Grilled chicken lollipops are a fun and delicious appetizer or snack. The chicken drumsticks are “frenched” to create a lollipop shape, marinated for flavor, and then grilled to perfection. Here’s a recipe to make grilled chicken lollipops:
Grilled Chicken Lollipops
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Lollipops:
- 12 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken Lollipops:
- Frenched Drumsticks: To “french” the drumsticks, use a sharp knife to cut around the bone just below the knuckle. Push the meat down towards the thicker end to create a lollipop shape. Remove any remaining tendons or skin from the bone end.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, ground black pepper, and salt.
- Add the chicken lollipops to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for more flavor.
- Prepare the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C). Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken lollipops from the marinade and let any excess drip off.
- Place the chicken lollipops on the grill, bone side up. Grill for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the Glaze:
- While the chicken is grilling, combine the barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Glaze the Chicken:
- During the last 5 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken lollipops with the prepared glaze. Turn and brush a few times to get a nice coating of the glaze.
- Serve:
- Remove the chicken lollipops from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Arrange them on a serving platter and serve with additional glaze or dipping sauce if desired.
Tips:
- Serving Suggestion: Serve these chicken lollipops with fresh veggies, a side salad, or some grilled corn for a complete meal.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by adding a bit of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the marinade or glaze if you like it spicy.
Enjoy your grilled chicken lollipops, a flavorful and fun dish perfect for any gathering!
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