Smoked Lollipop Chicken

I’m diving into the world of smoked lollipop chicken, and let me tell you, it’s a taste sensation that’ll have you drooling faster than a dog in a bacon factory. If you want to elevate your BBQ game and impress your buddies at the next cookout, stick around because we’re about to embark on a smoky, savory journey that’ll leave your taste buds tingling with delight.

How to Make Smoked Lollipop Chicken

Alright, folks, let’s kick things off with the main event: how to whip up some mouthwatering smoked lollipop chicken. It’s easier than you might think!

1. Prep Your Chicken Drumettes: Start by grabbing a bunch of chicken drumettes. To transform these bad boys into lollipop-style wonders, grab a sharp knife and carefully cut around the base of the bone, scraping the meat down to create a lollipop shape. Think of it as chicken artistry! It takes some practice, but you’ll get the hang of it.
2. Marinate Time: Marinate those chicken lollipops in your favorite sauce or marinade. Personally, I’m all about that sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, but you do you. Let those chicken pops soak up the flavors for a couple of hours or even overnight.
3. Fire Up the Smoker: While the chicken’s getting cozy with the marinade, fire up your smoker. What wood to use, you ask? Apple and hickory woods are my top picks for that extra smoky goodness. Let the smoker reach a steady 225°F, and you’re ready to roll.
4. Rub-a-Dub-Dub: Before tossing those chicken lollipops on the smoker, give ’em a good rubdown with your favorite spice mix. I like to keep it simple with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a dash of cayenne for some heat. Spice things up, my friends!
5. Smoke ‘Em Low and Slow: Pop those seasoned chicken lollipops onto the smoker grates and let ’em smoke away at 225°F for about 2.5 to 3 hours. It’s like a spa day for chicken!
6. Saucy Finish: In the last half-hour of smoking, brush on more of that glorious barbecue sauce. Let it caramelize and create a flavor explosion you won’t forget.
7. Serve ‘Em Up: Finally, take those beautiful smoked lollipop chicken delights off the smoker, let them rest for a few minutes, and then serve ’em up. Watch your friends’ eyes light up as they sink their teeth into these succulent treats.

Igniting the Smoker: Choosing the Right Wood

Now, let’s talk wood, my friends. Choosing the right wood for your smoker is like selecting the perfect wine for your meal. As I mentioned earlier, apple and hickory woods are solid choices for smoked lollipop chicken. They add a sweet, smoky flavor that’ll have you doing the happy food dance.

The Ideal Spice Rub

When it comes to the rub, it’s all about personal preference. Some folks prefer a zesty, spicy rub, while others prefer a milder, savory blend. Me? I like a little heat, so paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne are my go-tos. But don’t be shy to experiment and find your own signature rub.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve

Ah, the age-old question: what to serve alongside your smoked lollipop chicken? Well, let me drop some knowledge on you. This smoky delight makes fantastic sidekicks for coleslaw, mac and cheese, and cornbread. They bring balance to the force, so to speak.

And if you want to up the ante, throw in some jalapeño poppers for an extra kick of flavor. You can never have too much smoked goodness on your plate!

So there you have it, my fellow food enthusiasts, the lowdown on making smoked lollipop chicken that’ll make you a legend at your next BBQ bash. It’s all about the right wood, a killer rub, and some tasty sides to round out the meal. Get creative, have fun, and savor every smoky bite!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this finger-lickin’ good journey with me. Remember, life is too short for bland food, so fire up that smoker and treat yourself to some chicken lollipop perfection. Thanks for joining me on this flavorful adventure, and until next time, stay smoky, my friends!

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Smoked Lollipop Chicken

Elevate your barbecue game with our irresistible smoked lollipop chicken recipe. Perfectly tender meat with a caramelized glaze, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next cookout.

Course Main Course

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 3 hours

Servings 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken Lollipops:

• 16 chicken drumettes
• 2 cups of your favorite barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Wooden lollipop sticks

For the Rub:

• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For Smoking:

• 3-4 cups of applewood or hickory wood chips
• Water pan for the smoker
• Smoker thermometer

Instructions

Preparing the Chicken Lollipops

1. Begin by preparing the chicken drumettes. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut around the base of the bone, scraping the meat down to create a lollipop shape. Push the meat downward to form a compact lollipop.
2. Mix the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a mixing bowl to create a marinade. Toss the chicken lollipops in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.

Firing Up the Smoker

1. Fire up your smoker and preheat it to 225°F (107°C). While the smoker is heating, soak the wood chips in water for about 30 minutes. Drain them before using.

Creating the Rub

1. Mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in another mixing bowl to create your rub mixture.

Smoking the Chicken Lollipops

1. Remove the chicken lollipops from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the rub adhere better.
2. Generously coat each chicken lollipop with the rub mixture, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
3. When the smoker reaches a steady 225°F (107°C), add the soaked wood chips to the smoker box or directly onto the coals.
4. Place the chicken lollipops on the smoker grates, ensuring they are not touching. Insert a wooden lollipop stick into each lollipop for easy handling.
5. Close the smoker and maintain a temperature of 225°F (107°C). Smoke the chicken lollipops for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.

Adding That Finishing Touch

1. In the last half-hour of smoking, brush a generous amount of your favorite barbecue sauce onto the chicken lollipops. This will give them that delicious caramelized glaze.

Serving Up Smoky Perfection

1. Once the chicken lollipops are done, carefully remove them from the smoker and let them rest for a few minutes.
2. Serve your smoked lollipop chicken hot with your favorite BBQ sides, like coleslaw, mac and cheese, or cornbread. Get ready to watch your guests devour these delicious creations!