While the specific term ‘butterflying’ might be relatively recent, this practice of preparing meat for faster and more even cooking has roots in ancient civilizations, with evidence of similar techniques in ancient Egypt and Greece.
Chicken drumsticks are guaranteed to be delicious when attached to the whole bird, but when cooked by themselves, there are a few extra challenges. The awkward shape can make it tough to get an evenly brown color on all sides—especially when grilling—leaving some of the skin pale and unappetizing. The simple answer is to butterfly them.
You might ask,’ are butterflied chicken drumsticks worth it’? Absolutely, if you’re an avid fan of grilled/roasted chicken drumsticks. The process has hardly any downsides, between the lower cost, quicker cooking time, and crispier flavor. Spending a few minutes to butterfly the chicken legs is definitely worth it!
The process is pretty straightforward … just pat the legs dry with a paper towel and use a gentle swiping motion (with a sharp knife!) to cut through the meat and expose the bone. Use the knife to separate more of the flesh from the top of the bone until the leg opens up (like a butterfly!). Be careful not to separate the meat completely from the top of the bone.
In this recipe, after the chicken legs have been grilled, they are glazed and roasted on a rack above some potato wedges. The flavor of the overall meal is amazing.
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Butterflied Chicken Drumsticks
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Rating: 5
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Instructions
Chicken & Potato Spices
Mix oil, all of the spices & salt in a large bowl. Set aside.
Chicken
Holding the end of a chicken drumstick, slice on either side of the bone as far as you can without slicing entirely through the meat. Once the initial cuts are made, make an additional cut on both sides of your first cuts again do not cut all the way through the meat. This will open the drumstick up & it will be butterflied.
Potatoes
Wash & cook potatoes in microwave until 3/4 of the way done. Remove from microwave & slice potatoes in wedges.
Spice Rub
Place potatoes in oil/spice mixture. Toss to coat the remove & lay single file on a foil lined baking sheet. Set aside.
Add butterflied chicken to remaining oil/spice mix & toss to coat well. Heat a griddle & fry chicken until golden brown on both sides. While chicken is cooking make the chicken glaze.
Chicken Glaze
In a small bowl whisk together the soy sauce, chili flakes, honey, mustard, olive oil, salt & pepper until it emulsifies, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
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Lay a wire rack over top of potatoes on prepared baking sheet that has been set aside. On the wire rack, place partially cooked chicken drumsticks. Brush chicken with glaze.
Place potato/chicken tray in oven & cook for 20 minutes or until FULLY COOKED & tender. Remove from oven & place potatoes & chicken on serving plates.
CELEBRATING CANADA DAY!
In Canada, July 1st marks the day for Canadians to show pride in their nations history, culture and achievements. From coast to coast, the country’s birthday is marked with colorful parades, firework displays and singing of the national anthem, O Canada!
This is the date of the historical event in which Canada gained its independence from Great Britain in 1867.
Canada Day has been called a few names in the past. It used to be known as Dominion Day, the First of July, Confederation Day and July the First.
Food and drink are almost as synonymous with Canada Day as the colors of red and white. Barbecues are definitely the preferred choice of food event for the day. For us it will be chicken wings with some tasty little roasted okra fries.
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Roasted Okra Fries with Chicken Wings
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Rating: 5
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Votes: 1
Rating: 5
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Instructions
Chicken Wings
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Preheat oven to 375 F. Line a baking sheet with foil & spray with cooking spray.
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In a large, resealable plastic bag, combine oil & spices. Add chicken wings; toss to coat evenly. Place wings on prepared pan & bake for 30-35 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink inside. Remove from oven, wrap in foil to keep warm until served.
Okra Fries
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Adjust heat to 400 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place okra on baking sheet; drizzle with olive oil & massage into each piece. Sprinkle with salt & pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, turning once or twice, until lightly browned & softened.
Recipe Notes
- If you prefer, okra fries can be breaded with cornmeal as well before roasting.
- Both chicken wings & okra fries can easily be done on the BBQ if you prefer, rather than turning on the oven.
Chicken wings — versatile, affordable and one of North America’s most undisputed favorite ‘finger foods’. Even if they are classed as an appetizer, there is no problem fitting them in as the main course of a meal. The thing I like about them is how many different flavors you can give them. Gone are the days when everything had to be deep fried to taste good. Whether you prefer to barbecue them outdoors or bake in the oven, ‘wings’ taste great!
It seems like the grocery store meat counters have endless amounts of chicken wings in stock at this time. Of course, like most things nowadays, you have your choice — full wings, wing drumettes, wing tips and split wings. Good grief, we are so spoiled for choice! Then we go to cook them and there is more choice.
When I needed to make some of these tasty little morsels for company ‘finger food’ gatherings three of my favorites were ‘Parmesan’, ‘Rosemary’ and ‘Savory’ wings. I hope you enjoy them as well.
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Chicken Wing Drummettes
Make everyone happy -- make some of all three kinds!
Votes: 1
Rating: 5
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Votes: 1
Rating: 5
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Instructions
Parmesan wings
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a 11 x 17 x 1-inch baking pan with foil. Place a 10 x 18-inch wire (cooling) rack on top. Combine parmesan cheese, parsley & spices in a large resealable plastic bag. Dip each chicken drumette in melted butter. Place a few in the bag at a time. Toss to coat evenly. Arrange drumettes in a single layer on wire rack. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes or until cooked.
Rosemary wings
Preheat oven to 375 F. Line a 11 x 17 x 1-inch pan with foil; spray foil with baking spray. In a resealable plastic bag, combine oil & spices. Add chicken; toss to coat evenly. Place drumettes on prepared pan. Bake for about 45 minutes or until cooked.
Savory wings
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a 11 x 17 x 1-inch baking pan with foil. Place a 10 x 18-inch wire (cooling) rack on top. Combine bread crumbs & seasoning mix in a large resealable plastic bag. Dip each chicken drumette in melted butter. Place a few in the bag at a time. Toss to coat evenly. Arrange drumettes in a single layer on wire rack. Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes or until cooked.
Recipe Notes
- Whenever I have made wings, I prepared them to baking point early on in the day and popped them in the oven just prior to serving time.
