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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Craft a luxurious glaze by combining BBQ sauce, honey, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy flavors.
- 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.
- 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