Welcome back, grill enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a flavor-packed journey with a recipe that’ll make your taste buds dance – Smoked Chicken Lollipops. Picture this: succulent chicken drumsticks, infused with smoky goodness and seasoned to perfection. If you’re ready to elevate your grilling game and impress your guests, stick around as we walk you through the steps to creating these delectable delights!
Why settle for ordinary when you can serve extraordinary? The Smoked Chicken Lollipops are not your average appetizer – they’re a culinary masterpiece that combines juicy chicken with irresistible smoky flavors. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, tailgate party, or simply craving a savory snack, these lollipops are guaranteed to steal the show. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile, allowing you to experiment with different seasonings and sauces to suit your taste preferences. Trust us, once you try these lollipops, you’ll never look at chicken the same way again!
Ingredients:
- Chicken drumsticks
- Olive oil
- AB’s A Rub
- AB’s BBQ Rub
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Preheat your Grill: Start by preheating your grill to 300°F.
- Prepare the Chicken: Clean the chicken drumsticks, removing excess fat and skin. Cut around the base of each drumstick to expose the bone and remove tendons.
- Season the Chicken: Coat drumsticks with olive oil, then generously season with AB’s A Rub and AB’s BBQ Rub.
- Protect the Bone: Wrap exposed bone tips with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Grill the Chicken: Place seasoned drumsticks upright on the grill. Smoke for about 30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove from grill, let rest, and serve hot.
Expert Tips and Tricks:
- Use food-grade gloves for handling hot meat to protect your hands.
- Experiment with different seasoning blends for unique flavor profiles.
- Monitor grill temperature closely to prevent overcooking.
Variations:
- Honey Mustard Glaze: Brush drumsticks with a mixture of honey and Dijon mustard before grilling.
- Spicy BBQ: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the BBQ rub for an extra kick.
- Asian-Inspired Marinade: Marinate drumsticks in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before grilling.
- Lemon Herb Infusion: Rub drumsticks with lemon zest and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme.
- Teriyaki Twist: Glaze drumsticks with store-bought teriyaki sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.
Other Chicken Recipes:
- Baked Garlic Parmesan Wings
- Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Wings
- Mouthwatering Grilled Chicken
- Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Creole Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
- Authentic Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe: A Taste of the Caribbean
What to Serve With:
- Coleslaw
- Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Potato Salad
- Baked Beans
- Garlic Bread
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Grilled Vegetables
- Cornbread
- Green Salad
- French Fries
Smoked Lollipop Chicken
Ingredients
- Chicken Drumsticks
- Branch and Vine Garlic-Infused Olive Oil
- AB’s Level Up A Rub
- AB’s BBQ Rub
- Aluminum foil
Instructions
- Start by preheating your grill to 300°F.
- Take the chicken drumsticks and clean them. Remove excess fat and skin, leaving only the meat and bone exposed. To create the lollipop shape, use a sharp knife to cut around the base of each drumstick, exposing the bone. Remove any tendons and excess skin. Use kitchen shears to clean up any remaining skin and ensure a smooth surface.
- Coat the chicken drumsticks with a light layer of olive oil for better seasoning adherence. Season generously with AB’s A Rub and AB’s BBQ Rub, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
- To prevent the bone from burning, wrap each exposed bone tip with aluminum foil. This will also help maintain the presentation of the lollipop shape.
- Place the seasoned chicken lollipops on the preheated grill. Ensure they’re positioned upright to maintain their shape. Close the lid and let them smoke for approximately 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F, ensuring they’re fully cooked.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding contact with the bone.
- Once the chicken lollipops are cooked to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve hot and enjoy the smoky, flavorful chicken lollipops as a delicious appetizer or main dish.
