Looking for an exciting and incredibly delicious way to transform ordinary chicken drumsticks into a show-stopping dish? Look no further than these spectacular Chicken Drumstick Lollipops! Bursting with savory flavors and glazed with a delectable sweet chili sauce, these lollipop drumsticks are not just a meal; they’re an experience. Prepare for a finger-licking, tastebud-captivating adventure that will have everyone asking for more!

Flavorful Chicken Drumstick Lollipops: The Ultimate Party Appetizer & Main Course

Chicken drumsticks are a beloved classic, but with a simple technique, you can elevate them into something truly extraordinary: chicken lollipops. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step to create moist, tender chicken encased in a crispy, flavorful skin, all while offering a convenient “handle” for easy enjoyment. Whether you’re planning a casual gathering, a game day feast, or simply seeking a fun and delicious weeknight dinner, these chicken lollipops are guaranteed to be a hit. Discover the secrets to making these crowd-pleasing, finger-licking treats that combine incredible taste with impressive presentation.

What Are Chicken Lollipops? A Culinary Delight!

If you’ve never encountered chicken lollipops before, prepare to be charmed by their unique presentation and irresistible taste! The term “chicken lollipop” refers to chicken drumsticks that have been expertly “Frenched.” This culinary technique involves meticulously pushing the meat and skin down towards one end of the bone, creating a neat, round ball of succulent chicken meat at the top and exposing a clean bone at the bottom. This exposed bone ingeniously acts as a natural handle, making them incredibly easy and mess-free to eat – just like a sweet lollipop!

Beyond their playful and captivating appearance, Frenching drumsticks offers several significant advantages that enhance the overall eating experience. Firstly, it ensures remarkably even cooking, as the meat is consolidated into a uniform shape, preventing unevenly cooked sections. Secondly, this technique concentrates all the delectable crispy skin and delicious glaze onto the plump, meaty part, maximizing flavor in every single bite. The result is a perfect balance of juicy, tender chicken meat with a delightful crispy skin and a beautiful, caramelized glaze that adheres wonderfully. This transformation elevates them into a standout dish, setting them far apart from ordinary, un-Frenched drumsticks.

The Frenching process also meticulously removes any tough connective tissue, excess tendons, and unruly cartilage from the exposed bone. This not only contributes to the clean, elegant lollipop shape but also eliminates any chewy or undesirable bits, ensuring a consistently pleasant and tender eating experience from start to finish. These tender chicken lollipop drumsticks are remarkably versatile; they can be effortlessly served as an impressive and elegant appetizer for sophisticated gatherings or scaled up to become a hearty and satisfying main course, depending entirely on your hunger and the specific occasion. Their adaptability makes them a perfect choice for both casual backyard barbecues and more formal dinner parties.

Why You’ll Love Making Chicken Lollipop Drumsticks

These chicken lollipop drumsticks are more than just a recipe; they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings excitement, convenience, and unforgettable flavor to any meal. Here’s why they’re destined to become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire:

• Irresistible Presentation: Their unique, fun, and elegant lollipop shape is visually appealing and instantly grabs attention, making them absolutely perfect for parties, holiday celebrations, and special occasions. Kids and adults alike will be fascinated by their playful form, making them an instant conversation starter.
• Mess-Free Eating: The strategically exposed bone acts as a perfectly convenient, built-in handle, keeping fingers clean and making dipping into your favorite sauces an absolute breeze. Say goodbye to greasy hands and sticky fingers, and hello to a more refined (or at least cleaner!) snacking experience. This makes them ideal for mingling at parties.
• Superior Flavor & Texture: By expertly concentrating the meat and skin, the Frenching technique ensures that every single bite is packed with maximum flavor, boasts a perfectly crispy, golden-brown skin, and remains incredibly juicy and moist on the inside. The delicious glaze adheres beautifully to the compact meat ball, creating a delightful caramelized crust.
• Remarkably Versatile Serving Options: Whether you choose to serve them as a gourmet appetizer to kick off a meal, a hearty and satisfying main course alongside complementary sides, or a fun, easy-to-handle snack for game night or movie night, chicken lollipops fit seamlessly into virtually any menu or dining occasion.
• Effortlessly Easy to Customize: While the provided recipe offers a fantastic, robust base, it’s incredibly adaptable and encourages culinary creativity. You can easily experiment with a myriad of different spice blends, marinades, and glazes to create endless flavor combinations tailored precisely to your personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Outstanding Party Appeal: These lollipops are designed for sharing! Their individual portions and easy-to-handle nature make them perfect for potlucks, barbecues, birthdays, or any event where finger foods are appreciated. They’ll disappear from the platter in no time.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: The captivating and playful shape, combined with their universally loved delicious taste, makes them a huge hit with children. They often encourage even the pickiest eaters to dive in and enjoy their meal. It’s a truly great way to make chicken exciting and approachable for the entire family.

Next time you’re hosting a gathering, consider making this family-friendly recipe. It will undoubtedly become a favorite dish among everyone, and you might even need to make extra because plates will be cleared with enthusiastic speed! With the chicken skin’s perfect crispy texture on the meaty part of the drumstick and the small bone that’s perfectly designed for holding, it’s truly hard to resist having just one. Don’t be surprised if there are absolutely no leftover chicken lollipops after you’ve served this masterpiece!

Should you miraculously find yourself with any excess (a rare occurrence!), these delicious drumsticks reheat exceptionally well, allowing you to savor their delightful taste the next day. Now, let’s delve into the specific ingredients and precise techniques required to master the art of making these perfect chicken lollipops, ensuring a culinary triumph every time.

Essential Ingredients for Your Chicken Lollipops

Crafting these delectable chicken lollipops requires a straightforward list of readily available ingredients, most of which you likely already have nestled in your pantry. The undeniable key to their success lies in the quality of your chicken and the harmonious, robust blend of seasonings. Here’s a detailed and insightful look at the core components that bring this recipe to life:

• Chicken Drumsticks: You’ll need approximately 3 pounds of chicken drumsticks for this recipe, which typically translates to about 8-10 individual pieces, depending on their varying size. For the absolute best results and utmost ease of preparation, fresh chicken drumsticks are highly recommended due to their superior texture and simpler handling. If you must use frozen drumsticks, it is absolutely crucial to allow them to thaw completely and thoroughly in the refrigerator overnight before attempting to French or prepare them. Attempting to French partially frozen chicken can be both challenging and potentially unsafe.
• Assorted Seasonings: The very heart and soul of any truly flavorful chicken dish lies in its seasoning. This recipe utilizes a meticulously chosen, robust blend to ensure that every single bite is packed with an explosion of savory goodness. You’ll need:
  • Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: These foundational spices provide a deeply savory base, adding complex depth without introducing the excess moisture of fresh aromatics, which is vital for helping to achieve and maintain that desirable crispy skin.
  • Paprika: This vibrant spice contributes a beautiful reddish hue to the chicken and imparts a mild, earthy sweetness that enhances its overall appeal. For an extra layer of smoky sophistication, consider using smoked paprika.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Absolutely essential for introducing a subtle yet invigorating kick of heat that perfectly complements the luscious sweet chili glaze. Feel free to adjust the amount to precisely suit your personal spice preference.
  • Salt (Table or Kosher): Crucial not just for seasoning, but for enhancing and bringing out all the other delightful flavors, ensuring the chicken is perfectly seasoned throughout its core.
  • Chicken Bouillon Powder: This often-overlooked secret ingredient works wonders by amplifying the chicken’s natural, inherent taste, adding an extra layer of umami and richness that truly sets this recipe apart from the rest.
  • Dried Basil: Adds a delicate hint of aromatic, herbaceous freshness that brightens the entire flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Used to lightly coat the chicken drumsticks before the seasoning is applied, the olive oil performs a dual function: it helps the spices adhere uniformly to the meat, creating an even flavor distribution, and it promotes the development of a golden, irresistibly crispy skin during the baking process. Opt for a good quality olive oil with a high smoke point for optimal results.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: This vibrant and dynamic sauce is the undisputed star glaze of the dish, providing a perfect and harmonious balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes. It caramelizes beautifully on the chicken during the final baking stage, creating a sticky, glossy, and mouth-watering coating. Always keep extra sweet chili sauce on hand for dipping, as it perfectly complements the cooked chicken lollipops and allows for personalized flavor adjustments. You can easily find excellent store-bought options, or for an extra special and bespoke touch, consider making your own homemade version.

For the precise quantities and a comprehensive, easy-to-follow ingredient list, please refer to the detailed recipe card conveniently located at the bottom of this page.

Creative Recipe Variations for Your Chicken Lollipops

While the classic sweet chili glazed chicken lollipops are undeniably delicious and a true crowd-pleaser, this recipe serves as an excellent canvas for boundless culinary creativity. Do not hesitate to experiment with different cooking methods and diverse flavor profiles to perfectly suit your taste, dietary preferences, or the specific occasion:

• Air Fryer Chicken Lollipops: For an accelerated cooking time and exceptionally crispy results, your air fryer is an absolutely fantastic and efficient tool. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the lollipops in small batches, ensuring you do not overcrowd the basket, which would inadvertently steam them instead of achieving that desired crispiness. Cook for 10-12 minutes, carefully flip them, and then cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature precisely reaches 170°F (77°C). Brush generously with your chosen sauce during the last few minutes of cooking to create a beautiful glaze.
• Grilled or Smoked Chicken Lollipops: Elevate the flavor profile significantly with the irresistible smoky char of a grill or the deep, rich, complex taste imparted by a smoker.
  • Grilling: Preheat your grill to a consistent medium-high heat (approximately 375-400°F / 190-200°C). Thoroughly brush the grill grates with oil beforehand to prevent any sticking. Grill the lollipops, turning them frequently to ensure even cooking, for about 30-40 minutes in total, or until they are fully cooked through. Begin basting generously with your chosen sauce during the last 10-15 minutes to allow it to caramelize.
  • Smoking: For a true low-and-slow culinary experience, smoke the lollipops at a stable temperature of 225-250°F (107-121°C). To effectively prevent the exposed bones from charring or drying out, wrap them loosely with a small piece of aluminum foil before placing them into the smoker. Smoke for approximately 1.5-2.5 hours, or until the precise internal temperature is reached, then brush with sauce and continue to smoke for an additional 15-30 minutes to beautifully set the glaze.
• Korean BBQ Chicken Lollipops: Infuse an utterly irresistible Korean-inspired flavor into your lollipops for an exotic twist. Modify the standard dry rub seasoning by incorporating a small pinch of brown sugar and a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Instead of the sweet chili sauce, generously glaze the chicken with a rich, authentic Korean BBQ sauce. Seek out sauces that feature a harmonious blend of gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sriracha for a fiery kick, honey or brown sugar for balanced sweetness, soy sauce for profound umami, and a touch of fresh garlic and ginger for aromatic depth. Garnish lavishly with extra sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions for a vibrant finish.
• Spicy Sriracha-Honey Lollipops: For those who ardently love a fiery kick perfectly balanced with a delightful sweetness, combine sriracha with honey and a touch of soy sauce for your vibrant glaze. You can also intensify the heat by adding more red pepper flakes or a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper to the initial dry rub seasoning.
• Herb-Crusted Lollipops: For a more aromatic, earthy, and rustic flavor profile, significantly enhance your dry rub with additional fragrant dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano. This sophisticated variation pairs exceptionally beautifully with a bright lemon-garlic butter sauce instead of the traditional sweet chili.
• Lemon Pepper Lollipops: A zesty, tangy, and refreshingly bright option! Completely omit the paprika and red pepper flakes from the dry rub. Instead, use generous amounts of a high-quality lemon pepper seasoning blend. Glaze with a simple yet elegant lemon-butter sauce after baking for a truly bright and invigorating finish that awakens the palate.

Smart Ingredient Substitutions

Life invariably happens, and sometimes you don’t have every single ingredient on hand in your kitchen. Fear not, for these chicken drumstick lollipops are remarkably forgiving, and many components can be successfully and easily substituted without compromising the overall delicious flavor or desired texture:

• Seasonings:
  • Onion Powder/Garlic Powder: If you only have dehydrated onion or garlic granules, they will work perfectly well and achieve a similar flavor profile. For an even stronger, fresher flavor, you can finely mince fresh garlic and grate a small amount of onion, but be mindful that the extra moisture introduced might affect the crispiness of the skin slightly.
  • Paprika: Smoked paprika is an absolutely excellent substitute for regular paprika, as it adds a deeper, more complex smoky dimension that enhances the chicken’s savory notes. For a spicier kick, feel free to use hot paprika or a blend of other chili powders to taste.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Any assorted chili flakes you have in your pantry or even a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper can be effectively used in place of red pepper flakes to achieve comparable heat levels and a similar spicy warmth.
  • Dried Basil: A versatile Italian seasoning blend can serve as a very good alternative, offering a mix of Mediterranean herbs. Alternatively, you can opt for dried oregano or thyme on their own for a slightly different, yet equally pleasant, herbaceous note.
• Sauce: The sweet chili sauce provides a unique and signature flavor, but you have a plethora of fantastic options for glazing to explore:
  • Spicy Alternatives: If you crave significantly more heat, consider using a zesty garlic buffalo sauce, a fiery spicy BBQ sauce, or even a homemade sriracha-honey glaze for an intense kick that chili lovers will adore.
  • Sweet & Savory Options: A classic homemade BBQ sauce, a rich honey-garlic sauce, or even a vibrant teriyaki glaze would all be absolutely fantastic and provide a comforting, familiar flavor. For a brighter and fresher profile, a zesty lemon-herb sauce with plenty of fresh lemon juice and finely chopped parsley or cilantro can be used to lighten the dish.
  • Dietary Considerations: If you are catering to specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free, always ensure your chosen sauce is certified or explicitly stated as gluten-free.
• Oil: While olive oil is generally preferred for its pleasant flavor and relatively high smoke point, other neutral oils with a similarly high smoke point will work equally well without imparting an unwanted taste. Excellent options include canola oil, vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, or avocado oil. Crucially, avoid using oils with very low smoke points, as they can burn and smoke during the high-temperature baking process, affecting both the flavor and safety of your dish.

How To Make Chicken Drumstick Lollipops: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these impressive and delicious chicken lollipops is a fun, engaging, and surprisingly simple process once you understand the technique. Follow these detailed steps meticulously, and refer to the accompanying images for clear visual guidance, to consistently achieve perfectly cooked, beautifully presented, and utterly mouth-watering results every time:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by thoroughly patting each chicken drumstick dry with several layers of paper towels. Removing every bit of excess moisture from the skin is an absolutely crucial initial step for achieving that coveted irresistibly crispy skin during baking. Do not skip this!
2. French the Drumsticks: This is the signature technique that transforms ordinary drumsticks into elegant lollipop shapes.
   

   

   On a clean and stable cutting board, use a pair of very sharp kitchen shears (kitchen scissors) or a very sharp, thin-bladed kitchen knife (like a paring or boning knife). Make a precise circular cut all the way around the bone, just below the meaty part where the drumstick naturally widens, near the knuckle. Once the cut is made, gently but firmly push all the meat, skin, and connective tissue downwards towards the thick, wider end of the drumstick. You might need to use the paring knife to meticulously scrape any stubborn remaining skin or fine connective tissue from the newly exposed bone, working carefully towards the knuckle. This meticulous scraping ensures a perfectly clean, smooth bone handle that is aesthetically pleasing and easy to hold.

3. Form the Lollipop Shape: Once all the meat is successfully pushed down, you will clearly see a neat, compact ball of chicken meat at one end and a beautifully clean, exposed bone at the other, creating the distinctive lollipop shape. To help the chicken drumstick stand upright and stable on the baking sheet (which significantly aids in even cooking and enhances presentation), carefully trim any excess cartilage or ragged bits from the very bottom of the meaty end, slightly flattening it to create a stable base.



4. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to a robust 400°F (200°C). Line a large, sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup and to prevent any sticking. For an even crispier result and better airflow around the chicken, consider placing a wire rack on top of the parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Create the Seasoning Blend: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine all the dry seasoning ingredients: salt, chicken bouillon powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Mix them thoroughly and vigorously to ensure an even and consistent distribution of all the wonderful flavors.
6. Season the Chicken: Lightly but evenly brush each frenched chicken lollipop with olive oil. This oil acts as an excellent binder for the seasonings, ensuring they adhere beautifully, and also plays a crucial role in creating that desirable golden, crispy crust during baking. Then, generously coat each drumstick with the prepared seasoning mix, ensuring all surfaces of the meaty part are thoroughly and uniformly covered.



7. Initial Bake: Carefully arrange the seasoned chicken lollipops on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded. Ample space between each lollipop is key for even cooking and crisping. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for an initial period of 30 minutes. During this stage, the chicken will begin to cook through, and the skin will start its journey to becoming delightfully crispy.



8. Apply the Glaze: Carefully and safely remove the baking sheet from the hot oven. Using a clean pastry brush, generously brush each chicken lollipop with the sweet chili sauce. Ensure an even and thorough coating for a beautiful, uniform glaze and maximum flavor adherence.



9. Final Bake: Return the glazed chicken lollipops to the oven and continue baking for another 15 minutes. This critical final baking stage allows the sauce to caramelize beautifully, becoming wonderfully sticky and glossy, while the chicken finishes cooking to absolute perfection. The chicken is fully and safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 170°F (77°C) when measured in the thickest part of the meat.

Top Tip: For accurate doneness and food safety, always use a reliable meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer probe into the thickest part of the chicken, being extremely careful to ensure it doesn’t touch the bone. You need the internal temperature reading from the very center of the meat, not from the cooler outer edges!

10. Rest and Serve: Once perfectly cooked, carefully remove the chicken lollipops from the oven and allow them to rest undisturbed for 5-10 minutes. This essential resting period allows the internal juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring an exceptionally tender and moist chicken lollipop.



11. Enjoy!: Serve your magnificent Chicken Drumstick Lollipops immediately while they are warm and at their peak flavor. Offer additional sweet chili sauce in a small, separate bowl for convenient dipping, allowing guests to customize their flavor experience. For an extra touch of freshness and vibrant color, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or green onions.

Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Lollipops Every Time

Achieving restaurant-quality chicken lollipops that are both visually stunning and incredibly delicious is easier than you think with these professional tips and tricks. Incorporate these insights into your cooking process to guarantee a culinary triumph every single time:

• Invest in Quality Kitchen Shears: A truly sharp and robust pair of kitchen shears will make the Frenching process significantly easier, faster, and crucially, safer. If you don’t possess shears, a sharp boning knife or a very sharp chef’s knife can also be effectively used with extreme caution. The cleaner and smoother the exposed bone, the more visually appealing and appetizing your finished lollipops will be.
• Never Skip Patting Dry: This step cannot be emphasized enough! Any excess moisture lingering on the chicken skin will actively prevent it from becoming crispy and golden during cooking. Always, always pat the drumsticks thoroughly dry with several layers of paper towels before you begin the seasoning process. This simple step is vital for that coveted crunch.
• Achieve Ultimate Crispy Skin with High Heat: Baking at a consistently higher temperature (such as 400°F / 200°C) is absolutely ideal for this recipe. High heat works wonders by efficiently rendering the fat in the skin, which creates a beautifully crispy, deeply golden exterior while simultaneously sealing in all the precious juices, ensuring the inside remains incredibly moist and tender. Avoid the temptation to use low heat, as it will most likely result in undesirable soft, rubbery skin that lacks appeal.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: It is paramount to give your chicken lollipops ample space on the baking sheet. If they are placed too close together, they will generate steam rather than roasting, which will inevitably prevent the skin from crisping up and the glaze from caramelizing properly. If necessary, do not hesitate to use two separate baking sheets to ensure proper spacing and airflow.
• Marination for Deeper Flavor (Optional): While this recipe is designed to be quick and delivers fantastic flavor, for an even deeper, more integrated taste, you can allow the seasoned chicken lollipops to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even up to 4 hours, before proceeding with the baking process. This extra time allows the spices to truly penetrate the meat.
• Rest Your Chicken: After the lollipops are fully baked, it is crucial to let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This brief but vital resting period allows the internal juices, which have migrated to the center during cooking, to redistribute evenly throughout the entire piece of meat. The result is a more consistently tender, moist, and flavorful chicken lollipop.
• Storing Leftovers: Any leftover chicken lollipops should be cooled completely to room temperature within two hours of cooking, then promptly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating for Crispiness: To effectively maintain their crispy exterior, it is best to avoid reheating chicken lollipops in the microwave, which tends to make them soggy. Instead, gently warm them in a preheated oven (350°F / 175°C) or an air fryer until they are heated through. For an extra boost of flavor and shine, you can brush them with a little extra sweet chili sauce after reheating.
• Food Safety First: The USDA strongly advises against rinsing raw chicken with cold water, as this practice can inadvertently spread bacteria around your kitchen surfaces and sink, a phenomenon known as cross-contamination. Instead, focus rigorously on properly washing your hands with soap and hot water after handling raw chicken, and thoroughly clean and sanitize all surfaces, cutting boards, and utensils that came into contact with the raw meat. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 170°F (77°C) for safe consumption, using a reliable meat thermometer.
• Garnish for Visual Appeal: A simple sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro, vibrant green onions, or a scattering of toasted sesame seeds can add a beautiful, vibrant pop of color, a burst of freshness, and an appealing textural contrast to your finished chicken lollipops, making them even more inviting.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Chicken Lollipops

These versatile and incredibly delicious chicken drumstick lollipops can be enjoyed on their own as a satisfying snack or appetizer, or thoughtfully paired with a delightful array of side dishes to create a complete, balanced, and utterly delightful meal. Here are some fantastic suggestions to perfectly complement their sweet, savory, and subtly spicy profile:

More Easy Chicken Recipes to Try

If you’re a devoted fan of chicken, and especially if you thoroughly enjoyed the ease, fun, and incredible flavor of these chicken drumstick lollipops, be sure to explore more delicious and inspiring chicken creations. From crispy, succulent wings to tender, juicy breasts, there’s always a new and exciting way to enjoy this remarkably versatile protein. Dive into some of my other favorite chicken recipes that are sure to become family favorites:

Discover More Chicken Favorites

• Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks
• Garlic Butter Wings
• Grilled Chicken Nuggets
• Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks
• One Pot Chicken Thighs And Rice

If you make this irresistible recipe for Chicken Drumstick Lollipops, we’d absolutely love to hear from you! Please take a moment to leave a star rating and a thoughtful comment below to share your wonderful experience and any personal twists you added. Your valuable feedback not only brightens our day but also genuinely helps other home cooks discover and enjoy this fantastic dish. Thank you for being a part of our culinary community!

Chicken Drumsticks Lollipops

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Looking for a fun way to enjoy chicken drumsticks? Make these Chicken Drumsticks Lollipops! Loaded with flavor and coated with sweet chili sauce, these lollipop drumsticks are finger-licking good!

Prep: 20 mins

Cook: 45 mins

Total: 1 hr 5 mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 8-10 chicken drumsticks (about 3 pounds)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder
• 1 Tablespoon paprika
• 1 Tablespoon onion powder
• 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 Tablespoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup sweet chili sauce

Instructions

1. Pat dry the chicken drumsticks with paper towels.
2. French the drumsticks: Working with kitchen shears or a sharp kitchen knife, cut around the bone right around the meaty part. Remove the skin and cartilage from the top part of the bone. Use a pairing knife and scrape towards the knuckle to remove any remaining skin and connective tissue.
3. Push the meat down towards the meaty part. Trim some cartilage from the meaty end to help the chicken drumstick stand upright.
4. Preheat oven to 400℉ (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. In a medium bowl, mix together the salt, chicken bouillon powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried basil, and red pepper flakes.
6. Brush each chicken lollipop with olive oil, and then coat it with the seasoning mix.
7. Place on the prepared baking sheet and place in the oven to bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove from the oven and brush each chicken lollipop with sweet chili sauce.
9. Bake for another 15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 170℉ (77°C).
10. Serve with more sweet chili sauce for dipping.

Notes

• Save the chicken scraps for homemade chicken stock.

Additional Info

Course: Dinner, Appetizer

Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion