Chicken lollipop Recipe is a spicy chicken drumstick recipe that’s coated in a finger-licking marinade and fried till crispy. In this chicken lollipop recipe, I have shared 2 ways of making this restaurant-style appetizer – Fried and Saucy. You will also enjoy my Chicken 65 recipe and Tandoori Chicken recipe. Learn how to make the perfect chicken lollipop at home with step-by-step pictures.
Chicken Lollipop
Chicken Lollipop is one of our all-time favourite appetizers. It’s the first dish we order whenever we visit a restaurant. I make it occasionally at home, mainly because I don’t find it often in the frozen section of stores.
A couple of days back, I bought a packet of chicken lollipops. I told my sister, and she immediately wanted me to make it. I tried making it a little differently — just like the restaurant-style chicken lollipop — and it turned out so juicy and tasty!
Ingredients for Chicken Lollipop
For the Chicken Marinade & Coating:
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Ginger-Garlic Paste
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Soya Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Red Chilli Paste
- 2 teaspoons Corn Flour
- 2 teaspoons Refined Flour (Maida)
- 1 Egg
- Oil for deep frying
Sauce Ingredients for Chicken Lollipop
These ingredients are for creating the spicy and tangy sauce to coat your fried chicken lollipops (for the “saucy” version):
For the Sauce
- 2–3 Dry Red Chillies
- 1 tbsp Chopped Garlic
- 1 tbsp Finely Chopped Onions
- 1 tbsp Red Chilli Paste
- 1 tbsp Red Chilli Sauce
- 1 tbsp Tomato Ketchup
- Salt & Black Pepper to taste
- ½ tsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Vinegar
- 1 tsp Soya Sauce
- 1 tsp Diluted Corn Flour (to thicken the sauce slightly)
For Garnish
Top your lollipops with these fresh garnishes for restaurant-style presentation and a flavor boost:
- 2–3 Spring Onions (chopped, including green stalks)
- A handful of Chopped Coriander Leaves
- A handful of Ginger Juliennes
How to Make Chicken Lollipop (Step-by-Step with Pictures)
Follow this easy chicken lollipop recipe to make crispy and juicy chicken lollipops at home. From marination to frying, this guide covers every detail with pro tips.
Step 1: Preparing the Marination
- In a large mixing bowl, add chilli garlic paste. This gives the chicken lollipop its signature color and spicy flavor. I used homemade chilli garlic paste, but store-bought or chilli sauce can be used as an alternative.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have chilli garlic paste, use red chilli sauce instead. - Add ginger garlic paste for deep flavor.
- Sprinkle in salt, red chilli powder (preferably Kashmiri chilli for color), and black pepper powder.
- Pour in soy sauce to add umami.
- Add vinegar. You can substitute it with lemon juice for a tangy twist.
- Optional: Add tomato ketchup for a hint of sweetness.
- Mix all ingredients well. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. This is your flavorful chicken lollipop marinade.
Step 2: Marinating the Chicken
- Add your pre-cut lollipop chicken pieces into the marinade.
- Mix thoroughly so each piece is well coated. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate overnight in the fridge.
Step 3: Final Coating
If the chicken was refrigerated overnight, bring it to room temperature for 30 minutes before frying.
- Add plain flour, cornstarch, and one egg to the marinated chicken. This forms a crisp outer coating during frying.
- Mix until the chicken is fully coated in the flour mixture.
Step 4: Frying the Chicken Lollipops
- Heat oil in a deep pan. Drop the chicken lollipops one by one into the hot oil.
- Lower the flame to medium heat and fry for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally.
Pro Tip: Avoid high heat—it can burn the outside while leaving the inside uncooked. - Once golden and crispy, remove the chicken lollipops and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with ketchup, chilli sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Step 5: Sauce Preparation
- In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and add 2-3 roughly chopped dried red chillies and the bulbs of spring onions.
- Sauté 1 tablespoon of chopped garlic until golden brown.
- Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped onions and cook until they turn light brown.
- Mix in 1 tablespoon of red chilli paste, 1 tablespoon of red chilli sauce, 1 tablespoon of ketchup, and a splash of water. Stir well to combine.
- Season the sauce with salt, pepper, ½ teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon vinegar, and 1 teaspoon soya sauce. Let it come to a boil.
- Add the remaining chopped spring onion bulbs, a handful of ginger juliennes, and freshly chopped coriander leaves. Stir everything together.
Step 6: . Final Toss
- Add the fried chicken lollipops into the prepared sauce and toss them until each piece is evenly coated.
- Dilute 1 teaspoon of corn flour in 2 tablespoons of water and add to the sauce. Stir thoroughly.
- Once the sauce thickens slightly, turn off the heat.
Step 6: . Assembly
- Garnish with freshly chopped spring onion greens.
- Serve hot and enjoy your crispy, juicy chicken lollipops!
Dry Chicken Lollipop
Chicken Lollipop is a quintessential Indo-Chinese appetizer made with crispy fried chicken wings or drumsticks tossed in a flavorful sauce. These juicy chicken pieces are marinated in aromatic spices like ginger, garlic, red chili, and soy sauce, then coated in a mix of corn flour and maida (all-purpose flour) before being deep-fried to golden perfection.
What sets this dish apart is the sauce — a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors that makes every bite irresistible. Whether enjoyed as a starter or main course, Chicken Lollipop delivers an unforgettable blend of crunchy exterior and succulent, juicy interior.
Pro Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken Lollipop
1. Marination Magic:
Marinate the chicken lollipops for at least 15–20 minutes. This helps the spices penetrate deeply, enhancing the flavor profile.
2. Perfect Crisp:
For extra crispy chicken, either fry twice or extend frying time until you achieve a rich golden-brown crust.
3. Sauce Sensation:
Tweak the sweetness, sourness, or spiciness of the sauce by adjusting vinegar, sugar, or red chili sauce to match your taste.
Frequently Asked Questions Crispy Chicken Lollipop
1. What makes Chicken Lollipops crispy?
The crispy texture comes from a well-balanced batter coating and proper deep frying technique. Using corn flour, refined flour, and frying in hot oil ensures a crunchy exterior.
2. Can I bake Chicken Lollipops instead of frying?
Yes, for a healthier chicken lollipop, bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway. The texture may differ slightly from the deep-fried version.
3. How long should I marinate Chicken Lollipop for best flavor?
Marinate the chicken lollipops for at least 1 hour, but for maximum flavor, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
4. Can I use boneless chicken instead of drumettes?
Traditionally, Chicken Lollipops are made with drumettes, but boneless chicken like thigh or breast meat can be used. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
5. What are the best sauces for Chicken Lollipops?
Pair with garlic aioli, barbecue sauce, spicy sriracha mayo, or sweet chilli sauce for an irresistible combination.
6. How do I ensure even cooking when frying Chicken Lollipops?
Always fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and develops a golden, crispy coating.
7. Can I make the chicken batter ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the chicken lollipop batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Stir well before using to maintain consistency.
8. What to serve with Chicken Lollipops for a complete meal?
Serve with butter naan, jeera rice, or a simple salad for a full meal. Add a side of onion rings or fries for extra crunch.
9. Are Chicken Lollipops good for parties?
Absolutely! Chicken Lollipops are a popular party appetizer. They’re easy to serve, finger-friendly, and always a hit with guests.
10. Can I freeze leftover Chicken Lollipops?
Yes, freeze cooked chicken lollipops in an airtight container or zip-lock bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results.