What Is Lollipop Chicken?
Before diving into the recipe, let’s break down what makes lollipop chicken unique. Typically made from chicken drumsticks or wings, the meat is "frenched," meaning the skin and meat are pushed down towards one end of the bone, creating a round shape resembling a lollipop. This technique not only makes the chicken easier to eat but also gives it a refined look. When prepared with a spicy marinade and fried to perfection, lollipop chicken becomes a mouthwatering dish that balances flavor, texture, and heat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make spicy lollipop chicken at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken:
12 chicken drumsticks (frenched to form the lollipop shape)
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon chili sauce
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 tablespoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon black pepper powder
Salt to taste
For the Batter:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornflour
1 egg (optional for binding)
1 teaspoon red chili powder
Water (to make a smooth batter)
Salt to taste
For Frying:
Oil for deep frying (vegetable or peanut oil works best)
For the Garnish:
Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Lemon wedges
Spring onions, chopped (optional)
Preparing the Chicken
Step 1: Frenching the Chicken Drumsticks
Begin by preparing the chicken drumsticks. Using a sharp knife, cut around the thinner end of the drumstick, slicing through the skin and tendons.
Push the meat down towards the thicker end of the bone, exposing the bone at the top. This process will create the lollipop shape.
Clean the bone for a neat presentation, trimming any excess fat or tendons.
Step 2: Marinating the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the ginger-garlic paste, soy sauce, chili sauce, vinegar, red chili powder, cumin powder, garam masala, black pepper powder, and salt.
Toss the frenched chicken drumsticks in the marinade, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
Preparing the Batter
Step 3: Making the Batter
In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, cornflour, red chili powder, and salt.
Slowly add water to the dry ingredients, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. The batter should have a smooth consistency—thick enough to coat the chicken without dripping too much.
If desired, whisk in an egg for extra crispiness. This is optional but can enhance the texture of the fried lollipops.
Cooking the Lollipop Chicken
Step 4: Coating the Chicken
Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator.
Dip each piece into the prepared batter, ensuring the entire drumstick is coated evenly.
Shake off any excess batter before frying.
Step 5: Frying the Chicken
Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is hot enough by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil—if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
Carefully place the battered drumsticks into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and make the chicken soggy.
Fry the lollipop chicken in batches, turning occasionally for even cooking. The chicken should take about 8-10 minutes to fry, depending on the size of the drumsticks.
Once the chicken is golden brown and crispy, remove it from the oil and place it on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serving Your Spicy Lollipop Chicken
Step 6: Garnishing and Serving
For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle the fried lollipop chicken with freshly chopped coriander and spring onions.
Serve with lemon wedges on the side to add a zesty contrast to the spiciness.
You can also accompany the lollipops with a dipping sauce like spicy sriracha mayo, sweet chili sauce, or garlic yogurt dip.
Tips for Perfect Spicy Lollipop Chicken
Balance the Spice: The amount of red chili powder and chili sauce can be adjusted based on your spice tolerance. If you want a milder version, reduce the chili or replace it with paprika for a smoky flavor.
Marination Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. If you’re in a hurry, try marinating for at least 1 hour, but overnight marination yields the best results.
Batter Consistency: The batter should be thick enough to stick to the chicken but not too runny. Adjust the water quantity accordingly to get the perfect consistency.
Crispy Coating: For an extra crispy coating, consider adding a tablespoon of rice flour to the batter mixture. Rice flour adds a light and crispy texture to fried foods.
Temperature Control: Maintain a steady oil temperature when frying. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside while remaining undercooked on the inside. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Variations of Lollipop Chicken
Once you’ve mastered the classic spicy lollipop chicken, you can try these variations to mix things up:
Barbecue Lollipop Chicken: Replace the chili sauce with barbecue sauce in the marinade for a smoky, sweet version.
Honey Garlic Lollipop Chicken: Add honey and minced garlic to the marinade for a sweet and savory twist.
Tandoori Lollipop Chicken: Incorporate tandoori masala into the marinade for a traditional Indian flavor. You can bake or grill these instead of frying for a healthier option.
Final Thoughts
Spicy lollipop chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both delicious and visually appealing. Whether you’re preparing it for a party, a family dinner, or simply as a snack, the combination of crispy, flavorful chicken with the spicy marinade will make it a hit. The steps may seem intricate, but with a little practice, you’ll have no trouble mastering this recipe. Feel free to get creative with the seasoning and garnishes, and don’t forget to enjoy the process of making your own spicy lollipop chicken at home!
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