Backyard BBQ Chicken Lollipops

Perfectly seasoned and glazed, these drumsticks are not only delicious but also fun to eat. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving some smoky goodness, this recipe has you covered. Let's fire up the grill and create some unforgettable chicken lollipops!

🔴BONING KNIFE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqH801ZvNtMhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqH801ZvNtMPerfect for parties or family gatherings, these drumsticks are not only fun to eat but also packed with flavor. The lollipop shape makes them easy to handle, while the smoky, caramelized BBQ glaze adds a mouthwatering finish. Follow our step-by-step guide to create these delicious, bite-sized treats that will have everyone asking for more. Let's fire up the grill and turn your chicken drumsticks into a standout dish!https://i.imgur.com/wC1FU6M.jpeg2024-08-01

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BBQ Chicken Lollipops

Yield: 4

Author: Delmarva Backyard

Prep time: 45 MinCook time: 1 H & 15 MTotal time: 2 Hour

Juicy, flavorful, and easy to eat, they are perfect for any gathering. Follow our easy recipe to transform regular drumsticks into a gourmet treat that will wow your guests. Let’s get grilling!

Ingredients

• 8 Chicken Drumsticks
• Salt & Pepper (to taste)
• Plowboys Yard Rub (or your favorite chicken rub)
• Stubbs Sweet and Sticky BBQ Sauce
• 2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar

Instructions

1. Prep Drumsticks – Remove the drumsticks from the packaging and dry off the skin.
2. Create Lollipop Shape – Using a boning knife, cut just below the knuckle on the meat side of the drumstick to create a flat area for standing the drumsticks vertically.
3. Slice Around Drumstick – Moving from the meat side to the bone, slice the skin and meat to the bone all the way around the drumstick where the meat starts to thin out.
4. Trim Tendons and Cartilage – Use kitchen shears to clip any pieces of tendons, meat, or cartilage that won't easily trim with the knife in that same circle around the drumstick.
5. Remove Excess Meat and Skin – Pull the skin, meat, and tendons that remain on the bone side of the drumstick off the knuckle.
6. Shape the Meat – Push the remaining meat towards the knuckle on the meat side to form a round shape for aesthetics and easier eating.
7. Season and Refrigerate – Coat the outside of the chicken drumsticks with a thorough layer of coarse salt and pepper. Place the drumsticks standing up on a sheet pan so all the skin is exposed to the cold air. Refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours, or overnight if possible, to ensure bite-through skin.
8. Preheat Grill – Heat up a charcoal grill for indirect cooking at 325°F (162.7°C).
9. Season with Rub – When ready to cook, heavily season the drumsticks on all sides with the rub.
10. Grill Drumsticks – Place the drumsticks on the grill in the indirect area. Cook for 60 minutes.
11. Prepare Glaze – Heat BBQ sauce in a small pot and add apple cider vinegar. Bring the mixture to just below a boil to thin the sauce.
12. Glaze Drumsticks – When the drumsticks reach an internal temperature of 170°F (76.6°C), dip each drumstick into the sauce and place back on the smoker.
13. Caramelize Sauce – Caramelize the sauce for 15 minutes, then remove the drumsticks from the grill and let them rest for 10 minutes.
14. Serve and Enjoy – Enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Drumstick Lollipops!

Notes

Protect the Bones – Place foil on the exposed bone prior to cooking to prevent it from burning (for aesthetics only).

Indirect Cooking – Indirect cooking simply means the heat source isn't directly below the drumsticks.

Recommended Products

BONING KNIFE

Additional Tips

• Trimming: Cut around the base of the drumstick and push the meat up to create the lollipop shape.

• Seasoning: Apply a generous amount of your favorite BBQ rub all over the drumsticks for maximum flavor.

• Glazing: Brush with BBQ sauce in the final 10 minutes of cooking to create a sticky, delicious glaze.

• Temperature Control: Cook the drumsticks over indirect heat to avoid burning the sauce and ensure even cooking.

• Resting Time: Let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute.

With these tips and techniques, you're ready to create a fun and flavorful dish that will be the star of your next BBQ. Enjoy the process, savor the results, and share your culinary success with friends and family.

FAQ Section

Q: Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe? A: While drumsticks are ideal for the lollipop shape, you can use thighs or wings for a similar flavor experience.

Q: How do I keep the chicken from sticking to the grill? A: Preheat the grill and oil the grates before placing the chicken on them.

Q: Can I prepare the drumsticks ahead of time? A: Yes, you can trim and season the drumsticks a few hours in advance and refrigerate them until ready to cook.

Q: What type of BBQ sauce is best? A: Use your favorite BBQ sauce, but sweeter sauces work well with the smoky flavor of the grill.

Q: How do I store leftover drumsticks? A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain moisture.