Imagine biting into a crispy, juicy chicken drumstick that looks like a gourmet lollipop and tastes like a flavor explosion! These Oven Baked Chicken Lollipops are about to become your new favorite crowd-pleasing dish that combines restaurant-quality presentation with home-cooked comfort. Perfect for game days, family dinners, or impressing your friends, this recipe transforms ordinary chicken drumsticks into a mouthwatering masterpiece that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken drumsticks
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and achieves a nice crispy texture.
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to allow air circulation around the chicken.
- Rinse the chicken drumsticks under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture, allowing the skin to crisp up during baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl with the marinade. Toss them thoroughly until each piece is well-coated with the sauce and seasonings.
- To create the lollipop effect, use a sharp knife to cut around the bottom of the drumstick, pushing the meat down towards the thicker end to form a 'lollipop' shape. This not only looks appealing but also makes it easier to eat.
- Place the prepared chicken lollipops on the wire rack, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking and crisping.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The skin should be golden brown and crispy.
- During the last 5 minutes of baking, you can brush additional barbecue sauce over the chicken lollipops for extra flavor and a glossy finish.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken lollipops from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy chicken.
- Serve the oven-baked chicken lollipops hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for 2-4 hours before cooking if time allows.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches exactly 165°F for perfect doneness.
- Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning to help achieve that crispy, golden skin.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give each lollipop space to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
- Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to retain maximum juiciness.
- For extra crispiness, you can briefly broil the lollipops for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Experiment with different barbecue sauces to create unique flavor variations.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 160mg
