“They are the perfect party food, appetizer, or main dish,” Milena Manolova, who also developed the recipe, said about her chili chicken Lollipops. These mouthwatering treats that you can eat with your hands should be the next item on your list of things to cook if you think they sound like the ideal dish for your needs.
There’s no need to be concerned; they are not real lollipops! Instead, Manolova proceeds to demonstrate how chicken drumsticks may be molded into lollipop-like sculptures by guiding us through the process. Manolova makes the following observation: “Kids love them, as they are easy to hold and eat.” Both hefty and young eaters are sure to enjoy the finished product because it is playful and fun.
First, the chicken is fried, then it is marinated in a flavorful yogurt, and finally, it is topped off with a robust sauce that contains sesame seeds. “The balance of sweet and slightly spicy makes them super tasty and exciting to eat as it combines different flavor profiles,” said the person who developed the recipe. Indeed, you might find yourself licking the sauce off the bone, as if they were actually sweet and sticky lollipops. This is a possibility.
Gather ingredients for sweet chili chicken lollipops.
A dozen chicken drumsticks should be purchased from the butcher in order to complete this dish. In order to make the marinade, you will need to gather the following ingredients: yogurt, chili powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, ginger powder, onion powder, and honey. When it comes to the chicken marinade, yogurt is the most important component. According to Manolova, “it tenderizes the meat, which results in the meat being extra juicy.” In addition, in order to adequately coat the chicken before frying it, you will need flour and an egg.
Ensure that you have a sufficient amount of vegetable oil for frying, in addition to having additional oil for the sauce. Rice vinegar, soy sauce, chili paste, granulated sugar, water, fresh ginger (grated), fresh garlic (grated), cornstarch, and sesame seeds are the ingredients that you will need to finish making the sauce that will make your fingers lick your fingers.
Make drumstick lollipops.
The transformation of the drumsticks into the appropriate forms is the first step in the process of making these sweet chili chicken lollipops, and it is also the most crucial phase. Grip the drumsticks on the meatier end of each individual drumstick, and then use a knife to cut around the thin end of each drumstick, separating the meat from the bone. It is also possible to remove the top joint of the drumstick in order to make it stand on its own. However, according to Manolova, this step is not required if you are comfortable serving the lollipops on their sides.
Make a spherical lollipop by pushing the meaty side up, and then eliminate any remaining meat and skin on the thin end to expose the bone and make a clean lollipop stick. This will allow you to make perfect lollipop sticks. “It takes a bit of practice, but after a couple of drumsticks, you get the hang of it, and it becomes much easier and faster,” according to Manolova. After you have finished making each lollipop, be sure to place it in a large bowl.
Marinate chicken.
Honey, chili powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, ginger powder, onion powder, and yogurt should be added to the bowl containing the chicken with the other ingredients. To ensure that the meat is completely covered, use clean hands or a large spoon to carefully combine the contents of the marinade. The bowl should be covered with plastic and placed in the refrigerator for at least one hour, but, according to Manolova, it would taste much better if placed in the refrigerator overnight.
Making the sauce.
You should get the sweet chili sauce ready while you are waiting for the chicken to marinate. A bowl should be used to combine the following ingredients: two tablespoons of vegetable oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, chili paste, granulated sugar, water, grated ginger, grated garlic, cornstarch, and sesame seeds. The contents should be whisked until the sauce is consistent, and then it should sit aside.
Coat and fry chicken lollipops.
As soon as the chicken has been marinated for an adequate amount of time, remove the bowl from the refrigerator and immediately place the flour and an egg inside of it. Stir them in to coat the chicken that has been marinated. After that, place a medium-sized pot on the heat and add five cups of vegetable oil to the pot. Bring it up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, then use a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature of the oil.
Place the chicken lollipops in the hot oil in a smooth and gentle manner. Manolova discourages the practice of overfilling the pot and suggests frying the ingredients in batches if this becomes necessary. The chicken should be fried for six to eight minutes, or until the meat is completely cooked and has a golden brown hue. Place the fried lollipops on a platter that has been lined with paper towels so that any excess oil can be absorbed.
Heat the sauce, coat the lollipops, and serve.
A frying pan should be placed over medium heat, and the sweet chili sesame sauce should be poured into the pan. Cook it for two to three minutes, until it begins to bubble, and then remove it from the heat. After that, add the chicken lollipops to the sauce and mix them to ensure that they are coated. Last but not least, these chicken lollipops, which are sweet, spicy and sticky, are about to be served.
The comment made by Manolova is that chicken lollipops are really flexible. “They can be served as an appetizer but can also be enjoyed for lunch or dinner.” She goes on to say that these are wonderful “with a green salad, potato salad, roasted potatoes, rice, or grilled vegetables.” While you will enjoy them as a standalone pre-meal nibble, she also says that they are terrific.” Assuming you have any leftovers, you can easily reheat them by placing them in the microwave or oven with a cover made of foil.
Sweet Chili Chicken Lollipop Recipe:
Sweet Chili Chicken Lollipops are a delightful and flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings or as a tasty snack. The combination of crispy chicken lollipops and a sweet and tangy chili sauce makes for an irresistible treat. Follow this step-by-step recipe to create these delicious bites:
Ingredients:
For the chicken lollipops:
- 12 chicken wings (drumettes)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil for frying
For the sweet chili sauce:
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish, optional)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Follow these step-by-step directions to create delicious Sweet Chili Chicken Lollipops:
Directions for Sweet Chili Chicken Lollipops:
- Prepare the chicken lollipops:
- Clean and pat the chicken wings. Remove the tips and separate the drumettes from the flats.
- Use a sharp knife to scrape the meat down the bone, creating a lollipop shape. Push the meat to one end of the bone to expose it, forming a “lollipop.”
- In a bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each chicken lollipop in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring even coverage.
- Fry the Chicken Lollipops:
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the coated chicken lollipops into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 8–10 minutes.
- Remove the chicken lollipops from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the sweet chili sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced ginger, and minced garlic.
- Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens slightly, about 5–7 minutes.
- Remove the sauce from heat and stir in sesame oil.
- Toss the chicken in sweet chili sauce.
- Place the fried chicken lollipops in a large bowl.
- Pour the sweet chili sauce over the chicken and toss until each lollipop is evenly coated.
- Garnish and serve:
- Arrange the Sweet Chili Chicken Lollipops on a serving platter.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added freshness and crunch.
- Serve immediately and watch them disappear!