Description
Crispy Stuffed Chicken Lollipops are a delicious and fun appetizer featuring chicken drumsticks stuffed with cheese and seasonings, coated in a crispy breadcrumb mixture, and deep-fried to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (cubed or shredded)
- ½ cup cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 tbsp cooked bacon bits or diced ham (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Oil (vegetable or canola) for deep frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Dipping sauces (BBQ, spicy mayo, or ranch)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Using a sharp knife, cut around the thin end of each drumstick to push the meat down (creating a “lollipop” shape with exposed bone as the handle). Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Stuff the Chicken: Make a slit in the meaty part of each drumstick. Stuff with mozzarella (and optional cheddar/bacon/parsley). Press gently to seal the meat around the filling.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each stuffed drumstick in flour. Dip into beaten eggs. Coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan and oregano. Press coating firmly so it sticks.
- Fry Until Crispy: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken lollipops in batches for 6–8 minutes, until golden brown and crispy, and chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Drain on paper towels.
- Serve & Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- For a healthier option, consider baking the lollipops instead of frying.
- Feel free to customize the stuffing ingredients based on your preferences.
- Ensure the oil is at the right temperature for optimal crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 lollipops
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg