This chicken lollipop recipe is a classic BBQ chicken recipe requiring only 15 minutes of prep time. Chicken lollipops are coated in a dynamic BBQ rub and coated with a tangy BBQ sauce.
Lollipop Chicken
Lollipop chicken legs are grilled low and slow to produce crispy skin with a juicy bite!
Serve alongside smoked corn on the cob, smoked green beans or smoked baked potatoes for a complete meal made the grill!
Chicken Lollipop Drumsticks
To make chicken lollipops, you’ll need to break out a very sharp knife.
Ingredients
Using Store Bought Sauce and Rub
Only 4 ingredients are required to make BBQ chicken lollipop using store bought rub and sauce: chicken drumsticks, oil, BBQ sauce and BBQ rub.
Using Homemade BBQ Rub
To make our favorite BBQ rub, you’ll need the following spices: chili powder, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (optional), salt and pepper.
Reference our BBQ Rub Recipe post for full tips and instructions.
Using Homemade BBQ Sauce
To make a quick and easy BBQ sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients: Ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, garlic cloves and water.
Reference our BBQ Sauce Recipe post for full tips and instructions.
Chicken Mop Sauce
If you haven’t used a mop sauce yet when smoking poultry, now is the time to start. It adds a huge layer of flavor and ensures a juicy interior.
While not mandatory, we highly recommend it. To make this chicken mop sauce all you need to do is mix up the following: BBQ rub, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and water.
How to make lollipop chicken drumsticks
The goal temp is 275°F. If using a manual smoker, aim to keep the temperature between 250 – 275°F to ensure crispy skin. Any lower and the skin will be chewy and soft.
Temperature
The goal temp is 275°F. If using a manual smoker, aim to keep the temperature between 250 – 275°F to ensure crispy skin. Any lower and the skin will be chewy and soft.
Time
It takes approximately 2 hours to make chicken drumstick lollipops. Add in the prep time and resting period, and you’ll need 2.5 hours from start to finish.
Smoked chicken lollipops
To make BBQ chicken lollipop, you’ll need the following supplies
- Energy Source – Charcoal, pellets, wood, propane, etc.
- Smoking Wood – Chunks, chips or pellets.
- Thermometer – Always use a thermometer when smoking meat.
Wood Recommendations
Stick to using a fruit wood like cherry, apple, pecan or maple. We find hickory too strong for delicate chicken meat.
Tips
- Use the full amount of olive oil called for. It’s what makes the skin crispy.
- When cooking for extended periods of time, add a small bowl of water to the grill to help keep moisture in the meat.
- Before heating, coat the grill with oil or cooking spray to avoid the chicken from sticking.
Chicken Leg Lollipop Variations
Here are a few flavor variations to consider when making smoked chicken legs:
Dry Chicken – Just say “no” to the BBQ sauce. The flavor will come from the rub and smoke.
Spicy Chicken– Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to either the BBQ sauce or BBQ rub.
Sweet Chicken – Double the brown sugar in the bbq rub or sauce.
How Much Chicken Per Person
Plan on serving 2 chicken legs per person if serving with filling side dishes. If you’re only enjoying the chicken legs, go with 3 legs per person.
