Chicken lollipops are a delicious and fun twist on traditional chicken wings. These bite-sized treats are made by cutting the meat away from the bottom of a chicken drumette and pushing it down to create a "lollipop" shape. They are then coated in a flavorful marinade or sauce and grilled or baked to crispy perfection.
One of the great things about chicken lollipops is their versatility. They can be made with a variety of seasonings and sauces to suit any taste preference. From sweet and tangy BBQ sauce to spicy buffalo sauce, there's a flavor combination for everyone.
Chicken lollipops also make for a great appetizer or party snack. They are easy to eat with just one hand, making them perfect for mingling and socializing. Plus, their unique shape is sure to impress guests and make for a memorable presentation.
How To Make:
To make chicken lollipops at home, start by cutting the meat away from the bottom of a chicken drumette with a sharp knife or kitchen scissors. Push the meat down towards the other end of the drumette to create the lollipop shape. Then, marinate the chicken in your preferred sauce or seasoning for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
When you're ready to cook the chicken lollipops, preheat your grill or oven to 375°F. Place the chicken on a greased baking sheet or directly on the grill grates and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the chicken is crispy and cooked through.
Serve your chicken lollipops with additional sauce for dipping and enjoy them as a tasty and fun finger food.
Tips and Variations:
Use a meat thermometer: To ensure that the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the meat has reached 165°F.
Make ahead: You can prepare the chicken lollipops ahead of time by cutting and marinating the chicken. Simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
Double-cook method: For extra crispy chicken lollipops, try a double-cook method. Start by baking the chicken lollipops in the oven until they're cooked through, then finish them off on the grill to get a crispy exterior.
Flavor variations: There are endless ways to flavor chicken lollipops. Try using different spices, herbs, or marinades to create unique flavor profiles. Some popular options include honey mustard, teriyaki, garlic, herb, or spicy buffalo.
Dipping sauces: Serve your chicken lollipops with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, blue cheese, sweet and sour, or sriracha mayo.
Vegetarian options: If you're vegetarian, you can make veggie lollipops using tofu or cauliflower. Simply cut the tofu or cauliflower into small pieces, marinate them, and bake or grill until crispy.
Presentation: To make your chicken lollipops look extra fancy, tie a small piece of ribbon or twine around the end of the bone before serving.
With these tips and variations, you can create a variety of delicious chicken lollipops that are sure to impress your guests or satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 12 chicken drumettes
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, then line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut the meat away from the bottom of each chicken drumette, leaving the bone exposed. Push the meat down towards the other end of the drumette to create the lollipop shape.
Mix the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Place the chicken lollipops in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. In order to uniformly coat the chicken, seal the bag and toss it. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to overnight.
Remove the chicken lollipops from the marinade and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and crispy.
Garnish the chicken lollipops with chopped green onions and serve hot, with additional sauce for dipping.