Apple Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Lollipops

How many licks does it take to get to the center of a chicken lollipop? Let’s find out — but spoiler alert: the answer is zero, because you’re going to devour the whole thing in two bites flat. This is the ultimate sweet-heat snack for tailgates, backyard parties, or just impressing your in-laws without breaking a sweat.

Feeds: 4–6 people (depending on how many “taste testers” you have hovering)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2–2.5 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes – 2 hours 50 minutes
Cook Temp: 275°F (indirect heat, smoker)
Servings: 12–14 lollipops

Ingredients

• 2–3 lbs chicken drumsticks (about 12–14 pieces)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Crisp Morning (Apple Jalapeño seasoning from Flavor Expedition Co.)

• 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce (or your favorite sweet-tangy barbecue sauce)

• Aluminum foil squares (optional, to cover the bone ends)

Instructions

1. Prep the Drumsticks: About 1/3 of the way down from the meaty end, make a cut around the drumstick toward the knuckle side. Slice cleanly all the way around.

2. Shape the Lollipop: Pull and trim away the loosened meat, skin, and tendons until the bone is exposed. Press the meat down toward the opposite end so it forms a rounded “lollipop” shape.

3. Foil Hats (Optional): Wrap the exposed bone ends in small pieces of foil to keep them from burning or discoloring.

4. Season to Perfection: Brush the meat with olive oil, then generously coat all sides with Crisp Morning seasoning.

5. Heat Things Up: Preheat your smoker to 275°F for indirect cooking.

6. Smoke ‘Em: Place the chicken lollipops on the smoker rack, bone-side up, and cook for 2–2.5 hours until the internal temp reaches 175°F.

7. Sauce Bath: Remove from smoker and dip each lollipop in BBQ sauce, coating them evenly. Let the excess drip off.

8. Finish the Glaze: Return sauced lollipops to the smoker for 5 more minutes to set the glaze.

9. Rest & Serve: Remove from the smoker, let rest 2–3 minutes (if you can resist), then serve and enjoy the applause.

Tips & Notes

• Want more heat? Add a sprinkle of cayenne to the Crisp Morning seasoning before coating.

• Make them ahead! Smoke the lollipops to temp, refrigerate, then glaze and reheat when ready to serve.

• Wooden cutting boards make for killer presentation. Bonus points if you serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.

These Crisp Morning Chicken Lollipops are sweet, smoky, and carry just the right jalapeño kick to keep things interesting. Perfect for game day, summer BBQs, or whenever you want your chicken to show up dressed to impress.

Ready to taste more adventure? Check out our other drool-worthy recipes featuring Flavor Expedition Co. seasonings — your taste buds deserve the trip!