Because nothing says “I love you, Dad” like crispy, juicy chicken over a hot flame.
Father’s Day is around the corner, and while ties, mugs, and golf balls are nice... let’s be real: Dad wants drumsticks. Whether he’s a grill master or just fired up the charcoal for the first time this season, this guide will help him turn simple chicken into legendary bites of backyard bliss.
🃏 DAD JOKE BREAK: Why did the chicken join a band?
Because it had the drumsticks.
🔥 The 5 Keys to Drumstick Glory
1. Start With the Right Chicken
All great grilling starts with quality ingredients. Our Springer Mountain Farms Chicken Drumsticks are:
- Antibiotic-free
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Responsibly raised on family farms with care
- Simply Superior Chicken™
That means they’re tender, flavorful, and grill-ready with no weird stuff added. Just pure, juicy chicken that Dad can be proud to cook.
🛒 Find Springer Mountain Farms Drumsticks Near You > FIND US
2. Master the Marinade
Drumsticks love a good soak. Try any of these 6 easy marinades guaranteed to make your taste buds dance.
6 QUICK AND EASY MARINADES: Fajita, Thai, Honey Dijon, Italian Herb, Asian Sesame, & Southwestern
Let them marinate at least 4 hours (overnight = 💯), and always pat off excess marinade before grilling to avoid flare-ups.
🃏 DAD JOKE BREAK: What do you call a chicken that tells jokes?
A comedi-hen.
3. Heat Matters: Indirect Is Your Friend
Dark meat needs a little extra love to cook through without burning. Here’s the move:
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Step 1: Start your drumsticks over indirect heat to cook them through gently.
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Step 2: Once they hit about 155°F internally, move to direct heat to crisp up the skin.
Bonus flavor? Add some wood chips (hickory or applewood) to your charcoal or smoker box for rich, smoky magic.
Want to impress dad with your knowledge of cooking over direct and indirect heat on the grill? Check out our handy guide DIRECT vs. INDIRECT GRILLING
4. Know the Magic Number
Drumsticks can be eaten after reaching 165°F, but are best if allowed to cook to 175°F–180°F (higher than breast meat).
This temp ensures:
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Moist, tender dark meat
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Fully rendered fat
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No pink surprises
Grab a digital thermometer—it’s Dad’s secret weapon.
5. Let It Rest (Yes, Even Drumsticks)
Once off the grill, give those beauties 5–10 minutes to rest. This helps the juices redistribute and makes for a perfect bite, every time.
🃏 DAD JOKE BREAK: What did Dad say after grilling the perfect drumstick?
I came. I sauced. I conquered.
🍗 Dad-Approved Recipes to Try
Looking for more flavor inspiration? These recipes from the SMF Kitchen are ready to make Dad a drumstick legend:
- Fire Roasted Chicken Drumsticks - create a unique smoke flavor with rosemary sprigs
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Grilled Drumsticks with Italian Salsa Verde - fresh herbs and minimal spices will elevate Dad's grilling game
- Huli Huli Grilled Chicken - It's a thigh recipe but can easily be cooked with drumsticks (or keep it thighs because those are tasty too!)
🏆 Final Pro Tips from the Dad League
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Keep a spray bottle of water nearby to tame flare-ups.
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Flip often for even char and caramelization.
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Don’t sauce too early—add sweet sauces in the last 5–7 minutes to avoid burning.
🧢 Let Dad Take the Grill Throne
This Father’s Day, skip the steakhouse and fire up something real—juicy, flavorful Springer Mountain Farms Drumsticks that bring the whole crew together.
🛒 Get shopping and stock up for your #1 Dad!
📸 And don’t forget—tag us in your cookout photos using #DadAndSMFDrumsticks for a chance to be featured on Springer Mountain Farms social media.
