Chicken Lollipop
Crispy, juicy chicken lollipops, a classic Indo-Chinese appetizer that's a guaranteed party favorite. Perfectly spiced and deep-fried to a golden brown, these are incredibly addictive and fun to eat.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare and Marinate the Chicken
- b.If not already done by your butcher, prepare the chicken lollipops. Make a deep cut around the bone at the thinner end of each winglet. Push the meat down towards the thicker end to form a lollipop shape. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- c.In a large bowl, combine the chicken lollipops with ginger-garlic paste, soy sauce, red chili sauce, vinegar, Kashmiri red chili powder, black pepper powder, and 0.5 tsp of salt.
- d.Mix thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
- e.Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Batter
- b.In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornflour, and the remaining 0.25 tsp of salt.
- c.Add the lightly beaten egg to the dry ingredients.
- d.Gradually add 1-2 tablespoons of cold water, whisking continuously, to form a smooth, thick batter. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter, thick enough to coat the chicken without being runny.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Coat and Fry the Lollipops
- b.Heat oil in a deep pan or kadai over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small drop of batter sizzles and rises to the surface immediately (around 350°F or 175°C).
- c.Dip each marinated chicken lollipop into the batter, ensuring it's fully coated. Let any excess batter drip off.
- d.Carefully place 4-5 battered lollipops into the hot oil, holding by the bone. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- e.Fry for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- f.Remove the lollipops with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve Hot
- b.Repeat the frying process for the remaining chicken lollipops.
- c.For a clean presentation, you can wrap the bone ends with small pieces of aluminum foil.
- d.Serve immediately while hot and crispy with Schezwan sauce, sweet chili sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1To save time, ask your butcher to 'french' the chicken winglets for you.
- 2For an extra crispy coating, double-fry the lollipops. First, fry for 4-5 minutes until light golden, remove and rest for 5 minutes. Then, increase the oil heat slightly and fry again for 2-3 minutes until deep golden brown.
- 3Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature. If it's too cool, the chicken will be greasy; if it's too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked.
- 4For the classic bright red restaurant color, you can add a few drops of red food coloring to the marinade.
- 5Let the battered chicken rest for 5 minutes before frying. This helps the coating adhere better.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthier Version
For a lower-fat option, bake the lollipops. Arrange the battered chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Spray with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. You can also use an air fryer.
Schezwan Chicken LollipopSchezwan Chicken Lollipop
After frying, toss the hot lollipops in a sauce made by sautéing 1 tbsp of Schezwan sauce, 1 tsp soy sauce, and finely chopped garlic and ginger in a little oil for 1-2 minutes.
Tandoori LollipopTandoori Lollipop
Swap the Indo-Chinese marinade for a tandoori one. Marinate the chicken in a mix of yogurt, tandoori masala, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and salt. Grill or bake until cooked through.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality protein source, crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in B Vitamins
Chicken provides essential B vitamins like Niacin (B3) and B6, which help convert food into energy, support brain health, and aid in the formation of red blood cells.
Contains Essential Minerals
It is a good source of minerals like selenium, which acts as an antioxidant, and phosphorus, which is vital for healthy bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of 3 Chicken Lollipops contains approximately 320-380 calories, depending on the size of the winglets and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.