Finger-Licking Traeger Chicken Wing Lollipops Recipe

Crispy traeger chicken wing lollipops bring serious game-day excitement to your table.

These tender bites pack a flavor punch that’ll make everyone cheer.

Friends and game watchers will marvel at the smoky, perfectly charred exterior.

A simple marinade works magic on ordinary chicken wings, turning them into crowd-pleasing delights.

The secret lies in the carefully selected seasonings and precise grilling technique.

Wooden pellets infuse each wing with a rich, complex taste that sets these lollipops apart from typical appetizers.

These wings promise to be the star attraction at any gathering.

Come hungry and ready to savor every single delectable morsel.

Creative Variations For Traeger Chicken Wing Lollipops Recipe

• Spicy Chili Lime Smoke Wings: Replace the original seasoning with a zesty blend of chili powder, lime zest, cumin, and a touch of brown sugar for a tangy, heat-packed flavor profile that will electrify your taste buds.
• Herbal Mediterranean Wing Delight: Swap the spice mix with dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, and a sprinkle of lemon pepper, creating a fresh, aromatic experience that transports you to Mediterranean coastlines.
• Korean Gochujang Glazed Wings: Substitute the BBQ glaze with a fiery mixture of gochujang paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey, delivering a bold, sweet-spicy Korean-inspired coating that packs serious punch.
• Caribbean Jerk Wing Explosion: Transform the seasoning with a robust jerk spice blend featuring allspice, thyme, cinnamon, and scotch bonnet peppers, then finish with a rum-infused glaze for a tropical grilling adventure.

Need-To-Know Answers For Traeger Chicken Wing Lollipops Recipe

• Why use the lollipop technique for chicken wings?

The lollipop method creates a more elegant and easy-to-eat wing by exposing the meat and removing excess skin and cartilage. It also allows for better seasoning coverage and a more uniform cooking experience.

• Can I use a different type of wood for smoking?

Absolutely! While hickory, apple, and cherry woods are recommended, you can experiment with other woods like pecan or mesquite. Each wood will impart a slightly different smoky flavor to your wings.

• How do I know when the wings are perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The wings are done when they reach 175-180F, which ensures they’re juicy and fully cooked without being dry. The meat should easily pull away from the bone.

• Is the spice mix essential, or can I use a pre-made seasoning?

While the homemade spice mix offers a balanced flavor, you can use a pre-made BBQ or chicken rub. However, the custom blend allows you to control the heat and taste precisely to your preference.

Why Traeger Chicken Wing Lollipops Recipe Is So Fun To Eat

• Craft Gourmet Lollipops: Transform ordinary chicken wings into restaurant-quality lollipops with simple knife skills, creating a visually stunning and delicious appetizer that impresses guests.
• Master Smoky Flavor Infusion: Leverage the Traeger smoker's low-and-slow cooking technique with wood chips to develop deep, complex flavors that elevate traditional chicken wings into a mouthwatering delicacy.
• Unleash Easy Gourmet Cooking: Achieve professional-level results with minimal effort, using a straightforward seasoning blend and simple glazing technique that turns home cooking into a gourmet experience.
• Customize Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different wood chips and personalize the spice mix, allowing home cooks to create unique flavor profiles that suit individual taste preferences.

Ingredients List For Traeger Chicken Wing Lollipops Recipe

• Chicken Drumettes: Tender chicken pieces perfect for creating lollipop-style wings with a delightful presentation.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne: A robust seasoning mix that adds depth and heat to the chicken, creating a bold flavor profile.

• BBQ Sauce, Honey, Butter, Apple Cider Vinegar: A sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully, giving the wings a glossy and flavorful finish.

• Olive Oil: Helps seasonings adhere to the chicken and promotes even browning.
• Hickory, Apple, or Cherry Wood: Provides a subtle smoky flavor that complements the chicken.

• Parsley, Sesame Seeds: Fresh herbs or seeds for added visual appeal and light crunch.

Easy Instructions For Traeger Chicken Wing Lollipops Recipe

Step 1: Transform Chicken Drumettes

Grab your sharp knife and slice around the base of each drumette, cutting through the tendons. Gently push the meat down toward the thicker end, creating that classic lollipop shape. Carefully remove any loose cartilage or extra bits for a clean, professional look.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Seasoning

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper

Drizzle olive oil over the drumettes to help the seasoning stick like a charm. Mix all dry spices in a bowl, then generously coat each wing, ensuring every inch is covered with the magical spice blend.

Step 3: Fire Up the Traeger

Set your Traeger to a low and slow 225°F. Choose your favorite wood chips – hickory brings bold flavor, apple offers sweetness, or cherry adds a delicate touch. Let the smoker warm up for about 10-15 minutes, building anticipation for the delicious wings to come.

Step 4: Smoke to Perfection

Carefully place the chicken lollipops upright on the smoker grates, bone-side down. Let them smoke lazily for 60-90 minutes, allowing the wood flavor to work its magic. Keep an eye on the internal temperature until it hits 155°F.

Step 5: Glaze with Glory

• BBQ sauce
• Honey
• Melted butter
• Apple cider vinegar

Crank up the Traeger to 375°F. Brush the glaze generously over each wing. Cook for another 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 175-180°F and the glaze caramelizes into a sticky, beautiful coating.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Give the wings a quick 5-minute rest to lock in those incredible juices. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some chopped parsley or sesame seeds on top. Dive in and enjoy your masterpiece!

Tips To Nail Traeger Chicken Wing Lollipops Recipe

• Master the Chicken Lollipop Technique: Carefully slice and push meat down to create a perfect lollipop shape, removing any loose cartilage for a professional-looking presentation.
• Boost Flavor with Strategic Seasoning: Drizzle olive oil before applying spice mix to ensure maximum adherence and create a delicious, even coating that locks in moisture.
• Choose Wood Wisely for Smoky Depth: Select hickory, apple, or cherry wood to infuse wings with complementary smoky undertones that elevate the overall taste profile.
• Create Irresistible Glaze Magic: Combine BBQ sauce, honey, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar for a sticky, caramelized finish that transforms ordinary wings into a mouthwatering delicacy.
• Temperature Control is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure wings reach the perfect internal temperature, guaranteeing juicy meat and safe consumption while maintaining optimal texture.

How To Keep Traeger Chicken Wing Lollipops Recipe Crispy

• Preserve your delicious chicken wing lollipops by storing them properly.
• Transfer leftover wings to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
• Keep them chilled for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor.
• Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer at 350F for 10-12 minutes to maintain their crispy exterior and juicy interior.
• Avoid microwaving, as this can make the skin soggy and compromise the wing's texture.
• When freezing, wrap individual wings tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.
• Frozen wings will stay good for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best results.

Pairing Ideas For Traeger Chicken Wing Lollipops Recipe

• Craft Complementary Beer Pairings: Match these smoky, sweet-glazed wings with a crisp IPA or amber ale to cut through the richness and enhance the BBQ flavors. Hoppy beers provide a perfect counterpoint to the honey and spice elements.
• Create Zesty Dipping Companion: Whip up a cool ranch or blue cheese dressing with fresh herbs to balance the wings' heat. The creamy, tangy sauce will cool down the spicy cayenne and complement the smoky undertones.
• Design Sidekick Side Dishes: Serve alongside charred corn on the cob or a fresh coleslaw with apple cider vinegar dressing. These light, refreshing sides will highlight the wings' intense flavor profile without overwhelming the palate.
• Select Wine Harmony: Choose a robust rosé or light-bodied pinot noir to match the wings' complex smoky-sweet character. These wines offer enough acidity and fruitiness to stand up to the bold BBQ glaze and spice mix.

Traeger Chicken Wing Lollipops Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Smoky Traeger chicken wing lollipops elevate classic game day snacks with wood-fired perfection. Crispy exteriors and juicy interiors deliver a mouthwatering experience that brings backyard barbecue magic directly to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) chicken drumettes

Main Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
• ½ teaspoon (1.5 grams) black pepper
• 1 teaspoon (2 grams) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (2 grams) onion powder
• 1 teaspoon (2 grams) smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon (1 gram) cayenne pepper

Liquid and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) honey
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) apple cider vinegar

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Instructions

1. Transform chicken drumettes into elegant lollipop shapes by slicing around the base and pushing meat toward the thicker end, carefully removing loose cartilage and tendons for a polished presentation.
2. Massage drumettes with olive oil to help seasoning adhere, then generously coat with a robust spice blend featuring salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne for maximum flavor complexity.
3. Ignite the Traeger smoker to 225F, selecting hickory, apple, or cherry wood chips to infuse a delicate smoky essence into the meat, allowing the grill to stabilize for approximately 15 minutes.
4. Arrange chicken lollipops vertically on the grill grates, ensuring bone-side down positioning for even heat distribution and optimal smoke absorption during the initial 60-90 minute cooking phase.
5. Craft a luxurious glaze by combining BBQ sauce, honey, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy flavors.
6. Elevate the smoker temperature to 375F, meticulously brushing each lollipop with the prepared glaze, continuing to cook until the internal temperature reaches 175-180F and a rich, caramelized exterior develops.
7. Allow the wings to rest briefly, permitting juices to redistribute, then plate with an optional sprinkle of fresh parsley or toasted sesame seeds for an elevated presentation.

Notes

• Transform tough chicken drumettes into tender, elegant lollipops by carefully pushing meat down, creating a clean, professional presentation that impresses guests.
• Ensure maximum flavor absorption by drizzling olive oil before seasoning, helping spices cling perfectly to each wing’s surface.
• Control smoky intensity by experimenting with different wood chips like hickory for bold flavor, apple for subtle sweetness, or cherry for a balanced profile.
• Create gluten-free version by using certified gluten-free BBQ sauce and checking all seasoning ingredients for potential wheat contamination.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Smoking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 367
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 675 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg