Description
This Easy Baked Chicken Lollipops recipe transforms chicken drumsticks into fun, flavorful lollipop-shaped bites. Coated with a smoky, spicy blend of paprika, cumin, and coriander, and baked to crispy perfection, these chicken lollipops make a perfect appetizer or snack served with a zesty cilantro jalapeño sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2.5 – 3 pounds (1.1 – 1.4 kg) chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Spice Mix
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Serving
- Cilantro jalapeño sauce (or your favorite dipping sauce)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a rimmed pan with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Prep the Chicken: Trim the bottom of each drumstick’s bone to create a flat base so the drumstick can stand upright. Use kitchen scissors or a sharp knife to cut through the skin and tendons near the bone’s base. Remove and discard the skin and cartilage from the smaller end. Push the meat down toward the thicker end to shape the drumstick like a lollipop.
- Oil the Chicken: Drizzle the chicken lollipops with olive oil, ensuring they’re well coated to help the spices stick and promote browning.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle powder, ground coriander, and ground cumin. Evenly coat each chicken lollipop with this spice mixture for full flavor.
- Arrange for Baking: Stand the chicken lollipops upright on the prepared pan, spaced evenly to allow air circulation for crispiness.
- Bake: Bake the chicken lollipops for approximately 35 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C) and the skin becomes crispy and golden brown.
- Serve: Serve the hot chicken lollipops immediately with the cilantro jalapeño sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C) for safety and tenderness.
- Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your preference by reducing or increasing the chipotle powder.
- Use kitchen shears carefully when prepping the chicken to avoid injury.
- Leftover chicken lollipops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
