If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that combines sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors, these Honey Jalapeño Chicken Lollipops are the perfect choice. This recipe takes the classic chicken drumstick and elevates it to new heights with a bacon wrap and a deliciously sticky honey jalapeño glaze. Perfect for barbecues, parties, or even a casual weeknight dinner, these chicken lollipops are sure to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 2-3 lbs chicken drum legs: The base of your lollipops, these drumsticks are perfect for handheld eating.
- Duck fat or olive oil: Helps in creating a crispy exterior while keeping the meat moist.
- 1 lb bacon: Wraps around the chicken, adding a layer of smoky, savory flavor.
- All-purpose rub: A blend of spices to season the chicken before smoking.
For the Honey Jalapeño BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup: The base of the sauce, providing a rich and tangy flavor.
- ½ cup honey: Adds sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze.
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the sauce.
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a bit of tang.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Enhances the sweetness and adds a rich, molasses-like flavor.
- 2 jalapeños, diced: Brings a spicy kick to the sauce.
- 2 tbsp avocado oil: Adds a smooth texture and richness.
- 2 tsp black pepper: For a touch of heat and complexity.
- 2 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors in the sauce.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth to the sauce.
- 2 tsp garlic powder: For a savory, robust flavor.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Complements the garlic and rounds out the sauce.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken Lollipops:
Start by trimming the chicken drumsticks to form lollipops. To do this, cut around the bone near the narrow end of the drumstick and push the meat down toward the thicker end, creating a “lollipop” shape. This not only makes the chicken easier to handle but also allows for even cooking. Once trimmed, spray the drumsticks with duck fat or olive oil to help the seasoning adhere and create a crispy exterior. Season generously with an all-purpose rub to add a burst of flavor to the chicken. Finally, wrap each drumstick with a slice of bacon, securing it tightly around the meat.
2. Preheat the Smoker:
Set your smoker to 275°F (135°C) and use hickory wood for a rich, smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey and the heat of the jalapeños. Hickory wood is ideal for poultry, adding a robust smoke flavor without overpowering the meat.
3. Smoke the Chicken:
Place the prepared chicken lollipops in the smoker, arranging them so they have enough space around them to cook evenly. Smoke the chicken for approximately 1.5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The bacon will render its fat, crisping up beautifully while infusing the chicken with its savory goodness.
4. Make the Honey Jalapeño BBQ Sauce:
While the chicken is smoking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, combine ketchup, honey, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, diced jalapeños, avocado oil, black pepper, kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Simmer the mixture over medium heat until it thickens, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. The combination of sweet honey and spicy jalapeños creates a perfect balance that pairs wonderfully with the smoky chicken.
5. Glaze the Chicken:
Once the chicken has reached the desired temperature, brush the lollipops generously with the prepared Honey Jalapeño BBQ Sauce. Return the chicken to the smoker and let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. This step allows the sauce to caramelize slightly, creating a sticky, flavorful glaze that clings to the chicken.
6. Rest and Serve:
After smoking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that each bite is tender and flavorful. Serve the chicken lollipops hot, with any remaining sauce on the side for dipping. These lollipops are perfect for serving at parties or as an appetizer, but they’re also hearty enough to be the main course.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Lollipops
- Trimming the Drumsticks: When trimming the chicken, take care to cut through the tendons and cartilage near the narrow end of the drumstick to create a clean lollipop shape.
- Seasoning: Be generous with the all-purpose rub, as it will add a lot of flavor to the chicken. Make sure the seasoning gets into all the nooks and crannies.
- Smoking: Keep a close eye on the temperature of the smoker to ensure even cooking. Too high a temperature can dry out the chicken, while too low can result in undercooked meat.
- Sauce: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat it gently before using it to glaze the chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe? A: Yes, while chicken drumsticks are traditional, you can experiment with other cuts of chicken or even try this method with pork or turkey drumsticks.
Q: Can I make these in the oven instead of a smoker? A: Absolutely. If you don’t have a smoker, you can bake the chicken lollipops in an oven preheated to 275°F (135°C). Follow the same steps, but you may want to add a little liquid smoke to the sauce for that smoky flavor.
Q: What if I don’t like spicy food? A: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of jalapeños in the sauce or substitute them with a milder pepper. You can also omit the cayenne pepper and smoked paprika for a less spicy sauce.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time? A: Yes, the Honey Jalapeño BBQ Sauce can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before using it to glaze the chicken.
Q: How should I store leftovers? A: Leftover chicken lollipops can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or on a grill to restore their crispiness before serving.
Conclusion
These Honey Jalapeño Chicken Lollipops are a delicious fusion of sweet and spicy flavors, wrapped in a smoky, bacon-covered package. They’re easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a big barbecue or just looking for a fun dinner idea, this recipe is sure to satisfy. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a sticky honey jalapeño glaze makes these lollipops irresistible. Try them at your next event, and watch them disappear in no time!