(Grill Nation) If you’re looking to serve something a little different this 4th of July without overcomplicating your menu, these Honey Jalapeño Chicken Lollipops are the perfect choice. They take everything people love about classic grilled chicken—crispy skin, juicy meat, and bold flavor—and package it into a fun, crowd-friendly bite. Each lollipop is glazed with a sweet and spicy honey-jalapeño sauce that caramelizes beautifully on the grill and packs just the right amount of heat.

They look impressive on the platter and taste even better fresh off the grill. Whether you’re feeding a big group or just want a dish that stands out, these lollipops are guaranteed to go fast.

Recipe courtesy https://grillnationbbq.com/

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Honey Jalapeño Chicken Lollipops

Ingredients: 

Chicken:

• Chicken drum legs (2-3 lbs)
• Duck fat (or olive oil)
• 1 lb bacon
• All-purpose rub

Honey Jalapeño BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup
• ½ cup honey
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 jalapeños, diced
• 2 tbsp avocado oil
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder

Instructions: 

1. Prepare the Chicken Lollipops: Start by preparing your chicken drumsticks. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut around the bone at the bottom of each drumstick, removing the meat and skin to create a “lollipop” shape. This helps them cook evenly and makes them easier to eat.
2. Season the Chicken: Spray the prepared lollipops with duck fat or olive oil. Then, season them generously with your favorite all-purpose rub. Ensure all sides are well-coated for maximum flavor.
3. Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each drumstick with a slice of bacon, starting at the base and working your way up to the top. The bacon adds flavor and helps keep the chicken moist during smoking.
4. Preheat the Smoker: Set your smoker to 275°F (135°C). Use hickory wood for a robust, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
5. Smoke the Chicken: Place the prepared lollipops in the smoker. Smoke them for about 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
6. Prepare the Honey Jalapeño BBQ Sauce: While the chicken is smoking, prepare the sauce. Combine 1 cup ketchup, ½ cup honey, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, ½ cup brown sugar, 2 diced jalapeños, 2 tablespoons avocado oil, 2 teaspoons black pepper, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until well combined and slightly thickened.
7. Glaze the Chicken: Once the chicken has reached 165°F, brush the honey jalapeño BBQ sauce generously over each lollipop. Return them to the smoker for an additional 10-15 minutes to set the glaze. This step adds a delicious layer of flavor.
8. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken lollipops from the smoker and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite juicy and flavorful. Serve and enjoy your delicious smoked BBQ chicken lollipops!