Traeger Chicken Wing Lollipops Recipe

These Traeger Chicken Wing Lollipops are a fun and delicious twist on classic smoked wings. The “lollipop” technique creates an easy-to-eat handle while allowing for maximum crispy skin and juicy meat. Smoked low and slow, then finished at high heat for a crispy bite, these wings are perfect for BBQs, game days, or backyard cookouts.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Smoky & Crispy – Slow-smoked for deep flavor, then finished at high heat.
  • Easy to Eat – The lollipop shape makes them perfect for dipping.
  • Juicy & Flavorful – Smoked chicken stays incredibly moist.
  • Great for Parties – A fun, crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish.
  • Customizable – Use different rubs and sauces to make them your own.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Wings:

  • 2 lbs chicken drumettes or wings
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for binding)
  • 2 tbsp BBQ dry rub (or your favorite wing seasoning)

For the Sauce (Optional):

  • ½ cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey (for sweetness)
  • 1 tbsp butter (for richness)
  • 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for heat)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken Lollipops

  • Using a sharp knife, cut around the base of each drumette, separating the meat from the lower cartilage.
  • Push the meat down toward the thicker end, forming a “lollipop” shape.
  • Trim any excess cartilage or tendons for a cleaner look.

2. Season the Wings

  • Pat the wings dry with paper towels.
  • Toss with olive oil to help the seasoning stick.
  • Coat evenly with BBQ dry rub, ensuring full coverage.

3. Preheat the Traeger Smoker

  • Set your Traeger to 250°F using hickory, apple, or cherry wood pellets for the best smoky flavor.
  • Let it preheat for 15 minutes with the lid closed.

4. Smoke the Chicken Wings

  • Place the lollipops upright on the grill grates or use a wing rack for even cooking.
  • Smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

5. Glaze & Crank Up the Heat

  • In a saucepan, heat BBQ sauce, honey, butter, and hot sauce over low heat.
  • Brush the wings with the glaze.
  • Increase the Traeger temp to 400°F and cook for 10-15 minutes until the skin is crispy and the internal temp hits 175°F.

6. Serve & Enjoy

  • Remove from the smoker and let rest for 5 minutes.
  • Serve with ranch, blue cheese dressing, or extra BBQ sauce!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Smoke Time: 1.5-2 hours
  • Crisp Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Buffalo Lollipops – Toss in buffalo sauce instead of BBQ.
  • Garlic Parmesan Lollipops – Toss in melted butter, garlic, and Parmesan.
  • Teriyaki Glaze – Brush with teriyaki sauce for an Asian twist.
  • Lemon Pepper Wings – Season with lemon zest and black pepper for a citrusy kick.

Storage & Reheating

  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
  • Reheating:
    • Traeger – Reheat at 300°F for 10 minutes.
    • Oven – Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.
    • Air Fryer – Heat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
  • Freezing: Freeze smoked wings for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.

FAQs

What’s the best wood for smoking chicken wings?

Hickory, apple, cherry, or pecan add great flavor without overpowering the meat.

Do I have to use a wing rack?

No, but a rack keeps them upright for even cooking. Otherwise, place them directly on the grates.

How do I get the skin extra crispy?

After smoking, increase the heat to 400°F and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Can I use whole wings instead of drumettes?

Yes! Just follow the same process, but they may take a bit longer to cook.

What’s the ideal internal temp for smoked wings?

Aim for 175°F for the best texture—juicy but still firm.

Can I use a gas grill instead of a Traeger?

Yes! Use indirect heat at 250°F, then sear over direct heat at the end.

What’s the best dipping sauce?

Ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or extra BBQ sauce pair perfectly!

Can I marinate the wings before smoking?

Yes! Marinate for 2-4 hours in buttermilk, garlic, and seasonings for extra juiciness.


Conclusion

These Traeger Chicken Wing Lollipops are the perfect balance of smoky, crispy, and juicy. Whether for a party, game night, or BBQ feast, these fun and flavorful wings will be a hit every time. Fire up your smoker and enjoy a next-level chicken wing experience!

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Traeger Chicken Wing Lollipops Recipe

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These Traeger Chicken Wing Lollipops are a fun, elevated twist on traditional smoked wings. The drumettes are Frenched for easy handling, then slow-smoked and finished with a crispy, caramelized glaze. Perfect for game day, BBQs, or any gathering!

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer, Main Course
  • Method: Smoking, Grilling
  • Cuisine: American, BBQ

Ingredients

Scale

For the Wings:

  • 2 lbs chicken drumettes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

For the Glaze:

 

  • ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Lollipops

  1. Using a sharp knife, cut around the base of each drumette, slicing through the tendons.
  2. Push the meat down toward the thicker end, forming a “lollipop” shape.
  3. Remove any loose cartilage or tendons for a clean look.

2. Season the Wings

  1. Drizzle olive oil over the drumettes to help the seasoning stick.
  2. In a bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne.
  3. Evenly coat each wing with the spice mix.

3. Preheat the Traeger

  • Set your Traeger to 225°F and use hickory, apple, or cherry wood for a smoky flavor.
  • Allow the smoker to preheat for 10-15 minutes.

4. Smoke the Wings

  1. Place the chicken lollipops upright on the smoker grates, bone-side down.
  2. Smoke for 60-90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F.

5. Glaze & Finish

  1. While the wings smoke, mix BBQ sauce, honey, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
  2. Increase the Traeger temperature to 375°F.
  3. Brush the glaze onto each wing and cook for another 15-20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 175-180°F and the glaze is caramelized.

6. Serve & Enjoy!

  • Let the wings rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

  • Want crispier skin? After glazing, cook at 400°F for 5 extra minutes to crisp up the edges.
  • Prefer a spicier kick? Add a few dashes of hot sauce or extra cayenne to the glaze.
  • Great with dips! Serve with ranch, blue cheese, or extra BBQ sauce.

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