Claire Thompson
Chicken lollipop, also known as lollipop chicken, is a popular Indian fried chicken appetiser. It is made by cutting a chicken leg in a specific way to create a lollipop shape. The meat is cut loose from the bone end and pushed down, creating a lollipop appearance. This technique is called Frenching and it is usually done with chicken drumettes or winglets. The chicken lollipop can be grilled, baked, or fried and served with a variety of sauces, such as spicy red sauce, Indo-Chinese style sauce, or ketchup and chilli sauce.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A chicken drumstick that has been Frenched; the meat is cut at the skinny end and pulled down to the other end to form a lollipop shape. |
| Common in | Indian food culture |
| Other names | Chicken Drums of Heaven |
| Preparation | The technique is called "Frenching" and it's a simple preparation that yields beautiful results. |
| Ingredients | Chicken wings, drumettes, winglets, thighs, ginger, garlic, red chilli sauce, sugar, vinegar, soya sauce, spring onions, celery, salt, pepper, chilli powder, flour coating, egg, ketchup, chilli sauce, Indo-Chinese style sauce, garlic, onions, bell peppers, Chinese sauces |
| Cooking method | Grilling, baking, frying |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken lollipops are a popular Indian appetiser
Chicken lollipops can be served as an appetiser or a main course and are often found in restaurants. They are known by various names, including "Chicken Drums of Heaven" and "Lollipop Chicken". The dish is versatile, and many recipes are available online, allowing for customisation to suit individual tastes and preferences.
Preparing chicken lollipops requires some skill and practice. The cutting and shaping process is crucial, and it is important to have the proper tools, such as a sharp knife or kitchen shears. The meat is cut loose from the bone end, and any remaining meat, tendons, or skin is removed from the narrow bone end to create a smooth, round lollipop shape.
After shaping, the chicken lollipops are usually coated in a batter or flour mixture and then fried, grilled, or baked. Some recipes call for marinating the chicken before cooking, while others suggest tossing the fried chicken in a spicy sauce. The sauce can be an Indo-Chinese style made with garlic, onions, bell peppers, and Chinese sauces, or a simpler chilli sauce.
Chicken lollipops are a unique and tasty dish that can be a fun and flavourful addition to any meal. They are a popular choice for those who enjoy holding the drumstick in their hand while eating, as the shape makes them easier to eat and less messy.
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They are made by frenching a chicken winglet or drumette
Chicken lollipops are made by "frenching" a chicken winglet or drumette. This involves cutting the meat at the skinny end and pushing it down towards the other end, creating a lollipop shape. This technique is applied to chicken wings or drumsticks, and it gives them a unique and appealing appearance.
To create this distinctive shape, start by cutting all the way around the leg or wing, about 2 to 3 inches from the knuckle. It is important to cut through the muscle, tendons, and bone. After making a clean cut, use your hands to push the meat towards the thicker end of the bone. Any remaining meat, tendons, or skin on the narrower bone end should be removed, ensuring a smooth and clean bone surface.
Chicken lollipops are commonly associated with Indian cuisine, where they are often served as a fried appetiser with a spicy red sauce. However, they have gained popularity in various Asian restaurants and have inspired different variations, including barbecued, smoked, and grilled versions.
Preparing chicken lollipops at home can be a fun and delicious endeavour. They can be easily made using pre-cut chicken lollipops from grocery stores or by frenching whole chicken wings or drumsticks yourself. It is recommended to brine or soak the chicken in buttermilk before frying or grilling to ensure tenderness.
Once the chicken lollipops are cooked, they can be served with a variety of sauces, such as soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, or chilli sauce. Garnishes like spring onions or celery can also be added to enhance the dish's flavour and presentation.
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Recipes vary, but often include a spicy red batter
Chicken lollipops are a popular Indian fried chicken appetiser. They are made by cutting a chicken winglet or drumette so that the meat is pushed down to one end of the bone, creating a lollipop shape.
While recipes for chicken lollipops vary, they often include a spicy red batter or sauce. The main ingredients in the batter typically include red chilli powder and turmeric. Some recipes also include soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, garlic, and chilli garlic paste. The chicken is usually soaked in buttermilk for at least an hour before being coated in the batter. It is then deep-fried in oil, although it can also be baked.
One recipe for the spicy red batter includes frying ginger and garlic until aromatic, then adding onions and frying until transparent. Red chilli sauce, sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce are then added, along with water to adjust the consistency. The sauce is cooked until thick, and then the fried chicken is tossed in it.
Another variation of the recipe involves coating the chicken in a flour mixture (using plain flour, cornflour, or cornstarch) and frying it until crispy, before tossing it in a spicy sauce. This sauce is made by sauteing garlic, onions, and bell peppers in oil, then adding Chinese sauces.
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They can be grilled, baked, deep-fried, or tossed in sauce
Chicken lollipops are a popular Indian appetiser. They are made by cutting and pushing the meat down to the other end of the bone, creating a lollipop shape. This technique is called "Frenching". The meat used is usually the middle segment of the chicken wing or thigh, with one of the two bones removed.
Chicken lollipops can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, baking, and deep-frying. When grilling, it is important to ensure that the glaze does not burn. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 175℉, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Grilled chicken lollipops can be served with Baby Back Ribs.
Baked chicken lollipops can be marinated before cooking, with some recipes suggesting a buttermilk brine for 1-6 hours in the refrigerator to create soft and tender meat. The exposed bone can be wrapped in aluminium foil before baking.
Deep-fried chicken lollipops are usually coated in a batter that includes red chilli powder and turmeric. The chicken is then marinated for a few hours before being deep-fried in oil. This method of cooking chicken lollipops is the most traditional and is often served as an appetiser.
Chicken lollipops can also be tossed in a sauce after being fried. This sauce can be spicy and include ingredients such as ginger, garlic, chilli, sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce. The fried chicken is tossed in the sauce until it is coated, and it can be garnished with spring onions or celery. This method of preparation is common in Indo-Chinese cuisine and can be served with fried rice or noodles.
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Chicken lollipops are versatile and can be served at lunch or dinner
Chicken lollipops, also known as lollipop chicken or chicken drums of heaven, are a unique and versatile dish that can be served at lunch or dinner. They are a popular Indian fried chicken appetiser, commonly made using chicken wings or drumettes. However, smaller chicken legs can also be used, though they cannot be frenched into the signature lollipop shape.
The versatility of chicken lollipops extends beyond their role as an appetiser or side dish. They can be prepared in a variety of ways to suit different tastes and occasions. For a classic Indian restaurant-style experience, the chicken is first marinated and then deep-fried, similar to chicken 65. This fried chicken can then be tossed in a spicy sauce, such as an Indo-Chinese style sauce made with garlic, onions, bell peppers, and Chinese sauces. This sauce adds a burst of flavour and can be customised to your preferred spice level.
Chicken lollipops can also be grilled, baked, or fried and served with your choice of sauce. For those who enjoy a smoky flavour, barbecuing or smoking the chicken lollipops is an excellent option. They can even be baked if you're looking for a healthier alternative to frying. No matter the cooking method, the key to achieving the signature lollipop shape is in the cutting technique, known as "Frenching." This involves cutting the meat at the skinny end and pulling it down towards the other end, creating a lollipop-like appearance.
Chicken lollipops are not just limited to Indian cuisine; they have found their way into various Asian restaurants, incorporating different flavours and cooking styles. For instance, they can be coated in a spicy red batter made with red chilli powder and turmeric before being deep-fried, a common preparation method in many restaurants. Alternatively, they can be marinated and grilled to perfection, served with a side of baby back ribs for a hearty meal. Chicken lollipops are a versatile dish that can be tailored to suit different palates and occasions, making them a delightful addition to any lunch or dinner spread.
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Frequently asked questions
Lollipop chicken, also known as chicken lollipop, is a chicken drumstick that has been Frenched. The meat is cut at the skinny end and pushed down to the other end to form a lollipop.
To make lollipop chicken, cut the meat at the skinny end of a chicken drumstick and push it down to the other end to form a lollipop shape. You can then grill, bake, or fry the chicken and serve it with your choice of sauce.
There are many sauces that go well with lollipop chicken, including spicy red sauce, Indo-Chinese style sauce, and barbecue sauce. You can also make a sauce with soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, ginger, garlic, and chilli garlic paste.
You can buy pre-cut chicken lollipops at most grocery stores or order it as an appetizer at many restaurants, especially Indian restaurants.
