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Best Chicken Lollipops Recipe

4.7 from 133 reviews

This Best Chicken Lollipops recipe features flavorful, tender chicken legs transformed into fun and delicious lollipops. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of smoked paprika, chili powder, herbs, and garlic, then baked to perfection and served with a smoky homemade BBQ sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, these lollipops are sure to be a crowd-pleaser for gatherings or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 68 Chicken Legs, defrosted if frozen (about 2 pounds)

Seasoning Mix

  • 2 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 2 tsp Chili Powder
  • 2 tsp Herbs De Provence or Italian Seasoning
  • 2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • ½ tsp Sea Salt or to taste
  • ¼ tsp Freshly Ground Pepper or to taste
  • 4 tsp Baking Powder or cornstarch (optional, not baking soda)

BBQ Sauce

  • 1 cup Homemade BBQ Sauce or your favorite store-bought sauce plus more if needed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Lollipops: Start by cutting each chicken leg to create the lollipop shape—push the meat down towards the base of the bone, exposing the clean bone handle. This makes it easier to hold and eat. Trim excess skin for a neat appearance.
  2. Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, chili powder, herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, freshly ground pepper, and baking powder or cornstarch if using. These spices add smoky, savory, and slightly spicy flavors to the chicken.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Evenly sprinkle and rub the seasoning mix onto all sides of the chicken lollipops. Make sure each piece is well-coated for maximum flavor absorption.
  4. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top to allow air circulation around the chicken, promoting crispy skin.
  5. Bake the Chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken lollipops on the wire rack spaced apart. Bake them for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crisp.
  6. Prepare or Warm BBQ Sauce: While the chicken is baking, warm your homemade BBQ sauce or your favorite store-bought sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.
  7. Serve: Once baked, remove the chicken lollipops from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve hot with the BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Add additional sauce if desired.

Notes

  • Using baking powder or cornstarch helps achieve crispier skin when baking.
  • You can customize the seasoning levels according to your taste preference, adding more chili powder if you prefer spicier chicken.
  • If you don’t have a wire rack, place the chicken directly on a greased baking sheet but turn halfway through baking for even cooking.
  • Homemade BBQ sauce can be substituted with any favorite brand or style, such as spicy, sweet, or smoky varieties.
  • Make sure chicken legs are fully defrosted before proceeding to ensure even cooking.

Keywords: Chicken Lollipops, Baked Chicken, BBQ Chicken, Appetizer, Party Food, Crispy Chicken