BBQ Chicken Lollipop Recipe with Creamy Coleslaw!
Perfect for Cocktails, Bar Food, or Summer BBQs
BBQ Chicken Lollipops are a fun and flavorful twist on classic drumsticks. With their easy-to-handle "lollipop" shape, they’re perfect as bar food, cocktail party appetizers, or a crowd-pleasing addition to your summer BBQ. These lollipops feature juicy chicken drumsticks coated in a smoky, sweet seasoning and a sticky BBQ glaze. Whether baked in the oven or grilled on the BBQ, they’re guaranteed to impress. Pair them with a creamy coleslaw for a complete, satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare at home.
Chicken Lollipops:
8–10 chicken drumsticks
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
French the Drumsticks:
Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, cut around the base of each drumstick to remove the skin and tendons, pushing the meat down to create a "lollipop" shape. Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels.
Season the Drumsticks:
In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), ground cumin, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning evenly over each drumstick, ensuring full coverage.
Oven-Baked Lollipops:
Preheat your oven to 400°F .
Place the seasoned drumsticks upright on a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with foil.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.
In the final 5–10 minutes, brush the drumsticks with BBQ sauce and return them to the oven. For a caramelized glaze, switch to the broil setting for the last 2–3 minutes.
Grilled BBQ Lollipops:
Preheat your grill to medium heat about 350–400°F.
Place the drumsticks on the grill, standing them up if possible, or lay them flat.
Cook for 30–35 minutes, turning every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
In the last 5–7 minutes, brush on the BBQ sauce and grill until caramelized.
Creamy Coleslaw:
2 cups green cabbage, thinly shredded
1 cup purple cabbage, thinly shredded
1 large carrot, grated
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
Salt and pepper, to taste
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, and grated carrot.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Adjust seasoning to taste.
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until well coated. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before
Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange the BBQ Chicken Lollipops on a platter and serve them hot, with a side of creamy coleslaw.
Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color.
Pair with cold beer, cocktails, or your favorite summer drink for a complete experience.
Tips for Success:
Crispy Skin: For crispier skin, ensure the drumsticks are thoroughly dried before seasoning.
Marinate for More Flavor: Let the seasoned drumsticks rest in the fridge for 1–2 hours before cooking.
Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
I absolutely love making BBQ Chicken Lollipops because they combine the best of both worlds—flavor and fun! The lollipop shape makes them so easy to eat, and the smoky, sweet BBQ glaze always gets rave reviews. Whether I’m serving them at a casual summer BBQ or as a unique appetizer for a cocktail party, these lollipops never fail to impress. The combination of crispy skin, tender chicken, and that perfect BBQ sauce is a winning flavor profile in my book. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—whether cooked in the oven or on the grill, they always come out perfectly. Paired with a creamy coleslaw, it’s one of those dishes that brings back memories of good times shared with friends and family.
I’m sure you’ll love them just as much as I do!
Add a Personal Touch:
If you want to elevate your BBQ Chicken Lollipops, why not make the BBQ sauce from scratch? It’s simple to prepare and brings an extra layer of flavor that will have your guests asking for the recipe. Check out the homemade BBQ sauce recipe below for the perfect finishing touch!
Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
In a medium saucepan, combine all the ingredients.
Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and develop a rich, smoky flavor.
Taste and adjust seasoning as desired, adding more sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Let the sauce cool before using on your BBQ Chicken Lollipops, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Get Ready for Deliciousness!
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