Honey Bourbon Chicken Lollipops

 Inspired by Jeff Mauro in his backyard whipping these up. 

2 pounds of chicken drumsticks

1 cup store bought honey bourbon bbq sauce

1 tbsp dijon mustard

1 tsp red wine vinegar

a few dashes of hot sauce

Taste for sweetness and add a little honey or brown sugar if you want it a little sweeter

Sweet and Smoky Grill Mates bbq rub

Mesquite Grill Mates bbq rub

1 TBSP 5 pepper/5 salt rub or about 1 tsp each of regular salt and pepper

Directions: 

1. To make the lollipops use a sharp knife and lop off a small piece of the drum end to flatten out the drumstick so it stands up. Then using a pairing knife, about a 1/2 inch below the bulb on the handle end, cut all the way around and pull off the skin around the top. Using a paper towel, slide the drum stick meat down and pull skin down all the way over and to the edge. It should start to look like a lollipop. It doesn't look perfect now but it will look better once cooked. 

2. Once al chicken drums are cut and ready, combine spices and then roll the chicken drumsticks in the seasonings.  Coat evenly all the way around and underneath. Let sit for 30 minutes to bring to room temp. 

3. Preheat grill to 375. Oil the grates. Put a smoker box in the back of the grill. 

4. Reduce heat to 350. Put the chicken lollipops on the grill standing up right in front of the smoker box. Close the lid and leave untouched for 15-20 minutes. The bottom end will start to char - thats good. 

5. Reduce heat again to 300-325. Now put the lillipops laying down. Close the lid. Keep turning every 10 minutes or so until a full hour passes.  All sides should be nicely charred and crispy. 

6. While the chicken is cooking, combine the sauce ingredients on your side burner and heat up. When the chicken is done, take one lollipop at a time and dip and swirl it in the sauce and place it standing upright again on the grill. Dip and swirl all the wings. Close the lid and let the sauce set and smoke for 10 minutes.  Serve with additional sauce drizzle on the side, if desired. 

Enjoy with a smoky Malbec!