Smoked Chicken Lollipops

Smoked chicken lollipops are a fun and flavorful twist on classic drumsticks, featuring tender, smoky meat with a caramelized glaze that’s perfect for entertaining. These handheld bites are easy to prepare and pack a punch of juicy, savory goodness in every bite!

Course BBQ, Grilling, Main Dishes

Cuisine American

Keyword Smoked Chicken Lollipops

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 2 30

Servings Servings

Calories 205kcal

Author Bon Appeteach

Ingredients

12 Chicken Drumsticks
2 tbsp Olive Oil
2 tbsp Kosher Salt
1 tbsp Black Pepper
1 tbsp Garlic Powder
2 tsp Paprika

BBQ Glaze

1 cup BBQ Sauce
2 tbsp Honey
2 tbsp Butter melted

Instructions

Preparation

Using a sharp knife, cut around the base of each drumstick to remove the skin and tendons, pushing the meat upward to form a "lollipop" shape. Trim any excess for a clean presentation.
Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels and lightly coat them with olive oil to help the seasoning stick.
In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Generously season the chicken lollipops with the spice mixture.

Smoking Instructions

Set your smoker to 250°F and use a mild wood like cherry or apple for a subtly sweet, smoky flavor.
Arrange the chicken lollipops on the smoker grate, ensuring they’re not touching.
Smoke for 90 minutes to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165°F.
Increase the grill temperature to 425 F.
In a saucepan, combine BBQ sauce, honey, and butter over medium heat, stirring until smooth.
Dip each lollipop into the glaze, coating it evenly. Return them to the smoker for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow the glaze to set.
Once the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 175-180 F. for tender, juicy meat, remove the lollipops from the smoker.
Let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a richer, stickier finish, glaze the lollipops twice, letting the first layer set for 10 minutes before adding a second coat.

Nutrition