Greek Chicken Lollipops
Recipe
Smoky, herb-marinated chicken drumsticks cooked until tender with a lightly crisp exterior. Serve with fresh lemon and tzatziki sauce for dipping.
Print Recipe
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Yield
4–5 servings
⏱
Prep Time
20 Min.
🔥
Cook Time
60–90 Min.
⌛
Total Time
5–7 Hours
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Ingredients
- 8–10 chicken drumsticks
- 5–6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 shallot, diced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Tzatziki sauce, for dipping
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Equipment
- Smoker or oven
- Sharp knife
- Instant-read thermometer
- Aluminum foil, optional for wrapping the bones
Directions
1
Prep the Chicken
Using a sharp knife, cut around the top of each drumstick near the bone. With paper towels, push down and remove the excess skin and meat to form a clean “lollipop” shape.
2
Build the Marinade
In a deep dish, combine the minced garlic, diced shallot, Dijon mustard, olive oil, dried rosemary, dill, oregano, onion powder, salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Mix until well combined.
3
Coat the Chicken
Add the chicken lollipops to the marinade and toss until each piece is fully coated.
4
Layer in Flavor
Tuck lemon wedges and fresh rosemary sprigs between the chicken pieces to infuse additional aroma and depth.
5
Marinate
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
6
Prep for Cooking
Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Optionally, wrap the exposed bones with aluminum foil for a clean presentation.
7
Season
Lightly season each drumstick with salt and pepper, or your favorite all-purpose seasoning, to build a better crust.
8
Cook the Chicken
Place the chicken lollipops in a smoker or oven set to 325°F (163°C). Cook until the internal temperature reaches 180°F (82°C), ensuring tender meat with a slightly crispy exterior.
9
Rest & Serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with tzatziki sauce and enjoy.
Pro Tips
Clean Up the Bones
Use a sharp knife and paper towels to remove the skin and meat from the exposed portion of each bone. Wrap the bones in foil before cooking for a cleaner presentation.
Allow Time to Marinate
Let the chicken marinate for at least 4–6 hours so the garlic, herbs, lemon, and olive oil can fully flavor the meat.
Check the Temperature
Use an instant-read thermometer and cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 180°F for tender drumsticks with a slightly crisp exterior.
