Turning in all chicken drums

DBrentster · 06-30-2008, 07:56 PM

From what I've seen and read (only having done one comp myself). It seems like 95% of teams turn in thighs. Thighs have the common challenge of crisping the skin.

Typically I can get some really nice crisp on my chicken legs and the chicken can be quite juicy. I am wondering do judges not like drums or why people mostly go thighs.

Podge · 06-30-2008, 08:33 PM

most people go with thighs because that is the way the game is played. (unspoken rules, of course) if you want to better your odds on getting a chicken call, stick to thighs..

MilitantSquatter · 06-30-2008, 08:44 PM

Thighs have proven to be the preferred choice for consistent winnings.

That said, I've cooked legs almost exclusively mainly to be a bit different and for ease of prep.

It's been hit or miss. A few top 5 or 10 calls, several middle of the pack placings and one or two toward the bottom.

Rookie'48 · 06-30-2008, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBrentster

Typically I can get some really nice crisp on my chicken legs and the chicken can be quite juicy.

If you can get juicy + crisp then go for it. It seems as though getting the skin right is a problem a lot of times.

BRBBQ · 06-30-2008, 09:35 PM

I like drums! I've judged 5 comps in the past year and out of all the chicken I've judged, I only seen 1 leg turn in box. I think after seeing all the thighs, the legs really have to look good

I judged a contest in Warsaw, Mo this year and I'd like to take my hat off to the team that turned in ribs with no garnish and no sauce, hope you did well.

Paola Greg · 07-01-2008, 08:19 AM

I've thought about turning in legs before because I think it would be easy to arrange to make a very nice looking box. This is a practice box I did once a couple of years ago, just to see how it would look. Didn't take the time to garnish or clean up the box

Never had the guts to try it at a competition,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

KC_Bobby · 07-01-2008, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BRBBQ

I judged a contest in Warsaw, Mo this year and I'd like to take my hat off to the team that turned in ribs with no garnish and no sauce, hope you did well.

I can't answer that specifically, but I can tell you the 1st place rib team got 9's across the board for apperance with 4 on top of 4 on a parsley bed.

CajunSmoker · 07-01-2008, 08:57 AM

I haven't turned a box with all drums in, but I did a mixed box in Pine Bluff this year and got good appearance scores 989998. However, the taste and tenderness scores were all over the place due to judges getting samples of different pieces. I won't try that again

.

paydabill · 07-01-2008, 09:02 AM

Just what Canjun says.

You can turn in a mixture of chicken, but you need to make sure that it is all good. A judge will take what they prefer. If they prefer white meat and all the juicies ran out before hitting the table, be ready for that.

I always say put out a consistent product. In ribs, I try to use all from one slab.

DBrentster · 07-01-2008, 12:09 PM

Great comments to consider, everyone - thx

06-30-2008, 07:56 PM	#1
DBrentster Got Wood. Join Date: 05-02-07 Location: Centreville, VA	Turning in all chicken drums From what I've seen and read (only having done one comp myself). It seems like 95% of teams turn in thighs. Thighs have the common challenge of crisping the skin. Typically I can get some really nice crisp on my chicken legs and the chicken can be quite juicy. I am wondering do judges not like drums or why people mostly go thighs. __________________ BarBChef Offset \| WSM 18 & 22 \| BGE Large

06-30-2008, 08:44 PM	#3
MilitantSquatter Moderator Join Date: 09-17-05 Location: Mooresville, NC	Thighs have proven to be the preferred choice for consistent winnings. That said, I've cooked legs almost exclusively mainly to be a bit different and for ease of prep. It's been hit or miss. A few top 5 or 10 calls, several middle of the pack placings and one or two toward the bottom. __________________ XL BGE (#2) & Performer Platinum Former owner: Jambo Backyard, Klose BYC, Lonestar Vertical offset w/ Insulated Firebox, Medium Spicewine, Pitts & Spitts, XL BGE (#1) & (2) Medium BGE's, 22" WSM & (2) 18" WSM's, 18" & 22" Weber Kettles

06-30-2008, 09:35 PM	#5
BRBBQ Babbling Farker Join Date: 06-05-08 Location: Council Bluffs, Iowa	Drums I like drums! I've judged 5 comps in the past year and out of all the chicken I've judged, I only seen 1 leg turn in box. I think after seeing all the thighs, the legs really have to look good I judged a contest in Warsaw, Mo this year and I'd like to take my hat off to the team that turned in ribs with no garnish and no sauce, hope you did well. Last edited by BRBBQ; 06-30-2008 at 09:37 PM.. Reason: more info

07-01-2008, 08:57 AM	#8
CajunSmoker is Blowin Smoke! Join Date: 02-06-07 Location: Rolling down the river between St Louis and New Orleans	I haven't turned a box with all drums in, but I did a mixed box in Pine Bluff this year and got good appearance scores 989998. However, the taste and tenderness scores were all over the place due to judges getting samples of different pieces. I won't try that again. __________________ Rodger How y'all are? I'm glad you got to see me I guarontee Justin Wilson 4/24/1914 - 09/05/2001 CAJUN QUE KREWE Proud ARKLAFO KCBS member & CBJ#24398 Twin Ugly Drum Smokers Brinkman Smoke King Deluxe Brinkman Gourmet ECB with super chicken mods Weber OTS kettle

07-01-2008, 09:02 AM	#9
paydabill is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 05-21-07 Location: Moberly, Mo	Just what Canjun says. You can turn in a mixture of chicken, but you need to make sure that it is all good. A judge will take what they prefer. If they prefer white meat and all the juicies ran out before hitting the table, be ready for that. I always say put out a consistent product. In ribs, I try to use all from one slab. __________________ Paydabill Lit & Loaded BBQ I remember a day when I hated pellets - 2 pellet cookers latter! CBJ - love judging KCBS - member for 4 years MOFO Chapter Super fast - BLUE Thermopen

06-30-2008, 08:33 PM	#2
Podge is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 09-25-06 Location: Elk Creek, Ky.	most people go with thighs because that is the way the game is played. (unspoken rules, of course) if you want to better your odds on getting a chicken call, stick to thighs..

07-01-2008, 12:09 PM	#10
DBrentster Got Wood. Join Date: 05-02-07 Location: Centreville, VA	Great comments to consider, everyone - thx __________________ BarBChef Offset \| WSM 18 & 22 \| BGE Large

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