Chicken lollipop is a popular appetizer or snack that originated in India and has since become a favorite around the world. It is made by marinating chicken drumsticks in a mixture of spices and then deep-frying them until crispy. However, deep-frying can be unhealthy and messy, which is why many people are looking for alternative ways to cook chicken lollipop. One of the best ways to cook chicken lollipop is in the oven, which is a healthier and easier option. In this article, we will show you how to cook chicken lollipop in the oven and provide you with some tips and variations to make it even more delicious.
Benefits of Cooking Chicken Lollipop in Oven
Cooking chicken lollipop in the oven has several benefits over deep-frying. Here are some of the advantages of oven-cooked chicken lollipop:
- Healthier option: Oven-cooking is a much healthier option than deep-frying, as it uses less oil and does not involve submerging the chicken in hot oil.
- Easier to cook: Cooking chicken lollipop in the oven is easier than deep-frying, as it does not require constant monitoring and stirring.
- Less messy: Oven-cooking is a cleaner and less messy option than deep-frying, as it does not involve splattering hot oil.
- More flavorful: Oven-cooking allows for more even cooking and can result in a more flavorful dish, as the chicken can be marinated in a variety of spices and herbs.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To cook chicken lollipop in the oven, you will need the following ingredients and equipment:
- 500g chicken drumsticks
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons ginger paste
- 2 tablespoons garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato puree
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Equipment needed:
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Oven
Marinating the Chicken
The first step in cooking chicken lollipop in the oven is to marinate the chicken drumsticks in a mixture of spices and yogurt. To do this, follow these steps:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger paste, garlic paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder, and salt.
- Add the chicken drumsticks to the marinade and mix well to coat.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preparing the Sauce
While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare the sauce that will be used to coat the chicken lollipop. To do this, follow these steps:
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until it is translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the chopped tomato and cook until it is soft.
- Add the tomato puree and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the butter and stir until it is melted.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking the Chicken Lollipop
Once the chicken has marinated and the sauce is prepared, you can cook the chicken lollipop in the oven. To do this, follow these steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove the chicken drumsticks from the marinade and place them on the baking sheet.
- Brush the chicken with the prepared sauce.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it is cooked through and the sauce is caramelized.
Tips for Cooking Chicken Lollipop in Oven
Here are some tips to help you cook chicken lollipop in the oven:
- Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours: This will help the chicken to absorb the flavors of the marinade and result in a more flavorful dish.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through: The internal temperature of the chicken should be at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Make sure to leave enough space between each piece of chicken to allow for even cooking.
- Brush the chicken with sauce during cooking: This will help to keep the chicken moist and add flavor.
Variations of Chicken Lollipop
There are many variations of chicken lollipop that you can try to make it even more delicious. Here are a few ideas:
- Spicy chicken lollipop: Add more red chili powder or use hot sauce to make the chicken lollipop spicy.
- Lemon pepper chicken lollipop: Add lemon zest and black pepper to the marinade for a bright and citrusy flavor.
- Indian-style chicken lollipop: Add more Indian spices such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala to the marinade for a more authentic flavor.
- Korean-style chicken lollipop: Add Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) and soy sauce to the marinade for a spicy and savory flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken lollipop can be served as an appetizer or snack, or as a main course with rice or noodles. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve with a side of rice or noodles: Chicken lollipop pairs well with a variety of carbohydrates such as rice, noodles, or bread.
- Serve with a side of vegetables: Roasted or sautéed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers make a healthy and delicious side dish.
- Serve with a dipping sauce: Serve the chicken lollipop with a dipping sauce such as ketchup, mustard, or a yogurt-based sauce.
Conclusion
Cooking chicken lollipop in the oven is a healthier and easier option than deep-frying. By following the recipe and tips outlined in this article, you can make delicious and flavorful chicken lollipop at home. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or main course, chicken lollipop is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
What is Chicken Lollipop and how does it taste?
Chicken Lollipop is a popular Indian-Chinese dish that consists of marinated chicken drumsticks or thighs, deep-fried and then tossed in a spicy sauce. However, in this recipe, we will be baking the chicken in the oven instead of deep-frying it. The taste of Chicken Lollipop is a perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and sour flavors, with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
The oven-baked version of Chicken Lollipop has a slightly different taste profile compared to the deep-fried version. It is less greasy and has a more subtle flavor, but still packed with spices and herbs. The baking process helps to retain the moisture of the chicken, making it tender and juicy.
What are the ingredients required for this recipe?
The ingredients required for this recipe include boneless chicken drumsticks or thighs, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, eggs, breadcrumbs, and a variety of spices and herbs such as cumin, coriander, garam masala, and chili powder. You will also need olive oil, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for the marinade.
Additionally, you will need a sweet and sour sauce made with ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and chili sauce to toss the baked chicken in. You can adjust the amount of chili sauce according to your desired level of spiciness. You can also add other ingredients such as onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the sauce for added flavor.
How do I prepare the marinade for the chicken?
To prepare the marinade, you need to mix together olive oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and chili powder in a bowl. Add the chicken drumsticks or thighs to the marinade and mix well to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Make sure to adjust the amount of chili powder according to your desired level of spiciness. You can also add other ingredients such as yogurt or lemon juice to the marinade for added flavor. After marinating, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking.
How do I bake the chicken in the oven?
To bake the chicken, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Dip the chicken in the flour mixture, then the eggs, and finally the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. Flip the chicken halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking. You can also broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes to get a crispy exterior.
How do I make the sweet and sour sauce?
To make the sweet and sour sauce, mix together ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and chili sauce in a bowl. You can adjust the amount of chili sauce according to your desired level of spiciness. Add the sauce to a pan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
You can also add other ingredients such as onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the sauce for added flavor. Stir-fry the ingredients in a little oil before adding the sauce and simmering. This will add a depth of flavor to the sauce.
Can I customize the recipe to suit my taste preferences?
Yes, you can customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can adjust the amount of chili powder or chili sauce according to your desired level of spiciness. You can also add other ingredients such as garlic, ginger, or herbs to the marinade or sauce for added flavor.
Additionally, you can try different types of protein such as beef or pork instead of chicken. You can also add other ingredients such as vegetables or nuts to the sauce for added texture and flavor. Feel free to experiment and adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences.
Can I serve Chicken Lollipop as a main course or appetizer?
Yes, you can serve Chicken Lollipop as a main course or appetizer. It is a versatile dish that can be served in different settings. As a main course, you can serve it with steamed rice or noodles and a side of vegetables. As an appetizer, you can serve it with a side of dipping sauce or as part of a platter with other appetizers.
You can also serve Chicken Lollipop at parties or gatherings as a finger food. It is easy to eat and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. You can also customize the recipe to suit your serving style, such as serving it in a wrap or as a sandwich.