Whiskey Maple Chipotle Lollipop Drumsticks

THE PREP FOR THIS DISH is a bit more involved than most of my other “bites” in this chapter, but I promise it’ll be worth it when you serve these party-starters. The lollipop appearance of these little treasures will only endear them more to your guests as they enjoy bites smoth- ered in a rich, sweet, and smoky glaze compliments of chipotle peppers, brown sugar, and whiskey.

Ingredients

12 chicken drumsticks

1⁄4 cup plus 2 tablespoons light brown sugar

2 tablespoons garlic powder

2 tablespoons smoked paprika

2 tablespoons onion powder

2 teaspoons dried oregano
Kosher salt

Cracked black pepper

2 1⁄2 tablespoons canned chipotles in adobo sauce, pureed

2 1⁄2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3–4 tablespoons Tennessee whiskey Fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves,

Whiskey Chipotle Sauce

1⁄4 cup light brown sugar

11⁄4 teaspoons onion powder

11⁄4 teaspoons garlic powder

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 cup canned chipotles in adobo sauce, pureed

3⁄4–1 cup Tennessee whiskey

3–4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Kosher salt to taste

Cracked black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

01

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Have ready a greased or nonstick 12-cup muffin tin.

02

To shape each chicken leg like a lollipop, first use a small, sharp knife or kitchen shears to cut and remove the skin that covers the bone around the knuckle, then cut the tendon. Use the back of your knife or hands to push the skin down toward the meat. Remove the knuckle cap and discard.

03

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, oregano, and salt and pepper as desired. Add the chipotles in adobo, Worcestershire, and whiskey and mix well to combine.

04

Dip each chicken lollipop into the sauce mixture and coat evenly.

05

Place the lollipops in the muffin tin with their legs pointing upright. Wrap aluminum foil around the exposed bone ends to keep them from turning too dark in the oven.

06

Roast for about 40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

07

Toward the end of the cooking time, in a small saucepan, combine all the whiskey chipotle sauce ingredients. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes.