This Chicken Lollipop recipe is super easy to make and you will love the results!

Chicken lollipops are a type of chicken dish where the meat is trimmed off the end of a chicken drumstick and pushed down to create a “lollipop” shape. The remaining bone is then cleaned to create a handle for easy eating. The chicken lollipops are then seasoned with spices or marinated in a BBQ sauce for flavor. When cooked, the chicken lollipops have a crispy exterior and a juicy and flavorful interior. They are often served as an appetizer or party food and can be enjoyed on their own or with dipping sauces. BBQ chicken lollipops are a fun and creative way to enjoy chicken that is sure to impress your guests.

Feeds – 2-4 people

Prep Time – 15-20 minutes

Cook time – 1-2 hours

Why Chicken Lollipops Work

Perfect Balance of Crispiness and Juiciness: By frenching the chicken drumette, the meat is pushed down into a compact shape, which allows it to cook more evenly. This creates a crispy outer layer—especially when deep-fried or smoked. 

Built-in Handle Makes Them Fun and Easy to Eat: The exposed bone acts like a natural handle, making chicken lollipops easy to serve and eat at parties or gatherings. This finger-food format appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal appetizer. It’s also less messy than traditional wings because the handle allows you to eat without getting sauce all over your hands.

Customizable Flavor Profile: Chicken lollipops are a blank canvas for flavor. They absorb marinades well due to the small surface area and can handle bold seasonings—from classic BBQ rubs to Indo-Chinese chili garlic sauces. You can fry, grill, or bake them, then toss them in just about any glaze or dry seasoning for regional or seasonal spins.

Visual Appeal and Restaurant-Style Presentation: The lollipop shape is not only functional but also visually striking. It gives a more refined, elevated look compared to standard wings or drumsticks. This makes them perfect for impressing guests, plating at upscale gatherings, or creating eye-catching content for social media or menus.

Ingredients

• 6-8 Chicken Drumsticks
• Cajun or BBQ Seasoning
• BBQ Sauce

Homemade BBQ Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• First, in a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of ketchup, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup of brown sugar.
• Next, add 2 tablespoons of molasses, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the saucepan.
• Then, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder for depth of flavor.
• For a bit of heat, optionally add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, adjusting to your preference.
• Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Stir the ingredients together until well combined, ensuring all the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
• Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken to your desired consistency.
• Throughout the cooking process, stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• After simmering, remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly before transferring it to a glass jar or container.
• Your homemade BBQ sauce is now ready to be used on grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce. Enjoy the bold, tangy flavor of your delicious creation!
• This BBQ sauce works great on Beer Can Chicken as well

Instructions for Chicken Lollipops

Begin by carefully cutting around the meat of the drumsticks and peeling off the skin and membrane with a paper towel, leaving only the meat intact at the bottom of the bone for optimal tenderness and flavor. (You can also buy them already trimmed at whole foods)

For a pristine presentation, wrap each bone with tin foil, though this step is optional and primarily for aesthetic purposes, ensuring the bones remain white.

Next, generously season your chicken lollipops on all sides to impart depth and richness of flavor.

Set your smoker to a consistent temperature of 300-325 degrees Fahrenheit(149°C-163°C) providing the ideal environment for slow and flavorful cooking.

Position the seasoned chicken lollipops in the center of the smoker and allow them to cook for 1-2 hours, ensuring tender and juicy results.

Once the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 175 degrees Fahrenheit(80°C) it’s time to elevate the flavor profile with a delicious glaze.

Prepare a large cup filled with your favorite BBQ sauce, ready to dunk each chicken lollipop for a flavorful coating.

After dunking, return the glazed chicken lollipops to the smoker for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the BBQ sauce to caramelize and enhance the smoky flavor.

After the final smoking, let the chicken lollipops rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum juiciness and flavor.

Now, it’s time to indulge! Sink your teeth into these mouthwatering chicken lollipops and savor the delicious blend of flavors. Enjoy every bite!

Another grilled chicken recipe i recommend are these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers