Welcome to the world of Chicken Bacon Lollipops, a fun and delicious twist on the classic BBQ chicken drumstick. These smoked chicken lollipops are not only visually impressive but also an amazing finger food that packs a flavor punch with its juicy chicken, sweet rub, and smoky bacon.
As a BBQ enthusiast with years of grilling and smoking experience, I’m excited to share this recipe with you and help you create a standout dish for your next cookout. With a bit of patience and attention to detail, even beginners can master this recipe and impress their friends and family. The step-by-step instructions provided will guide you through the process, making it easy and enjoyable.
To create these scrumptious lollipops, you’ll need a few essential tools, including a sharp knife for trimming the drumsticks, a grill or smoker for cooking, and a thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the perfect temperature. Wrapping the chicken in bacon adds an extra layer of flavor and helps keep the meat tender and moist.
As a passionate BBQ lover, I’ve spent years exploring the secrets of fantastic BBQ dishes and products. I’m here to share my knowledge, tips, and mouthwatering recipes with fellow BBQ fans, helping you improve your skills and make great meals.
So, let’s fire up the grill and get started on our Chicken Bacon Lollipops adventure!
How To Make Chicken Bacon Lollipops
Prepare the Chicken Lollipops
Using a sharp knife, cut through the bone just below the joint of the drumstick. Push the skin and meat down to expose the bone. Wrap the exposed bone in foil to prevent it from turning dark during cooking.
Season and Wrap in Bacon
Season the chicken lollipop on all sides with a sweet rub. Our Sweet Brown Sugar Rub made with brown sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, and oregano goes really well with this recipe! Wrap the seasoned chicken breasts in regular bacon, tucking the ends to secure it. You can use toothpicks if necessary to hold the bacon in place.
You can also wrap the exposed bones tightly in aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Smoke or Grill the Chicken Lollipops
Place the bacon wrap lollipops on the grill grate of your smoker or grill. Make sure the grill grates are over indirect heat. Apple or hickory wood is recommended for smoking. Monitor the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, and when it reaches 135°F, increase the grill heat to 375°F to crisp the bacon.
Glaze and Finish Cooking
When the internal temperature reaches 175°F, glaze the lollipops with your favorite BBQ sauce. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 185°F for tender, juicy drumsticks without any stringy or chewy pieces.
Rest and Serve
Let the lollipops wrapped in bacon rest for 10 minutes on a serving platter or cutting board before removing the foil from the bones and serving. Serve with more barbecue sauce for dipping and enjoy your delicious, fun-to-eat bacon-wrapped chicken lollipops!
Tips For Making This Chicken Lollipop Recipe
Before diving into making these delicious Bacon Wrapped Chicken Lollipops, here are some essential tips for beginners to ensure a successful and flavorful experience. By paying attention to these simple suggestions, you’ll be on your way to creating a dish that’s both visually appealing and incredibly tasty.
- Choose the Right Bacon: Opt for regular-cut bacon strips for your smoked bacon. Thick-cut bacon can be difficult to wrap and may not render properly, while thin-cut bacon may shrink too much and break apart on the grill.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken leg is cooked to perfection, use an internal thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 185°F for juicy and tender drumsticks.
- Choose The Best Wood Flavor: If using a smoker or a grill with wood chips or pellets, try apple or hickory wood for a delicious, smoky flavor that complements the chicken and bacon well.
- Don’t Skip the Glaze: Apply your favorite barbecue sauce when the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 175°F to create a beautiful, shiny glaze without burning the sauce.
- Be Patient: Allow the cooked chicken lollipops to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender chicken.
Perfect Sides for Bacon Chicken Lollipop Recipes
Bacon Wrapped Chicken Lollipops are a showstopper on their own, but finding the right side dishes can elevate the whole meal to new heights. The key is to choose complementary flavors and textures that enhance the smoky, sweet, and savory notes of the lollipops.
Here are a few serving suggestions to create a well-rounded and unforgettable dining experience:
- Grilled Vegetable Skewers: A colorful assortment of grilled veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onions adds freshness and a pop of color to the plate. Their natural sweetness and slightly charred flavor complement the smoky chicken lollipops perfectly.
- Coleslaw: A classic, tangy coleslaw with a vinegar-based dressing adds a burst of brightness and crunch to the meal. The acidity of the slaw helps to cut through the richness of the bacon-wrapped chicken, creating a pleasant contrast.
- Baked Beans: Slow-cooked baked beans with a hint of sweetness and a touch of smokiness make for a comforting and delicious side dish. Their rich, saucy texture pairs well with the succulent chicken lollipops.
- Cornbread: Soft, buttery cornbread is an ideal accompaniment to the smoky flavors of the Bacon Wrapped Chicken Lollipops. It helps to absorb the juices and sauce, ensuring you don’t miss a single drop of deliciousness.
- Potato Salad: A creamy and flavorful potato salad provides a starchy base that complements the tender chicken and crispy bacon. Choose a version with a tangy dressing or add some herbs and spices to give it an extra kick.
With these serving suggestions, you’ll create a mouthwatering feast that showcases your Bacon Wrapped Chicken Lollipops and delights your taste buds. Enjoy!
Best Beer To Serve With Chicken Lollipops
Get ready to enhance your Bacon Wrapped Chicken Lollipop experience by pairing it with the perfect brew! The combination of sweet, smoky flavors and tender chicken calls for beers that complement and balance the dish.
Here are the top 3 types of beer that pair exceptionally well with this mouthwatering recipe, ensuring a delightful culinary adventure.
Amber Ale
The maltiness of an amber ale beautifully complements the sweet and smoky flavors of the Bacon Wrapped Chicken Lollipops. The beer’s caramel undertones bring out the sweetness of the BBQ sauce, while its mild bitterness helps to cut through the richness of the bacon.
Hefeweizen
This German-style wheat beer, with its fruity and slightly spicy profile, pairs wonderfully with the smoky, sweet flavors of the chicken lollipops. The refreshing and light character of a hefeweizen offers a nice contrast to the richness of the dish, cleansing your palate between bites.
Brown Ale
A smooth and slightly nutty brown ale is another great choice to accompany your Bacon Wrapped Chicken Lollipops. The beer’s malty backbone pairs well with the sweetness of the BBQ sauce, while its subtle hop bitterness helps to balance the dish’s richness. The brown ale’s depth and complexity add an extra layer of enjoyment to the meal.
More Chicken Recipes
- Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Popper Chicken Recipe
- Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Bacon Wrapped Chicken Recipe
- Grilled Chicken Legs Recipe
Chicken Bacon Lollipops Recipe
Equipment
- Sharp Knife
- Toothpicks optional
- Smoker, grill, or oven
- Basting Brush
- Serving platter or cutting board
Ingredients
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tbsp Sweet Brown Sugar Rub
- 6 strips of bacon
- 1/2 cup Honey BBQ Sauce
Instructions
- Cut through the bone below the joint of each drumstick and push the chicken meat down to create a lollipop shape. Wrap exposed bone in foil.
- Season chicken lollipops on all sides with a sweet rub.
- Wrap each lollipop in savory bacon, tucking ends to secure or using toothpicks if necessary.
- Preheat smoker, grill, or oven to 225°F using indirect heat. Cook lollipops until internal temperature reaches 135°F.
- Increase heat to 375°F to crisp bacon.
- When internal temperature reaches 175°F, glaze lollipops with BBQ sauce.
- Continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 185°F.
- Let lollipops rest for 10 minutes before serving. Remove foil from bones and enjoy!
Chicken Bacon Lollipops FAQs
How do you make chicken lollipops from drumsticks?
To make chicken lollipops from drumsticks, use a sharp knife to cut off the end of the drumstick just under the bone joint. Press the meat down, away from the end of the exposed bone, so the bone forms a handle for the lollipop.
What temperature should I cook chicken bacon lollipops?
Smoke chicken bacon lollipops at 225 degrees F until they reach an internal temperature of 135 degrees F. Then, increase the grill temperature to 375 degrees F to crisp the bacon and cook until the internal temperature reaches 185 degrees F.
Can I make chicken bacon lollipops in the oven?
Yes, you can make chicken bacon lollipops in the oven. Preheat the oven to 225 degrees F and cook the lollipops on a foil-lined baking sheet until they reach an internal temperature of 135 degrees F. Then, increase the oven temperature to 375 degrees F and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 185 degrees F.
How long does it take to cook chicken bacon lollipops?
The total cooking time for chicken bacon lollipops depends on your cooking method and temperature. On average, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to cook chicken bacon lollipops at 225 degrees F, followed by an additional 15-20 minutes at 375 degrees F to crisp the bacon and reach the desired internal temperature.
What type of bacon should I use for chicken bacon lollipops?
For chicken bacon lollipops, use regular bacon that is not too thick or thin. Thick bacon is difficult to wrap and may not render in time, while thin bacon may shrink too much and break apart during cooking. Regular bacon with a good balance of meat and fat works best for this recipe.