Chicken lollipop is a popular appetizer in Indian-Chinese cuisine, known for its unique presentation and flavorful taste. This dish transforms ordinary chicken wings into a visually appealing and mouth-watering treat, perfect for parties and gatherings. Here’s an in-depth look at chicken lollipop:
Ingredients and Preparation
Ingredients:
- Chicken Wings – The main ingredient, typically the drumette or the wingette, which are modified to create the “lollipop” shape.
- Marinade – A mixture of ingredients like ginger-garlic paste, soy sauce, chili sauce, vinegar, and various spices like pepper and red chili powder.
- Coating – A batter made from flour, cornstarch, egg, and sometimes breadcrumbs, which gives the lollipop a crispy exterior when fried.
- Oil – For deep frying the chicken lollipops to achieve that crispy texture.
Preparation:
- Shaping the Chicken – The chicken wings are “frenched” to expose the bone and push the meat to one end, creating a lollipop-like appearance. This involves cutting around the base of the chicken wing and pulling the meat down to form a ball.
- Marinating – The prepared chicken lollipops are marinated in a mixture of ginger-garlic paste, soy sauce, chili sauce, and spices. This step infuses the chicken with flavor and tenderizes it.
- Coating – After marinating, the chicken lollipops are dipped in a batter made from flour, cornstarch, egg, and breadcrumbs. This creates a thick coating that will turn crispy upon frying.
- Frying – The coated chicken lollipops are deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. The frying process seals in the flavors and gives the chicken a crunchy exterior.
Flavor Profile
Chicken lollipop offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The exterior is crispy and slightly spicy, while the meat inside remains juicy and tender. The marinade imparts a savory, tangy, and mildly spicy flavor, making each bite a burst of taste.
Dipping Sauces
The chicken lollipop is often served with various dipping sauces that complement its flavors. Common accompaniments include:
- Schezwan Sauce – A spicy and tangy sauce made from red chilies, garlic, and vinegar.
- Sweet Chili Sauce – A milder option that balances sweetness and spiciness.
- Mint Yogurt Dip – A cooling dip made from yogurt, mint, and spices, providing a refreshing contrast to the fried chicken.
Presentation
The unique lollipop shape of the chicken makes it a visually appealing dish. The exposed bone serves as a handle, making it easy to pick up and eat, which adds to its popularity as a finger food at parties and gatherings.
Nutritional Value
Chicken lollipop, while delicious, is a fried dish and thus can be high in calories and fat. However, using lean cuts of chicken and opting for baking instead of frying can make it a healthier option. Additionally, the use of spices and ginger-garlic paste adds nutritional benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants.
Variations
There are several variations of chicken lollipop, including:
- Baked Chicken Lollipop – A healthier version where the chicken is baked instead of fried.
- Grilled Chicken Lollipop – Marinated and grilled, offering a smoky flavor.
- Stuffed Chicken Lollipop – Filled with a variety of stuffings like cheese, herbs, or minced meat for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients for Chicken Lollipop
Chicken Lollipops – 22 pieces
1st Marination:
- Kashmiri chili powder – 1 tablespoon
- Ginger garlic paste – 1 tablespoon
- Turmeric powder – 1/2 teaspoon
- Pepper powder – 1/2 teaspoon
- Chicken 65 powder – 1 tablespoon
- Salt – 1 tablespoon (adjust as per taste)
- Curd – 2 tablespoons
2nd Marination:
- Corn flour – 3 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour – 8 tablespoons
3rd Marination:
- Eggs – 2
- Bread crumbs – 8 slices of bread
- Oats (crushed) – 3 tablespoons
Method of Preparation
- Wash and clean all the chicken lollipops and keep them aside.
- In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients mentioned under 1st marination.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well.
- Let the chicken rest for 2 hours.
- Combine the corn flour and all-purpose flour in a plate.
- Dip the marinated chicken pieces one by one in this flour mixture.
- Let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Beat 2 eggs in a bowl and mix oats and bread crumbs in another plate.
- Dip the chicken pieces first in beaten egg, then coat them in the bread crumbs mixture.
- Refrigerate the chicken lollipops for 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a kadai and deep-fry the chicken lollipops in batches until golden brown.
- Serve hot with mayonnaise, ketchup, or salads.
Chicken lollipop is a delightful fusion appetizer that combines the flavors of Indian and Chinese cuisines. Its unique presentation, crispy exterior, and flavorful marinade make it a favorite at parties and gatherings. Whether served with spicy Schezwan sauce, sweet chili sauce, or a cooling mint yogurt dip, chicken lollipop is sure to be a hit with both children and adults. By experimenting with different cooking methods and variations, this dish can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary preferences, making it a versatile addition to any menu.
