Crispy chicken lollipop drumsticks are a delicious twist on classic fried chicken. With their unique shape, crunchy breading, and juicy interior, these chicken lollipops are not only delicious but also fun to eat! Perfect as a party appetizer, family meal, or crowd-pleasing snack, these breaded drumsticks bring flair to the table and are sure to impress.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make perfectly crispy chicken lollipop drumsticks in your own kitchen.
What Are Chicken Lollipop Drumsticks?
Chicken lollipop drumsticks are essentially chicken drumsticks shaped to look like a “lollipop,” with the meat pushed down toward one end, creating a ball of tender chicken on a bone “handle.” This transformation gives them an elegant presentation and makes them easy to hold and enjoy. The drumsticks are then seasoned, breaded, and fried to achieve an irresistible crunch.
Ingredients Needed for Chicken Lollipop Drumsticks
Here’s what you’ll need for these deliciously crispy chicken lollipops:
- Chicken Drumsticks: 12–16 small drumsticks, cleaned and prepared
- Flour: 1 cup, for coating
- Eggs: 2, beaten
- Breadcrumbs: 2 cups (panko works best for a crunchy texture)
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
- Oil for Frying: Vegetable oil, for deep-frying
- Fresh Parsley or Cilantro (optional): Chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chicken Lollipop Drumsticks
Follow these steps to create perfectly crispy and flavorful chicken lollipop drumsticks.
Step 1: Prepare the Drumsticks
- Clean the Drumsticks: Wash the chicken drumsticks thoroughly and pat them dry. Trim any excess fat.
- Shape the Drumsticks: Using a sharp knife, cut around the thin end of each drumstick to separate the meat from the bone. Then, carefully scrape the meat down toward the thicker end, creating a ball-like shape with the exposed bone as a handle. This step helps create the “lollipop” effect.
Step 2: Season the Drumsticks
- Add Seasonings: Season the drumsticks with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss the drumsticks in the seasoning until they’re well-coated on all sides. This seasoning will add flavor to the meat and enhance the breading.
Step 3: Set Up a Breading Station
- Prepare Three Bowls:
- One bowl with flour for coating.
- Another bowl with beaten eggs, which will act as a binding agent for the breadcrumbs.
- A third bowl with breadcrumbs for the final layer. Using panko breadcrumbs will create a crispier coating.
Step 4: Bread the Drumsticks
- Coat the Drumsticks:
- Dredge each drumstick in the flour, coating all sides, and shake off any excess.
- Dip the floured drumstick into the beaten eggs, letting the excess egg drip off.
- Roll the drumstick in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick. For an extra crispy coating, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps to double-bread each drumstick.
- Set Aside: Place the breaded drumsticks on a wire rack and allow them to rest for 10–15 minutes. This resting time helps the breading set and ensures a crispy coating when frying.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
- Prepare for Frying:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat the oil to approximately 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to submerge the drumsticks partially, ensuring even cooking.
- Maintain a steady temperature during frying. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the chicken cooks through; if it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb more oil and become greasy.
Step 6: Fry the Chicken Lollipops
- Fry the Drumsticks:
- Carefully add the breaded drumsticks to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot.
- Fry each batch for 8–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the drumsticks from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Add Final Touches:
- Garnish the chicken lollipops with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as barbecue sauce, ranch, or spicy ketchup.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Lollipop Drumsticks
Making chicken lollipop drumsticks isn’t difficult, but these tips will help ensure the best results every time.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: To keep the drumsticks crispy, keep the oil at a steady temperature of around 350°F (175°C). Too low, and the breading will absorb excess oil; too high, and it might burn before cooking through.
- Double Breading: For an extra-crispy coating, consider double breading the drumsticks. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a thicker, crunchier crust.
- Prep Ahead: To make your cooking process easier, you can shape and bread the chicken lollipops in advance. Store them in the fridge for up to a few hours before frying.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When frying, add only a few drumsticks at a time. Overcrowding the pot lowers the oil temperature, resulting in unevenly cooked drumsticks.
Dipping Sauce Ideas for Chicken Lollipops
Chicken lollipops are versatile and taste great with various dipping sauces. Here are a few favorites:
- Classic Barbecue Sauce: Sweet, tangy, and smoky.
- Ranch Dressing: Creamy and cooling, a perfect contrast to the crispy, spicy chicken.
- Honey Mustard: Sweet and tangy with a hint of spice.
- Spicy Ketchup: Ketchup mixed with a bit of hot sauce for a mild kick.
- Garlic Aioli: A garlic-infused mayonnaise that pairs beautifully with the crispy breading.
Conclusion
Crispy breaded chicken lollipop drumsticks bring a playful yet sophisticated flair to any meal. With their juicy interior and perfectly crunchy coating, they’re sure to be a hit at parties, family dinners, or special occasions. Try out this recipe and enjoy the fun and flavor of homemade chicken lollipops!
FAQs
1. Can I bake chicken lollipop drumsticks instead of frying?
Yes! Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the breaded drumsticks on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden and crispy, turning halfway through.
2. Can I use chicken wings instead of drumsticks?
Absolutely! The recipe can be adapted for chicken wings. Follow the same breading and frying steps for delicious crispy wings.
3. How do I store leftover chicken lollipops?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore the crispiness.
4. What’s the best way to reheat fried chicken lollipops?
To keep them crispy, reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
5. Can I make chicken lollipops gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives, such as almond flour and gluten-free panko.