Chicken Lollipops, also known as Drums of Heaven, are a popular Indo-Chinese appetizer loved for their crispy, juicy texture and spicy, tangy flavors. These restaurant-style chicken lollipops feature marinated and fried chicken drumettes coated in a flavorful sauce, making them a crowd favorite.
This dish is perfect for Ramadan, as it’s a protein-packed, satisfying option that pairs well with a variety of dips and side dishes. Whether served as an iftar snack or a party appetizer, these lollipops are sure to be a hit with everyone!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy and juicy – Perfectly fried chicken coated in a finger-licking sauce.
Great for Ramadan – A protein-rich snack that keeps you full for longer.
Restaurant-style at home – Get that Drums of Heaven flavor with simple ingredients!
Customizable spice levels – Adjust the heat to your preference.
How to Make Chicken Lollipops from Wings
Chicken lollipops are made from chicken wings by trimming and pushing the meat down to create a lollipop shape. While some butchers may prepare them for you, if yours doesn’t, you can easily make them at home:
- Separate the Drumette and Wingette – Cut through the joint to separate the two parts of the wing.
- For the Drumette – Hold the thicker part of the drumette and scrape the meat down toward the thinner end to form a lollipop shape.
- For the Wingette – Locate the two small bones inside, remove the thinner bone, and push the meat down on the remaining bone to form another lollipop.
- Trim Excess Meat – Cut off any hanging bits for a cleaner look.
Once prepared, your homemade chicken lollipops are ready for marination and cooking!
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1 kg chicken lollipops
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 4 tbsp oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
- 4 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 4 tbsp water (cornstarch slurry)
For Garnish:
- Chopped spring onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine chicken lollipops with soy sauce, vinegar, ginger garlic paste, salt, black pepper, paprika, and red chili powder.
- Add egg, flour, and cornstarch, mixing well until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry the marinated chicken lollipops in batches for 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove and place on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté chopped onions until soft.
- Add ginger garlic paste and cook for another minute.
- Stir in ketchup, sriracha, soy sauce, vinegar, black pepper, chili flakes, and brown sugar.
- Pour in the cornstarch slurry and let the sauce thicken.
- Toss the fried chicken lollipops in the sauce, coating them evenly.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped spring onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot with extra dipping sauce or alongside fried rice or noodles.
Chicken Lollipops (Drums of Heaven)
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1 kg chicken lollipops
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 4 tbsp oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
- 4 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 4 tbsp water cornstarch slurry
For Garnish:
- Chopped spring onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine chicken lollipops with soy sauce, vinegar, ginger garlic paste, salt, black pepper, paprika, and red chili powder.
- Add egg, flour, and cornstarch, mixing well until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry the marinated chicken lollipops in batches for 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove and place on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté chopped onions until soft.
- Add ginger garlic paste and cook for another minute.
- Stir in ketchup, sriracha, soy sauce, vinegar, black pepper, chili flakes, and brown sugar.
- Pour in the cornstarch slurry and let the sauce thicken.
- Toss the fried chicken lollipops in the sauce, coating them evenly.
- Sprinkle with chopped spring onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot with extra dipping sauce or alongside fried rice or noodles.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with garlic mayo, sweet chili sauce, or spicy ranch.
Pair with a side of fried rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Add a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the heat.
One Response
The flavors must be amazing!