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A fiery South Indian twist on the classic Indo-Chinese appetizer. Juicy chicken lollipops are marinated in a bold, aromatic Chettinad spice blend and fried to crispy perfection. An unforgettable starter for any occasion!
For 4 servings
Prepare the Chettinad Masala Powder
Marinate the Chicken
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A fiery South Indian twist on the classic Indo-Chinese appetizer. Juicy chicken lollipops are marinated in a bold, aromatic Chettinad spice blend and fried to crispy perfection. An unforgettable starter for any occasion!
This chettinad recipe takes 45 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 368.77 calories per serving with 18.26g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for appetizer or snack.
Coat the Lollipops for Frying
Deep Fry the Chicken Lollipops
Serve Hot
For a lower-fat option, bake or air-fry the lollipops. Preheat your oven or air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the coated lollipops on a baking sheet or in the basket, spray lightly with oil, and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked.
Use the same Chettinad marinade and coating for paneer cubes, large mushrooms, or baby potatoes. Adjust frying time accordingly; paneer and mushrooms will cook much faster.
The heat comes primarily from the dried red chilies and black peppercorns. Reduce the quantity of these spices for a milder version, or use a less spicy chili variety like Kashmiri red chili for color without intense heat.
The Chettinad masala is packed with spices like turmeric, black pepper, and cloves. These contain powerful compounds like curcumin and piperine, which have proven anti-inflammatory properties that help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Spices such as fennel seeds, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds are traditionally known to support digestive health. They can help stimulate digestive enzymes, reduce gas, and alleviate bloating.
The capsaicin in dried red chilies and piperine in black peppercorns can provide a temporary boost to your metabolic rate, which may aid in calorie burning.
A serving of three Chettinad Chicken Lollipops contains approximately 350-450 calories, primarily due to the deep-frying process. The exact number can vary based on the size of the chicken pieces and oil absorption.
While delicious, this dish is a deep-fried indulgence and is high in fat and calories. The spices used offer some health benefits, but it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Yes, you can. After coating the chicken, spray it lightly with oil. Air fry at 180°C (360°F) for 15-20 minutes, flipping the lollipops halfway through, until they are crispy and cooked through. The texture will be slightly different from deep-fried but still delicious.
Kalpasi, or stone flower, is a type of lichen that grows on rocks and trees. It has a unique, earthy, and slightly woody aroma that is a hallmark of Chettinad cuisine. While the dish will still be tasty without it, adding kalpasi provides a more authentic flavor profile.
Store leftover lollipops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat and restore crispiness, place them in a preheated oven or air fryer at 180°C (360°F) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it will make them soggy.