffalo wing sauce. Serve with a cool blue cheese dipping sauce.

The Next Time You See Drumsticks, Pick Them Up!

The humble chicken drumstick truly is an unsung hero of the dinner table. With its juicy dark meat, crispy skin, and savory flavor, the drumstick offers a truly enjoyable eating experience. Its versatility also makes it the perfect protein for everything from weekday meals to game day snacks. So the next time you see a pack of drumsticks at the store, grab them and get ready to enjoy this tasty, budget-friendly chicken piece!