Smoked BBQ chicken lollipops are a fun and tasty appetizer that will impress your guests. These chicken drumsticks are transformed into “lollipops” by trimming the meat and skin from the bone end, making them easy to handle and perfect for any gathering. The smoky flavor, combined with a delicious homemade BBQ sauce, makes these lollipops a hit at tailgates, parties, or family dinners.

Why Are They Called Lollipops? These chicken lollipops get their name from the way they are prepared. By trimming the meat and skin from the bone end of each drumstick, they take on a lollipop-like shape. This method not only gives them a unique appearance but also ensures they cook evenly and are easy to eat. The presentation is fun and makes them a great finger food option for both kids and adults.

What Makes the BBQ Sauce Special? The homemade honey jalapeño BBQ sauce is what truly sets these chicken lollipops apart. This sauce blends the sweetness of honey with the heat from diced jalapeños, creating a perfect balance of flavors. With ingredients like ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika, the sauce is rich, tangy, and slightly spicy. It adds a delicious glaze to the smoked chicken, enhancing its flavor and making it even more irresistible.

Ingredients:

Chicken:

Chicken drum legs (2-3 lbs)
Duck fat (or olive oil)
1 lb bacon
All-purpose rub

Honey Jalapeño BBQ Sauce:

1 cup ketchup
½ cup honey
2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
½ cup brown sugar
2 jalapeños, diced
2 tbsp avocado oil
2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken Lollipops:Start by preparing your chicken drumsticks. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut around the bone at the bottom of each drumstick, removing the meat and skin to create a “lollipop” shape. This helps them cook evenly and makes them easier to eat.
Season the Chicken:Spray the prepared lollipops with duck fat or olive oil. Then, season them generously with your favorite all-purpose rub. Ensure all sides are well-coated for maximum flavor.
Wrap with Bacon:Wrap each drumstick with a slice of bacon, starting at the base and working your way up to the top. The bacon adds flavor and helps keep the chicken moist during smoking.
Preheat the Smoker:Set your smoker to 275°F (135°C). Use hickory wood for a robust, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
Smoke the Chicken:Place the prepared lollipops in the smoker. Smoke them for about 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Prepare the Honey Jalapeño BBQ Sauce:While the chicken is smoking, prepare the sauce. Combine 1 cup ketchup, ½ cup honey, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, ½ cup brown sugar, 2 diced jalapeños, 2 tablespoons avocado oil, 2 teaspoons black pepper, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until well combined and slightly thickened.
Glaze the Chicken:Once the chicken has reached 165°F, brush the honey jalapeño BBQ sauce generously over each lollipop. Return them to the smoker for an additional 10-15 minutes to set the glaze. This step adds a delicious layer of flavor.
Rest and Serve:Remove the chicken lollipops from the smoker and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite juicy and flavorful. Serve and enjoy your delicious smoked BBQ chicken lollipops!

Honey Jalapeño Chicken Lollipops

Difficulty: Easy

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Servings: 8

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

Chicken:

Chicken drum legs 2-3 lbs
Duck fat or olive oil
1 lb bacon
All-purpose rub

Honey Jalapeño BBQ Sauce:

1 cup ketchup
½ cup honey
2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
½ cup brown sugar
2 jalapeños diced
2 tbsp avocado oil
2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder

Method

Prepare Chicken Lollipops:

Trim chicken drumsticks to form lollipops. Spray with duck fat or olive oil, then season with all-purpose rub. Wrap each drumstick with bacon.

Preheat Smoker:

Set the smoker to 275°F (135°C) and use hickory wood for smoking.

Smoke Chicken:

Place the prepared lollipops in the smoker. Smoke for 1.5 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Make Sauce:

Combine ketchup, honey, Worcestershire Sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, diced jalapeños, avocado oil, black pepper, kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a saucepan. Simmer until thickened.

Glaze Chicken:

Brush the lollipops with the prepared sauce. Smoke for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Rest and Serve:

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

These smoked BBQ chicken lollipops are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. With their unique shape, smoky flavor, and the delicious honey jalapeño BBQ sauce, they make a perfect appetizer or party snack. Whether you’re hosting a tailgate, a party, or just a family dinner, these chicken lollipops are guaranteed to impress. Enjoy the savory goodness and watch them disappear from the plate in no time. Happy grilling!