Chicken Lollipop is a tasty, crispy appetizer enjoyed in various parts of the world but especially popular in Indian and Chinese cuisines. This dish involves chicken wings or drumettes that are “frenched” (trimmed and shaped) to resemble lollipops, making them easy to hold and perfect for dipping. With bold flavors and a crispy coating, this dish is a crowd-pleaser at parties and gatherings.
Key Ingredients for Chicken Lollipop Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make about 12 chicken lollipops (serves 4-6 people):
- Chicken wings or drumettes – 12 pieces
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
- Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tablespoon
- Chili powder – 1 teaspoon
- Paprika – 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for color)
- Soy sauce – 1 tablespoon
- Vinegar – 1 teaspoon
- Flour – 3 tablespoons
- Cornstarch – 4 tablespoons
- Egg – 1 large
- Oil for frying
Cooking Time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
- Total time: About 40 minutes
How to Make Chicken Lollipop (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Prepare the Chicken Lollipops: Start by “frenching” the chicken wings. Holding a chicken wing or drumette, use a sharp knife to cut around the bottom, near the thin bone. Push the meat down to the end of the thicker part, creating a lollipop shape with the bone as a handle.
Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the ginger-garlic paste, salt, pepper, chili powder, paprika, soy sauce, and vinegar. Add the chicken lollipops to the bowl and mix until they’re evenly coated with the marinade. Set aside for at least 15 minutes (or refrigerate for up to 2 hours if you want stronger flavors).
Prepare the Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and egg to make a thick batter. This batter helps create a crispy coating when fried. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of water.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each marinated chicken lollipop into the batter, ensuring it’s fully covered.
Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan or wok, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium heat. The oil should reach about 350°F (176°C) for best results. You can check by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and rise to the surface.
Fry the Chicken Lollipops: Carefully place the chicken lollipops in the hot oil, with the bone sticking out. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each batch for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, like Schezwan sauce or spicy ketchup, and enjoy!
Taste and Texture
Chicken Lollipops are crispy on the outside with a juicy, tender interior. The marinade gives them a spicy, garlicky flavor, balanced by the crispy batter. Each bite has a savory, slightly smoky flavor that pairs well with spicy or tangy dipping sauces.
Health Benefits
While deep-fried dishes should be eaten in moderation, chicken is a good source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair. By opting to bake or air-fry, you can reduce the oil content, making this dish healthier without compromising flavor.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Protein: 11 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fat: 9 g
This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Expert Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
- Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil at 350°F (176°C) for crispy, golden results. Cooler oil will make the lollipops greasy, while hotter oil can burn the outside before the inside is cooked.
- Marinating Time: For deeper flavors, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, a few hours.
- Coating: To keep the batter from sliding off, lightly dust the marinated chicken with cornstarch before dipping it in the batter.
- Serving Fresh: Serve immediately after frying for the best taste and texture.
Variations
Baked Chicken Lollipops: Place the coated lollipops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
Air-Fried Lollipops: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the lollipops in a single layer and air fry for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway through for even cooking.
Sauced Lollipops: Toss the cooked lollipops in BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or a sticky Asian-style sauce for added flavor and a glossy finish.
Smoked Chicken Lollipops: Ideal for outdoor gatherings, smoked lollipops have a tender texture and rich smoky flavor. To enhance the taste, brush on a BBQ sauce glaze in the final minutes of smoking.
Mexican Chicken Lollipops: Add a south-of-the-border twist by using a marinade of lime juice, garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Serve with salsa or a cilantro-lime dipping sauce for an authentic Mexican flavor profile.
Spicy Korean Chicken Lollipops: Marinate in a gochujang-based (Korean chili paste) marinade and coat lightly in cornstarch before frying or air-frying. Serve with a side of kimchi or a sweet-spicy dipping sauce.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Lollipops are a fun, delicious appetizer that’s sure to impress at any gathering. With its crispy texture and spicy flavor, this dish brings excitement to any table. Try it with different sauces and cooking methods to find your favorite twist on this classic recipe.
What is a Chicken Lollipop?
A chicken lollipop is a dish typically made by “frenching” chicken wings or drumettes to expose the bone as a handle, then marinating, coating, and frying (or baking) until crispy. The shape resembles a lollipop, making it easy to eat as a finger food and ideal for dipping sauces.
What type of chicken is best for making chicken lollipops?
Chicken wings or drumettes are commonly used because they have enough meat and a bone that can be trimmed and shaped into a lollipop.
Can chicken lollipops be baked instead of fried?
Yes, chicken lollipops can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes or air-fried at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes to achieve a crispy texture with less oil.
How do you make Smoked Chicken Lollipops?
To make smoked chicken lollipops, marinate and prepare them as usual, then smoke at a low temperature (about 225°F) for 1-2 hours until cooked through and smoky in flavor. For extra flavor, finish with a quick glaze or sauce.
What dipping sauces pair well with chicken lollipops?
Popular dipping sauces include Schezwan sauce, spicy ketchup, garlic aioli, BBQ sauce, and sweet chili sauce.
How do I store and reheat leftover chicken lollipops?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until crispy, or air fry for 5-7 minutes.