MULLIGAN & SAWTOOTH Peppery Citrus Chicken Drumstick Lollipops

Today, we’re out enjoying the summer heat with a fun and mouthwatering recipe that’s perfect for your next backyard bash. Get ready to impress your crew with Tacticalories flavored Chicken Drumstick Lollipops, using our signature Mulligan Citrus BBQ seasoning and Sawtooth Peppery Hickory BBQ sauce. Fire it up...

Chicken drumsticks offer several benefits, particularly for grilling and BBQ, that's why we're partying with them today.

Why Drumstick Lollipops?

1. Flavorful and Juicy: Drumsticks contain a higher fat content compared to leaner parts like the breast. This natural fat helps keep the meat moist and flavorful, especially when cooked over a grill. 

2. Cost-Effective: Drumsticks are often more budget-friendly than other cuts of chicken, making them a great option for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank. Save that extra cash for some refreshments.

3. Easy to Handle and Serve: The natural handle of the bone makes drumsticks easy to turn on the grill and fun to eat by hand. They're perfect for sword fighting during your backyard BBQs as well.

4. Versatile: Drumsticks take well to a variety of flavors, marinades, and seasonings. Their robust texture holds up well to high-heat cooking and smoking, which is ideal for experimenting with different BBQ techniques. I haven't met a drumstick I didn't love.

5. Kid-Friendly: Their easy-to-hold nature makes drumsticks a hit with kids, ensuring a family-friendly meal option that’s delicious and easy to eat. 

6. Consistent Cooking: The relatively uniform size and thickness of drumsticks help them cook evenly, which is especially important when grilling for a group to ensure all portions are safely and thoroughly cooked. When they're done, they're done.

7. Great for Marinating: The skin on drumsticks acts as a protective barrier that holds in marinades and sauces, allowing them to penetrate deeply into the meat and infuse it with more flavor. Boom.

These benefits make chicken drumsticks a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious, hassle-free BBQ experience. Now, let's up the ante...

MULLIGAN & SAWTOOTH Peppery Citrus Chicken Drumstick Lollipops

Ingredients:

• 12 chicken drumsticks
• Bottle of Tacticalories Sawtooth Peppery Hickory BBQ sauce
• Bottle of Tacticalories Mulligan Citrus BBQ seasoning
• 2 tablespoons oil of choice

Equipment:

• Pellet grill or Smoker of Choice
• Sharp knife
• Small saucepan
• Basting or Mopping brush

Preparation Steps:

1. Prep the Drumsticks:

   • Lay each drumstick on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut around the narrow end of the drumstick to loosen the meat from the bone.
   • Push the meat down to create a ‘lollipop’ appearance. Trim any excess tendons or fat. This technique not only makes them easy to handle but also fun to eat! Removing the tendons and fat leaves only the delicious meat and makes these lollipops a new backyard BBQ addiction.
   • For bonus points, make sure the thick end is close to flat with a little bit of trimming, as we will be cooking these standing up with the skinny bone end pointing to the sky.

2. Seasoning Time:

   • Drizzle a little oil over the drumsticks and rub evenly.
   • Generously apply the Tacticalories Mulligan Citrus BBQ seasoning to each drumstick, ensuring all sides are well-coated. The sweet-citrus notes will give your lollipops a zesty kick that perfectly complements the smoky flavor.

3. Fire Up the Grill:

   • Preheat your pellet grill or smoker to 275°F. If you’re using a pellet grill, make sure to fill the hopper with your favorite wood pellets for an optimal smoky flavor. Try Hickory to complement the SAWTOOTH BBQ sauce.

4. Grilling the Lollipops:

   • Place the drumsticks on the grill, standing them up on the meaty end so they look like lollipops. Close the lid and let them smoke for about 90 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

5. Saucy Finish:

   • While your chicken cooks, warm the Tacticalories SAWTOOTH Peppery Hickory BBQ sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.
   • In the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush a generous amount of sauce over each drumstick. In house, we use a mason jar full of sauce and dip the whole wing in. This step will not only add a layer of sticky, peppery goodness but also create a beautifully caramelized exterior.

6. Serving Suggestion:

   • Let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes after grilling. Serve them up on a platter with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. They’re perfect for your next neighborhood cal-de-sac kegger or kiddos birthday party.