Elevate your Whole30 meal plan with these irresistible Whole30 Chicken Lollipops—a playful yet sophisticated take on chicken drumsticks that's as visually striking as it is delicious. Crafted by shaping the meat into a charming lollipop form, these drumsticks are generously coated in a rich marinade of olive oil, coconut aminos, smoked paprika, and garlic powder, ensuring a burst of umami-packed flavor in every bite. Oven-baked to golden perfection for a healthier alternative to frying, they deliver crisp edges and juicy interiors that your family will love. Perfect for meal prepping or a crowd-pleasing dinner, these protein-packed, paleo-friendly lollipops are easy to make and topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of elegance. Ready in under an hour, they combine bold flavors, clean ingredients, and impeccable presentation—an ideal Whole30-compliant main dish!
Begin by preparing the chicken lollipops. Take each chicken drumstick and, using a sharp knife, cut around the bone near the thinner end to loosen the meat. Push the meat down towards the opposite end, forming a lollipop shape. This helps with even cooking and presentation.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, coconut aminos, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and sea salt. Whisk together until well incorporated.
Add the prepared chicken lollipops to the mixing bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
Arrange the marinated chicken lollipops in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, standing them upright if possible to ensure even browning.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on the outside. You may need to flip them halfway through baking to ensure even color.
Once the lollipops are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your Whole30 Chicken Lollipops as a fun and flavorful main dish!
Calories |
2390 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 138.8 g | 178% | |
| Saturated Fat | 35.6 g | 178% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1116 mg | 372% | |
| Sodium | 2821 mg | 123% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 15.3 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.8 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.3 g | ||
| Protein | 267.7 g | 535% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 162 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 12.2 mg | 68% | |
| Potassium | 2823 mg | 60% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.