Kick off the ultimate Dad Day with crispy chicken, bold sauces, and some friendly competition. This Father day isn’t about kicking back—it's about leveling up. Whether you’re dominating the backyard with pickleball, teaming up online with the guys, or setting a new family record for homemade fried chicken consumption, this is your day to shine. If you're a dad who games, grills, and goes hard for flavor, this one’s for you.
Play Hard, Eat Harder
For dads who grew up gaming or still log in for late-night matches with the boys, Father day is the perfect excuse to bring that energy back. Whether it's a classic Call of Duty team-up, a few Fortnite rounds, or diving into PUBG or DOTA with old friends, a casual gaming marathon sets the stage for an unforgettable day. After a few matches, switch things up with a backyard pickleball challenge or set up a poker table with snacks and drinks. Want to step out? Take your family to a local Father’s Day event like the Angel Stadium’s Father’s Day Bash on Sunday, June 15 in Los Angeles, where you can play catch in the outfield, take swings in the batting cages, and enjoy food and drinks in the Lexus Diamond Club—all while celebrating the dads in the spotlight. It’s the kind of outing that combines fun, food, and family, all in one.
You can also catch televised sports tournaments all weekend, including the Father's Day Baseball Championships, Dingers for Dads tournament, and even a few big-name lacrosse and basketball showdowns. For more dad day ideas or if you're looking for great Father’s day gifts for dad, consider starting with a delicious meal made at home. Perhaps even look into a dutch oven recipe book for culinary inspiration, or explore a new cookware cast iron set for Dad's kitchen!
Fry it Right: Buttermilk Fried Chicken in the RJ Legend 1.9Qt Dutch Oven
This Father day, bring everyone together with a crave-worthy batch of homemade fried chicken. The RJ Legend 1.9Qt cast iron dutch oven is just the right size to heat evenly and lock in moisture for juicy, golden pieces every time. This versatile cookware sets pot also excels at making bread in a dutch oven or a hearty dutch oven pot roast. If you're looking for a Fried chicken easy recipe that delivers crispy results, keep reading!
To start, mix 3 cups buttermilk with 2 tablespoons salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, and 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper for a soak. Add 4 pounds of chicken pieces (Fried chicken wings, crispy chicken thighs, or Fried chicken breast) and marinate for at least 2 hours at room temp, or up to 4 hours in the fridge. For those serious about their frying technique, mastering the Fried chicken oil temperature is key.
While the chicken soaks, prep your Fried chicken batter recipe in a large resealable bag: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon each of onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, plus 1/2 teaspoon cayenne. Shake well.
When ready to fry, take the chicken out, let the excess buttermilk drip off, then toss it in the dredge mix. Press that coating on tight and let it rest on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in your RJ Legend 1.9Qt cast iron dutch oven to 350°F. Using the 7-inch RJ Legend Spider Skimmer or similar kitchen gadgets, gently lower chicken into the oil, frying 2–3 pieces at a time until crisp and golden. Keep the temp around 315°F and fry in batches for 15–18 minutes, turning occasionally. Chicken is done when golden and cooked through to 160°F. Transfer with the spider skimmer to a cooling rack and let it rest 5 minutes. For the ultimate crispy chicken recipe, ensure you don't overcrowd the pot.
Korean-Style Sauce Upgrades in the Mini Dutch Oven
For the Korean gochujang sauce, combine 2 tablespoons gochujang paste, 1 tablespoon each of soy sauce, ketchup, and rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1 clove of minced garlic in your mini dutch oven. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 2–3 minutes until it’s smooth and slightly sticky. This fiery gochujang sauce adds just the right amount of heat to each bite, making it a fan favorite.
Prefer a mellow, savory flavor? Go for a soy garlic chicken sauce. In the same mini dutch oven, stir together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon finely minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Bring it to a gentle boil, then mix in a small slurry of ½ teaspoon cornstarch with 1 teaspoon water. Let it bubble for a minute until it thickens to the perfect consistency.
Whether you're tossing your freshly fried chicken in these sauces or serving them on the side for dipping, they add a full-flavor upgrade your crew won’t stop talking about. Want to take it even further? Add a spoonful to a cocktail or drizzle it over rice for a bonus kick of flavor.
CLICK TO PURCHASE (5-Piece Kitchen Utensil Set):
CLICK TO PURCHASE (1.9 Qt Dutch Oven):
CLICK TO PURCHASE (8.5oz Mini Pots Set):
