Lollipop Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

 Lollipop chicken drumsticks are a fun and delicious twist on traditional chicken drumsticks. These bite-sized, flavorful treats are perfect for parties, picnics, game nights, or any occasion that calls for finger food. We will guide you through the process of creating perfectly seasoned, crispy, and tender lollipop chicken drumsticks that will surely be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

I. Ingredients:

For the Chicken Drumsticks:

• 12 chicken drumsticks, skin-on and bone-in

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)

For the Marinade:

• 1/2 cup buttermilk

• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your desired level of spiciness)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

For the Coating:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

• Wooden or metal skewers (optional, for serving as lollipops)

II. Preparing the Chicken Drumsticks:

Marinating the Chicken:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, hot sauce, minced garlic, honey, and Dijon mustard. Stir until well combined.

• Add the chicken drumsticks to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated.

• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse into the chicken.

Shaping the Lollipops:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Remove the marinated drumsticks from the refrigerator and pat them dry with paper towels.

• With a sharp knife, carefully remove the skin and excess fat from the top of each drumstick, exposing the bone.

• Gently push the meat down towards the thick end of the drumstick, creating a "lollipop" shape.

• Optionally, insert wooden or metal skewers into the exposed bone end of each drumstick for a fun lollipop presentation. Make sure to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning during cooking.

• Place the shaped drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

III. Coating the Lollipop Chicken Drumsticks:

Preparing the Coating Mixture:

• In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.

Dredging the Drumsticks:

• Take each shaped drumstick and roll it in the flour mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated on all sides.

• Shake off any excess flour and return the coated drumsticks to the prepared baking sheet.

IV. Frying the Lollipop Chicken Drumsticks:

Heat the Oil:

• In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer, add enough vegetable oil to cover the drumsticks partially. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).

Frying the Drumsticks:

• Carefully add a few coated drumsticks to the hot oil at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

• Fry the drumsticks for about 5-6 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown and crispy.

• Use tongs to remove the fried drumsticks from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Baking the Drumsticks (Optional):

• If you prefer a healthier alternative to deep frying, you can bake the coated drumsticks in the preheated oven for approximately 30-35 minutes or until they are fully cooked and golden brown. Remember to turn them halfway through baking for even browning.

V. Serving the Lollipop Chicken Drumsticks:

Presentation:

• If you used skewers, remove them from the lollipop chicken drumsticks before serving.

• Arrange the crispy and flavorful lollipop chicken drumsticks on a serving platter.

Accompaniments:

• Serve the lollipop chicken drumsticks with your favorite dipping sauces, such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing, for an added burst of flavor.

Side Dishes:

• Accompany the lollipop chicken drumsticks with side dishes like coleslaw, potato salad, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Conclusion:

Congratulations! You've successfully prepared a delightful batch of lollipop chicken drumsticks that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether served at a party, enjoyed during game night, or as a fun snack for the family, these lollipop chicken drumsticks are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.