Buck's Mixed Up Chicken Barbecue

Burgers. Hot dogs. Are you really going to serve them again at this year's July 4th cookout? No, is the resounding answer. How do I know? Because when I was going over our July 4th menu a couple of weeks back it was met with, "No burgers. No hot dogs. We need something different!" It seems like a lot of people out there want something different too. There is no more "norm" for a classic July 4th cookout. From what I've read, anything goes: from steaks with chimichurri sauce to Korean barbecue sandwiches. So there you are, sifting through countless magazines, foodie blogs, and Pinterest boards, trying to figure out what in the world to pair with all those patriotic snacks and desserts you've been pinning like crazy. Let's do different.

What could possibly go better with skewers of fresh fruit sliced from star-shaped cookie cutters? What is different enough, crowd-pleasing enough, and yet look fantastic next to that American flag you've painstakingly crafted from strawberries, blueberries, and mounds of whipped cream?

Barbecue Chicken. But not just any barbecue chicken: Buck's Mixed Up Chicken Barbecue. It's what we're serving this year as the main course. And it's super delicious, and super easy, which means you'll actually get to enjoy yourself at your party. Some of you may recall that I tacked this beauty of a recipe from my husband onto a post last year around this time, so I apologize if this is a little redundant. But guess what? This time I have pictures!

Looks good, doesn't it?

Buck's chicken starts in a marinade of your favorite Italian dressing the night before, which kind of acts like a brine. You know what you get when you brine, right? Tender, juicy meat falling right off the bone.

Sweet peaches, and crispy, tangy chicken. That's a whole lot of flavor for one grill.

Next, it gets hit with all sorts of spices, and breadcrumbs, then put on the grill to sear all the juices inside and give it a fantastic crunch - just like the crunch you'd get with fried chicken, but without all the frying! Crunchy, juicy... what are we missing? Tang. At the last half of your cooking time, slather on your favorite BBQ sauce (we like Stubb's original) and now you've got crunchy, juicy, kick-in-your-pants barbecued chicken that will have your guests calling out - nay - demanding for more!

Maybe it's not the prettiest plate at the dance, but it tasted damned good.

In these pictures we grilled some fresh peach halves, and served them both alongside corn on the cob, and a medley of tomatoes. It ended up being a rather orange/yellow plate, but the flavors were fantastic. This year for our July 4th cookout, we'll be serving it alongside the freshest gazpacho you can imagine, potato salad that has been passed down through generations, and my blueberry pie. So if you're looking for different this summer season, and you want a crowd-pleasing entrée; this chicken is just the ticket.

Buck’s Mixed Up Chicken Barbecue

• One large package chicken drumsticks (about 12), or a mix of drumsticks, and thighs (chicken breasts work nicely too, just adjust your cooking time)

• One bottle of Italian Dressing

• Sea Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Ground Red Pepper, Ground Ginger (Tbsp. of each)
• 2 eggs, beaten

• ½ cup Panko Breadcrumbs

• 1 cup Flour

• ½ cup Italian Breadcrumbs

• Any mild to medium Barbecue Sauce

Put drumsticks in a Ziploc bag and pour the Italian Dressing over them. Let marinate for 4 or more hours in the refrigerator - overnight is best!

Take drumsticks out and dredge through the beaten eggs, then through the flour, lightly shaking off the excess. Next put the chicken, spices, Panko and Italian breadcrumbs in a Ziploc bag and shake, being sure to coat evenly. Shake off excess again.

Place on a grill with the heat at medium. Grill for 40 minutes, turning as necessary to avoid burning. (Note: Buck didn’t use a thermometer, he could tell they were done when the meat started to pull away from the bone. Use your own discretion in this area)

In the last 5 minutes, baste the drumsticks all over with your favorite barbecue sauce. Enjoy!