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Chicken lollipops, never heard of them you say? This BBQ Chicken Lollipops recipe is a fantastic blend of chicken and bacon, perhaps 2 of my favorite things! Together cooked on the BBQ with a hint of smoky flavor, I can’t think of anything better!
Cooking chicken on the grill, BBQ or smoker is an easy way to impart fantastic flavors, whether you are making dinner, snacks, or game day grub! Check out these other great chicken recipes. How about some great-tasting Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumettes or maybe this easy BBQ Beer Can Chicken.
HELPFUL ITEMS FOR THIS RECIPE
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Pro Kitchen 8 Inch Chef’s Knife
Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet, 2-Pack
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO MAKE BBQ Chicken Lollipops?
This is a really straightforward recipe to make, with only a few ingredients. It always amazes me how much flavor you can create by using only a handful of items from around your kitchen. Cooking really is magical sometimes!
Ingredients
- Brown sugar
- Kosher salt
- Sweet paprika
- Dry mustard
- Onion powder
- Chicken drumsticks
- Bacon
- BBQ sauce
In a small bowl mix together the sweet rub. Add the brown sugar, Kosher salt, sweet paprika, dry mustard, and onion powder, stir to make sure the mixture is combined well.
Prepare a couple of smoker packets if you are using your grill. If you are using your smoker fill it with wood chips. I like to use hickey wood chips, or a mixture of hickory and applewood to smoke.
How to prepare BBQ Chicken Lollipops
So these lollipops take a little time to make but trust me they are sooo worth the effort! This just might be the best bacon chicken combo recipe I have tried! I initially got this wonderful idea from our butcher at R.F.G. Meat and Seafood. His are great too if you would like to try and are local.
Start by patting the drumsticks dry with a paper towel. Then for each drumstick, with a sharp knife cut off the knuckle of each drumstick. Then pull the skin down to expose the bone, these create the “handle” of your lollipop.
Sprinkle on some of the dry rub on each of the drumsticks and massage it in. Wrap each drumstick in a slice of bacon. Start at the top of the drumstick and wrap downward. You can tuck the bacon underneath to secure it or use a toothpick. If you have a large drum stick you may need to use 2 slices of bacon.
I like to put a small piece of aluminum foil on the end of each of the drumsticks to cover up the exposed end of the bone. This is optional but it does help to keep the bone from turning black while on the BBQ.
Place a tray under your grate to catch the bacon drippings to prevent flare-ups and preheat your grill or smoker to 250 degrees F. You want to cook these lollipops using the indirect method of BBQing. Place the chicken lollipops on the grill and cook for 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140 – 145 degrees F.
Thermapen
I use my trusty ThermoworksThermapeninstant-read meat thermometer. It is quick, easy to use, and gives me an exact temperature in a second every time!
This post contains affiliate links. As a Thermoworks Affiliate, I earn a small portion from qualifying purchases at no extra charge to you.
Finishing your Chicken Lollipops
Don’t worry we aren’t done with them just yet! Increase the temperature of the BBQ to 375 degrees F. and cook for an additional 30 minutes. This step is important as it will render more of the bacon fat out and the bacon will get nice and crispy too!
Brush the drumsticks with the BBQ sauce for the last 30 minutes and continue to cook until your lollipops reach an internal temperature of 180-185 degrees F. Take the drumsticks off the grill and allow them to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving up your Chicken Lollipops
Don’t those beautiful lollipop shape creations look just yummy? The bacon is crispy and the chicken is luscious golden brown.
You can serve them on their own as an appetizer like you would chicken wings, as the main course with french fries and a salad, or as a game-day snack while the gang is over cheering on your team!
This recipe needs to go on your menu for next week! Seriously!
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BBQ Chicken Lollipops
Ken Noland
This recipe for BBQ chicken lollipops is amazing. The tender, juicy chicken drumsticks, the crispy bacon, the BBQ sauce, and the hit of smoky flavor! I mean really what could be better than these wonderful creations?
5 from 5 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 45 minutes mins
Cook Time 2 hours hrs
Total Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins
Course BBQ
Cuisine American
Servings 8 Servings
Calories 399 kcal
Ingredients
Rub
- 4 Tbsps packed brown sugar
- 4 tsps salt
- 2 tsps sweet paprika
- 1 tsp Dry mustard
- 2 tsps Onion powder
Lollipops
- 12 drumsticks about 4 pounds
- 1 lb 16 oz bacon. (This is usually 1 pack and each back has in between 12 to 14 slices. If your drumsticks are very big, you may need to get 2 packs)
- 2 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce
Instructions
The Rub:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the rub seasoning and mix until all blended. Set aside.
Get the Drumsticks Ready:
Unpack your drumsticks. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
For each drumstick, repeat these steps.
With a sharp knife, cut the knuckle off at the end of each drumstick.
Pull the skin down to expose the bone. This will be your “handle” to the lollipop
Sprinkle some of the dry rub on the drumsticks and rub it in. Pressure the seasoning so it sticks to the skin.
Wrap the drumstick with a bacon slice starting at the exposed (or top) of the meat down. Tuck the end piece back under the bacon wrap or use a tooth pic. If you have a big drumstick you may need 2 bacon slices.
This step is optional. You can put a piece of aluminum on the exposed bone, so it does not blacken when on the BBQ. If you don’t the bone will be black, although it is not burned.
Cooking:
Prepare your BBQ for indirect heating to heat at 250 degrees F.
For smoking use mild wood, so it does not overpower the chicken. I like to use hickory or a combination of hickory and apple.
Put a catch pan to catch all the bacon drips. I put an aluminum pan under the grill but over the “ConvEGGtor”.
Place your chicken lollipop on the grill and cook at 250 degrees for about 60 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 140-145 degrees F.
Increase BBQ temperature to 375 degrees F. and cook for an additional 45 – 60 minutes. This step is important as it will render more of the bacon, leaving a nice crispy bacon layer.
Brush all drumsticks with BBQ sauce and cook for the last 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 185 degrees F.
Let them rest for 10 minutes before serving
Enjoy!
Equipment
Mr. Bar-B-Q 05011Z Wood Smoker Chips (Hickory) | Smoky & Fruity Flavor | Made from 100% Hardwood | All Natural Hickory Wood Chips | 1.6 Pound Bag 179 Cu. In | Works with Smokers, Gas & Electric Grills
Nutrition
Serving: 1Calories: 399kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 34gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 173mgSodium: 2024mgFiber: 1gSugar: 29g
Nutrition calculation is an estimation only. If you need nutritional calculations for medical reasons, please use a source that you trust.
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