How to Make Chicken Lollipop at Home | 2023

Do you yearn for chicken lollipops’ delectable flavour but don’t want to rely on takeout? Look nowhere else! We’ll walk you through the steps of making chicken lollipops at home in this article. You can prepare this well-known appetiser in the convenience of your own home using basic ingredients and straightforward instructions.

Introduction

The chicken lollipop is a delectable treat with Indo-Chinese culinary roots. It consists of delicious marinated frenched drumettes or wings of chicken. The chicken is then expertly prepared, yielding a crispy and juicy appetiser that many people like.

What is Chicken Lollipop?

A chicken lollipop is essentially a chicken drumette, frenched and shaped to resemble a lollipop. The meat is pushed down to create a handle, while the remaining part is coated in a marinade and fried until golden brown. It is often served with a spicy sauce or chutney, making it a popular choice for appetizers or party snacks.

Ingredients for Chicken Lollipop

To make chicken lollipops at home, you will need the following ingredients:

• Chicken drumettes or wings
• Ginger-garlic paste
• Red chilli paste or powder
• Soy sauce
• Vinegar
• Salt
• Black pepper powder
• Corn flour
• All-purpose flour
• Egg
• Oil (for frying)

Make sure to gather these ingredients before you begin the cooking process.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chicken Lollipops

Preparing the Chicken

1. Start by cleaning the chicken drumettes or wings thoroughly under running water. Pat them dry using a paper towel.
2. Using a sharp knife, make a deep cut at the bottom end of each drumette, near the bone. Carefully scrape the meat downwards, creating a lollipop-like shape. This process is known as frenching.
3. Repeat the process for all the drumettes and set them aside.

Marinating the Chicken

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ginger-garlic paste, red chilli paste or powder, soy sauce, vinegar, salt, and black pepper powder. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
2. Place the frenched chicken drumettes in the bowl and coat them evenly with the marinade. Ensure that each piece is well coated.
3. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator. For more flavour, you can marinate it overnight.

Coating the Chicken

1. In a shallow dish, combine corn flour and all-purpose flour. Mix well.
2. In a separate bowl, beat an egg until frothy.
3. Take each marinated chicken drumette and dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it is coated entirely.
4. Next, roll the drumette in the flour mixture, making sure it is evenly coated.
5. Repeat the process for all the chicken drumettes and set them aside.

Frying the Chicken

1. Heat oil in a deep pan or kadai over medium heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the coated chicken drumettes into the oil, one by one.
3. Fry the chicken lollipops until they turn golden brown and crispy, usually for about 8-10 minutes.
4. Once fried, remove the chicken lollipops from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Serving and Enjoying Chicken Lollipop

Chicken lollipops are best served hot and crispy. You can enjoy them as an appetizer or as a party snack. Serve them with a side of spicy chilli sauce, schezwan sauce, or any other sauce of your choice. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves for added freshness.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Lollipop

• Ensure that the chicken drumettes are frenched properly to give them the characteristic lollipop shape.
• Let the chicken marinate for an adequate amount of time to allow the flavours to penetrate.
• Coat the chicken drumettes evenly with the flour mixture to achieve a crispy texture.
• Maintain the oil temperature while frying to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and remains crispy.
• Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the fried chicken lollipops from the oil.

Variations of Chicken Lollipop

While the traditional chicken lollipop recipe is delightful on its own, you can experiment with different flavours and variations. Here are a few ideas:

1. Spicy Chicken Lollipop: Increase the amount of red chilli paste or powder in the marinade for an extra kick of spice.
2. Honey Glazed Chicken Lollipop: Add honey to the marinade for a sweet and tangy twist.
3. Barbecue Chicken Lollipop: Coat the chicken drumettes with barbecue sauce instead of the traditional marinade.

Feel free to get creative and explore different flavour profiles to suit your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I bake the chicken lollipop instead of frying?

A: While frying gives the chicken lollipop its characteristic crispy texture, you can bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes. However, they may not be as crispy as the fried version.

Q: What can I serve with chicken lollipops? A: Chicken lollipop pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as fried rice, noodles, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with a bowl of hot soup for a complete meal.

Q: Can I make a chicken lollipop without using eggs? A: Yes, you can skip the egg in the coating process. However, the egg helps the flour mixture adhere better to the chicken, resulting in a crispier texture.

Q: How do I make the chicken lollipop spicier? A: If you prefer a spicier flavour, increase the amount of red chilli paste or powder in the marinade according to your taste preference.

Q: Can I use boneless chicken for making chicken lollipops? A: While the traditional chicken lollipop is made with chicken wings or drumettes, you can use boneless chicken pieces as an alternative. Cut the boneless chicken into small strips or chunks and follow the same marinade and coating process.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make chicken lollipops at home, you can satisfy your cravings anytime. This popular Indo-Chinese appetizer is easy to prepare and allows you to enjoy a restaurant-style dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Get creative with flavours, serve it with your favourite sauces, and delight your family and friends with this delicious treat.