Chicken Lollipop Recipe: Chicken Lollipops are a delightful twist on the traditional chicken wing, offering a unique presentation and a succulent, meaty treat on a stick. This dish is a popular appetizer in Indian and Chinese cuisine and has gained popularity worldwide for its delicious taste and attractive appearance.
What Are Chicken Lollipops?
Chicken Lollipops are crafted from chicken drumettes or wingettes, where the meat is cut loose from one end of the bone and pushed down to create a lollipop-like appearance. This part of the chicken is perfect for creating a lollipop shape due to its natural handle, making it an ideal finger food for gatherings and parties.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll adore this recipe for its simplicity and the joy it brings to the table. It’s a dish that’s not only visually appealing but also packed with flavors that dance on the palate. The crispy exterior gives way to tender and juicy meat that’s been seasoned to perfection. It’s versatile too – you can fry, bake, or air-fry these lollipops to your preference. Plus, they are incredibly easy to eat, making them a hit for all ages at any event.
Read More: The Best Blackstone Fried Rice Recipe
How to Make Chicken Lollipop Recipe
Equipment Needed for Chicken Lollipops
- Kitchen shears or a sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet or air fryer
- Aluminum foil (if baking)
- Paper towels (for drying chicken)
- Tongs (for handling chicken)
Ingredients for Chicken Lollipops
- 10 chicken drumettes or whole wings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: Your choice of sauce for glazing (BBQ, honey garlic, etc.)
Cooking Instructions for Chicken Lollipops
- Prep the Chicken: Using kitchen shears, cut around the base of each drumette to separate the meat from the bone. Push the meat down to form a lollipop shape. If using whole wings, separate them into drumettes and wingettes, discarding the tips.
- Season: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a bowl, mix olive oil with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Coat the chicken evenly with the seasoning mix.
- Cook: If baking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with foil. Place the chicken lollipops on the sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until crispy and cooked through. If using an air fryer, cook at 380°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Glaze (Optional): In the last few minutes of cooking, you can brush your choice of sauce on the chicken lollipops for added flavor.
Special Note
- Ensure the chicken is fully thawed and dry to help the skin crisp up.
- For extra crispy skin, let the seasoned chicken rest in the refrigerator for an hour before cooking.
- Always check that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Summary
Chicken Lollipops are a fun and delicious way to enjoy chicken wings. They are perfect as an appetizer or party snack and can be customized with various seasonings and sauces. This recipe provides a simple yet flavorful approach to making Chicken Lollipops, with the option to bake or air fry. Serve them up at your next gathering and watch them disappear!
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- This includes the time to prep the chicken into lollipops, seasoning, and setting up the cooking equipment.
- Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes for baking, 15-20 minutes for air frying
- The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the type of oven or air fryer used.
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 kcal per lollipop
- Protein: 14-18 g
- Fat: 9-12 g (varies with skin on or off)
- Carbohydrates: 1-2 g (without sauce)
- Sodium: 150-200 mg (based on the amount of salt used)
- Cholesterol: 70-80 mg
Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Lollipop Recipe
- Seasoning and Marination: Season the chicken lollipops with salt and pepper and let them stand for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors. You can also marinate them with a mix of spices, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, and garlic paste for added depth of flavor.
- Batter and Breading: Create a smooth batter with eggs, flour, and cornstarch for a crispy exterior. Dip the seasoned chicken in this batter and then roll it in breadcrumbs to ensure a crunchy bite.
- Cooking Method: While deep frying is common, you can also grill the chicken lollipops. If grilling, marinate the drumsticks and cook them over indirect heat, basting them with a sauce of your choice every 15 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 175°F.
- Sauces and Glazes: Experiment with different sauces for glazing. A mix of honey, soy sauce, sriracha, vinegar, and oyster sauce can create a sweet and spicy layer. Dunk the chicken in the sauce multiple times during cooking for a rich glaze.
- Serving: Serve the chicken lollipops immediately after cooking to enjoy the crispiness. Accompany them with a dipping sauce like a green chutney yogurt sauce for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
Remember, the key to a more delicious Chicken Lollipop is in the marination and the cooking technique. A good marination time allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, while the right cooking method ensures the meat is juicy and the exterior is perfectly crispy.
Conclusion:
Chicken Lollipops are a versatile and delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you choose to deep-fry them for that classic crunch or grill them for a smoky flavor, the secret lies in the preparation. Seasoning, marination, and the right choice of sauces can elevate this dish from good to great. Serve them hot and crispy with a side of tangy dipping sauce, and watch your guests come back for seconds. Remember, the best Chicken Lollipop is one that’s made with care and served with love. Enjoy the cooking process, and your diners will surely enjoy the results!
Delicious Chicken Lollipop Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen shears or a sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet or air fryer
- Aluminum foil (if baking)
- Paper towels (for drying chicken)
- Tongs (for handling chicken)
Ingredients
- 10 chicken drumettes or whole wings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: Your choice of sauce for glazing BBQ, honey garlic, etc.
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Using kitchen shears, cut around the base of each drumette to separate the meat from the bone. Push the meat down to form a lollipop shape. If using whole wings, separate them into drumettes and wingettes, discarding the tips.
- Season: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a bowl, mix olive oil with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Coat the chicken evenly with the seasoning mix.
- Cook: If baking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with foil. Place the chicken lollipops on the sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until crispy and cooked through. If using an air fryer, cook at 380°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Glaze (Optional): In the last few minutes of cooking, you can brush your choice of sauce on the chicken lollipops for added flavor.
