Smoked Chili Sesame Chicken Lollipops

Smoked Chili Sesame Chicken Lollipops Recipe (BBQ Crowd Favorite!)

Smoked Chili Sesame Chicken Lollipops are a ton of fun to make and deliver an incredible mix of smoky flavor, crispy bacon, and juicy dark meat chicken.

This classic BBQ item turns humble chicken legs into impressive, restaurant-worthy bites using simple tools like a sharp knife, a pair of kitchen shears, and a paper towel for grip. Wrapped in savory bacon, brushed with bold chili-sesame barbecue sauce, and finished with toasted sesame seeds, these lollipops are guaranteed to steal the show at your next cookout.

Whether you’re cooking for a small family, meal prepping for the week, or wanting to elevate a weekend backyard barbecue, this is a great recipe that promises both flavor and fun. Below is a full breakdown of how to achieve the best results, from prep to cook time, along with pro tips to ensure crispy skin and perfectly cooked, juicy meat every time.

Why Chicken Lollipops Are a BBQ Favorite

Chicken lollipops start with transforming standard drumsticks into a round, “ball of meat” at the base, leaving a clean bone handle at the top.

They look gourmet, cook evenly, and are incredibly versatile. This version takes inspiration from bacon-wrapped chicken lollipops, adding an irresistible layer of savory crunch while sealing moisture inside.

Using a pellet smoker enhances them even further, creating deep, rich smoke flavor that pairs beautifully with spicy-sweet Bachan’s Chili Sesame glaze. If you prefer, these can also be baked in the oven—still delicious, still impressive.

Ingredients for Smoked Chili Sesame Chicken Lollipops

• 12 Chicken drumsticks
• 1-pound regular cut bacon
• ½ cup Bachan’s Chili Sesame
• ¼ cup scallions, sliced
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp black pepper

How to Make Smoked Chili Sesame Chicken Lollipops

1. Prep the Chicken

Start by using a sharp knife to cut around the drumstick about two inches below the knuckle. This frees the skin and sinew, allowing you to pull it off cleanly. A paper towel gives you great grip to remove the tendon, excess skin, and loose meat.

Then, trim the bottom of the meat end so the lollipops can stand upright. This small step helps them cook evenly and prevents them from falling over on your wire rack.

2. Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Place the trimmed drumsticks into a large zip-top bag, then pour in the Bachan’s Chili Sesame marinade. Mix thoroughly so every piece is coated. Marinate for at least one hour—or overnight for deeper flavor.

When ready to cook, remove from the marinade and lightly season with salt and black pepper.

3. Wrap the Chicken in Bacon

To create the signature bacon crust, wrap each drumstick tightly with slices of bacon, starting at the top and spiraling downward. For larger drumsticks, you may need two strips.

Press the bacon firmly to form a smooth “ball” shape. If needed, secure with a toothpick—just be sure to remove it before serving.

4. Set Up for Smoking

Place the wrapped drumsticks upright on a wire rack with a sheet pan beneath it to catch the drippings. This improves airflow, encourages crispy skin, and keeps cleanup easy.

Preheat your pellet smoker or oven to 275°F. This temperature slowly renders the bacon while gently smoking the chicken, producing tender, juicy meat with a bold smoky flavor.

5. Smoke to the Ideal Internal Temperature

Cook the lollipops until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 170°F. Chicken legs (dark meat) become tender and pull-apart juicy at higher temps than chicken breast, so don’t be afraid to let them climb a bit—this ensures the best results.

6. Glaze and Garnish

Remove from the heat and drizzle generously with more Bachan’s Chili Sesame. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced scallions for aroma, texture, and a pop of color.

This finishing glaze creates delicious glazes that cling to the crispy bacon and smoky chicken, transforming the lollipops into a glossy, flavor-packed BBQ treat.

Tips for Success

• Use a paper towel for grip when pulling the skin—it makes the prep much easier.
• Trim the base flat so the lollipops stand upright for even cooking.
• For extra smoky depth, use a stronger wood pellet like hickory or oak.
• If baking instead of smoking, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra crispiness.
• Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before glazing to allow juices to settle.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe balances rich dark meat chicken, smoky bacon, and a bold chili-sesame glaze—all cooked low and slow for succulent texture. Transforming the drumsticks into lollipops ensures even cooking, while the bacon self-bastes the meat. The final result is a glossy, sticky, crispy bite that feels like a gourmet upgrade to a BBQ classic.

Smoked Chili Sesame Chicken Lollipops are eye-catching, packed with flavor, and perfect for your next cookout. Give them a try—you’ll want to make them again and again!

More Delicious Chicken Recipes to try!

Smoked Chimichurri Chicken Thighs

Juicy smoked chicken thighs coated in zesty homemade chimichurri deliver bold herbal flavor, smoky depth, and tender meat—an easy, vibrant recipe perfect for grilling nights and weeknight dinners.

Smoked Cajun Alfredo Chicken Wings

Crispy smoked chicken wings tossed in creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce create a rich, spicy, and indulgent dish—combining smoky flavor with smooth, cheesy heat for the ultimate comfort-food wing.

Honey Bourbon Bacon Wrapped Chicken Lollipops

Chicken lollipops wrapped in smoky bacon and glazed with sticky honey bourbon sauce offer the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors—an irresistible party appetizer or grill-night favorite.

Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Bright, zesty lemon pepper wings grilled to perfection deliver crispy skin, juicy meat, and bold citrus flavor—an easy, crowd-pleasing wing recipe ideal for summer cookouts and weeknight meals.

Smoked Bacon Wrapped Chicken Wings

Tender smoked chicken wings wrapped in crispy bacon create a smoky, savory masterpiece—rich flavor, juicy meat, and crispy edges make this wing recipe unforgettable at any barbecue or gathering.

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