If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that smokes beautifully, presents like a gourmet creation, and explodes with bold BBQ flavor, these Traeger Chicken Wing Lollipops are exactly what your next backyard bash or game-day feast needs. These smoky, saucy bites are not just finger food — they’re a total showstopper. From the satisfying snap of the glaze to the tender, fall-off-the-bone interior, every bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory.
Perfect for grill enthusiasts, barbecue beginners, and anyone who wants to impress their guests without spending all day at the smoker, this recipe is simple, elegant, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, Super Bowl party, or just spicing up a weekday dinner, these lollipop-style chicken wings are sure to become a staple in your smoker rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect Presentation: The lollipop technique turns rustic drumettes into elegant, easy-to-eat bites.
Flavor Explosion: Smoky wood-fired notes blend with a sticky-sweet BBQ glaze.
Entertainer’s Dream: Ideal for parties and platters — guests can grab and go without the mess.
Flexible & Customizable: Change the rub, sauce, or wood pellets to fit your flavor mood.
Ingredients You’ll Need
2 lbs chicken drumettes
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp BBQ dry rub (use your favorite blend or make your own)
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (thicker sauces work best)
1 tbsp honey
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Traeger Smoker
Set your Traeger or pellet smoker to 250°F (121°C) and load it with your favorite wood pellets. Applewood and hickory are both excellent options for chicken — apple lends a sweet, mellow smoke, while hickory offers a deeper, more classic BBQ flavor.
2. Create the Lollipop Shape
Using a sharp paring knife, cut around the thin end of each drumette, scraping the meat and skin down toward the thicker end to form a “lollipop.” It’s a bit of prep work, but the presentation is totally worth it. This also allows for more even cooking and easier eating.
Pro Tip: Chilling the drumettes slightly before shaping helps make the cutting cleaner and quicker.
3. Season and Prep
Toss the drumettes in olive oil to ensure the seasoning sticks, then coat them evenly with your BBQ dry rub. This base layer is key for building flavor and forming that crave-worthy bark on the outside.
4. Smoke Low and Slow
Stand the lollipop wings upright on the smoker rack, bone-side down. This keeps the meat elevated and allows smoke to circulate evenly. Smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Shortcut Option: If you’re short on time, smoke at 275°F to shave off 15–20 minutes. Just keep a close eye on internal temps.
5. Glaze and Sear
In the last 15 minutes, brush the wings generously with a mix of BBQ sauce and honey. Then increase the heat to 375°F (190°C) and cook for an additional 5–10 minutes to set the glaze and slightly caramelize the surface.
6. Garnish and Serve
Remove from the smoker, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot. These beauties don’t need anything extra — but they pair brilliantly with cold beer, tangy coleslaw, and smoky baked beans.
Equipment Needed
Traeger smoker or any pellet smoker
Sharp paring knife
Mixing bowls
Tongs
Instant-read meat thermometer
Basting brush
Sheet tray or smoker-safe vertical rack (optional for lollipop positioning)
Tips, Tricks, and Variations
Flavor Variations
Spicy Glaze: Add a tablespoon of hot sauce or sriracha to the BBQ-honey mixture.
Asian-Inspired: Swap the BBQ sauce for hoisin and add a touch of soy sauce and ginger.
Sweet & Tangy: Mix in a splash of apple cider vinegar or pineapple juice for a fruity kick.
DIY Rub Ideas
Classic: Brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper.
Smoky Southwest: Chipotle powder, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder.
Sauce Swap Suggestions
Don’t have your favorite BBQ sauce on hand? Mix ketchup, molasses, Worcestershire, mustard, and vinegar for a quick homemade option.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers (which is rare with these!), here’s how to store them:
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheating
Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until hot.
Air Fryer: 375°F for 5–7 minutes to regain a crispy glaze.
Microwave: Use only if you’re in a pinch — this may soften the glaze.
What to Serve With Chicken Wing Lollipops
These smoky bites pair wonderfully with:
Crispy Potato Wedges or Loaded Baked Potatoes
Creamy Coleslaw or Tangy Pickled Veggies
Mac and Cheese
Cornbread Muffins
Icy Cold Lager or Bourbon Lemonade
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use whole chicken wings instead of drumettes?
Technically yes, but drumettes work best because they form a clean and sturdy lollipop shape. Whole wings are more difficult to trim and shape evenly.
What’s the best wood for smoking chicken?
Applewood and hickory are top choices. Apple gives a sweet, mild smoke that complements poultry. Hickory is bolder and works great for BBQ purists. You can even mix the two for a balanced flavor.
Can I make these in the oven instead of a smoker?
Yes! You’ll lose the smoky depth, but the oven still creates a tasty wing. Bake at 250°F for 1.5 hours, glaze, then finish at 425°F for 10 minutes to caramelize.
How do I keep the wings upright while smoking?
Use a wire rack or skewer them through foil to hold them vertically. Some grill racks have special inserts for wings or drumettes — a worthwhile investment if you make these often.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a weekend pitmaster or a backyard BBQ newbie, these Traeger Chicken Wing Lollipops are an impressive, flavor-packed addition to your cooking arsenal. Easy to prep, fun to serve, and always a hit, they bring a gourmet twist to classic smoked wings.
Give them a try at your next gathering — and when you do, don’t forget to share the recipe with your fellow food lovers. Got questions or tips of your own? Drop them in the comments. And if you enjoyed this recipe, subscribe to the blog for more smoke-infused recipes, grill guides, and culinary inspiration straight from the fire.
Happy smoking! 🔥🍗