Yum yum Chicken Drums

As the weather warms and spring and summer approach, I gravitate towards options that are lower maintenance and also store well in the fridge for a quick grab-and-go meal. These chicken drums fit the bill! They are easy and fun to eat, kids love them, and they are great for picnics, baseball games or back-porch dinners.  This method skips the messy skillet-frying step while still resulting in delicious, crispy drums. It is incredibly simple, not messy at all and only takes 10 minutes to prepare!  Recipe is easily doubled for larger batches.

Yum yum Chicken Drums

2 -3 packages pastured chicken drums (8 - 12 legs in total)

2 Tbsp high heat cooking oil such as avocado, ghee or tallow

1 tsp garlic granules (not fresh garlic – it will burn)

1 tsp each, sea salt and black pepper

Optional seasonings to try – lemon pepper, smoked paprika or Italian seasoning

Large baking sheet

Oven safe baking/cooling rack

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Pat drums with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.  Place baking rack on top of your baking sheet.  (I highly recommend lining the baking sheet with parchment paper and/or foil to catch all the drippings and for easier clean-up)  Pour oil into small dish. I use avocado oil.  If using a solid oil such as tallow, be sure to melt it to liquid first.  Using a basting brush or small spatula, spread oil all over each drumstick and place them on the baking rack.  Sprinkle garlic, salt and pepper and any other herbs you choose on each drum. Don’t skimp on the seasonings!  This is what will help the skins to get nice and crispy. (If you are in a time-crunch, you can add the seasonings to the oil and spread with the brush. The finished drums won’t be as crispy, but will still be delicious!) Place in the oven and roast for 25 minutes, then flip each piece over and roast for another 10 – 15 minutes.  You are looking for a beautiful golden brown color and an internal temp of 170.  Let the drums rest a few minutes before serving.  Optionally, let cool and refrigerate for a quick lunch.  Cold chicken drums are so yummy!