Have you seen the latest TikTok craze? Step out of the spotlight chicken wing—your frugal, flavorful drumstick cousin is taking main stage!

The Chicken Lollipop

This month’s snackbyte is more of a “snack-gestion” since there are so many wonderful rubs, sauces, and slatherings you can use on your lollipops, but don’t worry, we’ll teach you the basics of these poultry pops.

Three Simple Ingredients

• Drumsticks
• Seasoning/sauce/rub
• The willpower to resist eating all of them

Directions

With a small knife (a paring knife will work well), carefully cut around the top bone of the drumstick (this will be the thinner, less meaty side). Be sure to cut all the way through the skin, meat, and any tendons - all the way down to the bone.

Push or slide the meat and skin toward the thicker end of the drumstick to create a “lollipop” - you can leave as is, or clean the remaining skin and tendons off the end, or simply cut the joint off for a clean presentation. Place onto a baking sheet while you prepare your rub, sauce, or marinade.

Here’s where things get exciting. You can BBQ, deep fry, bake or broil these savory snacks - it all depends on your personal preference.

Grill, air fry, bake or deep fry until the internal temperature reaches 175F.

Snack-gestions

Game day? Try air frying until golden brown with salt and pepper, Then toss in classic buffalo sauce.

Hosting a party? Try mixing honey, soy sauce, red pepper flakes in a bowl and coating lollipops thoroughly. Wrap with bacon and bake.

Grilling season already? Slather in your favorite BBQ sauce and hit the grill - bonus points for using smoked chips.

Craving comfort? Soak your lollies in buttermilk for at least 4 hours. Make a dredge of flour, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne (optional). Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge in flour mixture. Add to a preheated deep fryer and fry until golden brown.