Crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and bursting with flavor, Gordon Ramsay’s Lollipop Chicken turns simple drumsticks into showstopping appetizers. With bold seasoning, elegant presentation, and a sticky glaze or dry spice rub, these chicken lollipops are perfect for parties, game nights, or gourmet finger food.

What is Gordon Ramsay Lollipop Chicken?

Lollipop chicken refers to drumettes or chicken wings that have been “frenched” by pushing the meat down toward one end of the bone, forming a lollipop-like shape. Gordon Ramsay elevates this classic appetizer with intense flavors and a beautifully crisp finish, often paired with a glaze or dipping sauce.

Other Gordon Ramsay Recipes

Why You’ll Love Gordon Ramsay Lollipop Chicken

Fun, elegant presentation – Eye-catching and easy to serve

Crispy and juicy texture – Perfectly cooked every time
Packed with flavor – Bold seasoning or glaze
Great for entertaining – Finger food with flair

Customizable with sauces or dry rubs – Make it sweet, spicy, or smoky
Can be baked or fried – Flexible cooking method

Ingredients Needed to Make Gordon Ramsay Lollipop Chicken

12 chicken drumettes or small drumsticks

1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the glaze (optional):

¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon hot sauce

1 garlic clove, grated
1 teaspoon vinegar or lime juice

For garnish:

Fresh chopped parsley or sesame seeds

Lemon or lime wedges

Instructions to Prepare Gordon Ramsay Lollipop Chicken

Prep the lollipop chicken:
- Use a sharp knife to cut around the bone at the narrow end of each drumette.
- Push the meat down to the thick end, scraping the bone clean to form the lollipop shape. Trim off the small bone tip if needed.
Season the chicken: In a large bowl, toss the lollipops with garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, cayenne, and olive oil. Let marinate for 20–30 minutes for better flavor.
Choose a cooking method:
- To bake: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Place chicken lollipops on a wire rack over a tray and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- To fry: Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 175°C (350°F) and fry lollipops in batches for 6–8 minutes until crispy and golden.
Make the glaze (if using): In a saucepan, mix honey, soy sauce, hot sauce, garlic, and vinegar. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Toss or brush the glaze: Coat the cooked lollipop chicken in the glaze or serve it on the side.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with herbs or sesame seeds and serve hot with dipping sauces.

What Goes Well With Gordon Ramsay Lollipop Chicken

Sweet chili or garlic dip – Pairs perfectly with spicy glaze

Fries or potato wedges – Classic comfort pairing
Fresh cucumber salad – Cools down the heat
Sticky rice or flatbread – Soaks up the sauce

Pickled onions or slaw – Adds crunch and tang
Cold beer or iced tea – Balances the bold flavor

Key Tips for Making Gordon Ramsay Lollipop Chicken

Use drumettes for easier shaping – Less cartilage than full drumsticks

Freeze briefly before shaping – Firms up meat for easier handling
Don’t skip seasoning – The rub is crucial for flavor depth
Marinate for 30 minutes or longer – Enhances taste

Bake on a wire rack – Ensures even crisping
Glaze after cooking – Keeps the coating crispy
Serve immediately – Best texture when hot and fresh

Creative Variations of Gordon Ramsay Lollipop Chicken

Add five-spice powder for Asian flair – Pairs well with hoisin glaze
Use BBQ dry rub instead of glaze – For smoky flavor
Toss in buffalo sauce – Classic American wing flavor

Add grated ginger and sesame oil to marinade – For extra depth
Try maple syrup and mustard glaze – Sweet-savory twist
Coat in crushed cornflakes or panko before baking – Ultra crispy finish

Storage Guidelines for Gordon Ramsay Lollipop Chicken

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container – Best within 2 days
Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer – Restores crispiness
Do not freeze after glazing – Glaze texture may degrade

Reheating Tips for Gordon Ramsay Lollipop Chicken

Oven method: Reheat at 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes
Air fryer method: 5–6 minutes at 180°C for a crisp finish
Avoid microwaving – Softens the crispy skin

Nutrition Value (per 3 pieces with glaze):

Calories: 320
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 15g

Protein: 28g
Sodium: 420mg

FAQs

What is lollipop chicken made from?

Lollipop chicken is made by trimming chicken drumettes or drumsticks so the meat is pushed down into a “lollipop” shape. It’s then seasoned, cooked, and often glazed for extra flavor.

Can I bake lollipop chicken instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake it at 200°C (400°F) for 30–35 minutes. Place the lollipops on a wire rack over a baking tray and rotate halfway for even crisping.

How do I shape chicken into lollipops?

Cut around the bone at the narrow end of the drumette, then push the meat down toward the thicker end. Scrape the bone clean for a lollipop appearance.

What sauces pair best with lollipop chicken?

Sweet chili, garlic soy glaze, BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or honey mustard all work well, depending on whether you want sweet, tangy, or spicy flavor profiles.

Final Words

Gordon Ramsay’s lollipop chicken takes finger food to the next level with bold seasoning, crispy skin, and an elegant presentation.