Description
This Best Chicken Lollipops Recipe delivers perfectly seasoned chicken legs transformed into delicious lollipops, coated with a smoky and spicy dry rub, then baked to crispy perfection and served with tangy homemade BBQ sauce. Ideal as a finger food appetizer or flavorful main course, these lollipops are easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 6–8 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)
Sauce
- 1 cup Homemade BBQ Sauce or your favorite store-bought sauce, plus more if needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Lollipops: Using a sharp knife, carefully push the meat downwards from the thick end of each chicken leg towards the narrow end to expose the bone and create a lollipop shape. Remove any excess skin to form neat lollipops.
- Mix the Seasonings: In a 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. This dry rub will enhance the flavor and crispiness of the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Toss the prepared chicken lollipops in the seasoning mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the dry rub for maximum flavor and a crispy crust when cooked.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the chicken lollipops until beautifully crispy and cooked through.
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken lollipops on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Serve with BBQ Sauce: Remove the lollipops from the oven and let them rest briefly. Serve warm with a generous side of homemade or your favorite BBQ sauce for dipping, adding extra sauce if desired.
Notes
- You can use baking powder or cornstarch to help achieve a crispier skin, but avoid baking soda as it can impart off flavors.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your preference; increase chili powder for more heat or use smoked paprika for deeper smoky notes.
- Ensure the chicken legs are patted dry before applying the dry rub to get the best crispiness.
- Homemade BBQ sauce can be customized to your taste with ingredients like ketchup, molasses, vinegar, and spices.
- Baking at a high temperature ensures the skin crisps up nicely without drying out the meat.
Keywords: chicken lollipops, chicken legs recipe, crispy chicken, BBQ chicken, appetizer, baked chicken, smoky chicken wings