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How To Make Amazing Chicken Drumstick Lollipops

Chicken Drumstick Lollipops are a unique spin to serving chicken legs. They are deliciously seasoned and baked with a finger-licking good sauce and are perfect for family dinners, backyard entertaining, or as an appetizer—gluten-free recipe.

Prep Time
15 mins
Additional Time
45 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 5 Servings (2 drumsticks per person)
Calories: 591 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 10 chicken legs (drumsticks), defrosted if frozen About 3 pounds
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
To Make The Spice Mix
  • 1 tablespoon paprika powder plus ½ teaspoon
  • 2 teaspoons red crushed pepper flakes
  • ½ tablespoon sea salt
  • 2 ½ teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
  • 3 ½ teaspoons dried basil
To Make The Sauce
  • ½ cup unsweetened fruit spread (see note) 150 grams
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime or lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon red crushed pepper flakes

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees °F (204 °C). Prepare a large baking sheet and line it with baking paper. Set aside.
How To Cut Chicken Lollipops-(Refer to the pics in the post)
    Cup of Yum
  1. About one inch from the top of the drumstick knuckle where most of the meat ends, cut through the meat and the tendons in a circular motion around the bone. Use a sharp boning knife or kitchen shears.
  2. With a pairing knife, scrape any skin towards the knuckle end of the bone downwards and pull it over the knuckle to remove it completely.
  3. Next, with your hands, hold the knuckle and push the meat to the opposite end toward the base of the drumstick. Make it evenly compact and in the shape of a lollipop.
  4. You might notice a small bone that you can feel with your fingers. Wiggle it around until it pops out.
How To Season And Bake The Chicken Lollipops
  1. Add all the spices in a medium-sized bowl and stir to combine, set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the fruit spread with the lemon juice and spices; set aside.
  3. Rub each drumstick with the mixed spices until well coated and all dry rub is used up. Place them upright on the reserved prepared baking sheet.
  4. Drizzle each drumstick with the tip of a teaspoon equally with some olive oil. Not too much because you want the dry rub to stick, but just enough to crisp the skin.
  5. Bake for 30 minutes. Then baste the drumsticks with the prepared sauce and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 170°F degrees when inserted into the thickest part.
  6. Serve them hot on a serving plate, and spoon any remaining sauce on the baking sheet on top of the drumsticks.

Notes

  • Helpful Tips:
  • Instead of a sharp knife, it is better to use kitchen scissors. It is so much easier to cut through the flesh and tendons, and it makes the whole process go quicker.
  • For the unsweetened fruit spread, use either of the following flavors: apricot, peach, or an orange marmalade. 
  • These chicken lollipops will be sweet and slightly spicy. 
  • In order to keep them upright without falling, you can cut a small piece of the end of the top to flatten it out. I usually never do. I just push the flesh and make it really compact, and that, most of the time, does the trick. However, it's okay if they don't all stay upright. If you bake them lying down, then turn them around 20 minutes into baking. 
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few minutes or in the oven at 400 degrees °F for about 7 to 10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 Calories 591kcal (30%) Carbohydrates 22g (7%) Protein 36g (72%) Fat 39g (60%) Saturated Fat 10g (50%) Polyunsaturated Fat 8g Monounsaturated Fat 18g Trans Fat 0.1g Cholesterol 200mg (67%) Sodium 789mg (33%) Potassium 533mg (15%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 14g (28%) Vitamin A 1074IU (21%) Vitamin C 5mg (6%) Calcium 48mg (5%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 5Servings (2 drumsticks per person)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 591

% Daily Value*

Serving 1
Calories 591kcal 30%
Carbohydrates 22g 7%
Protein 36g 72%
Fat 39g 60%
Saturated Fat 10g 50%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8g 47%
Monounsaturated Fat 18g 90%
Trans Fat 0.1g 5%
Cholesterol 200mg 67%
Sodium 789mg 33%
Potassium 533mg 11%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 14g 28%
Vitamin A 1074IU 21%
Vitamin C 5mg 6%
Calcium 48mg 5%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.