Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish for any occasion? Look no further than this crispy and flavorful chicken nuggets recipe! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun appetizer, or even meal prep for the week ahead, these nuggets are sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of tender chicken and a crispy coating seasoned with garlic, onion, and smoked paprika makes these nuggets irresistible.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have these nuggets ready to enjoy in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and store them in the fridge or freezer for a convenient meal option whenever you need it.
Ingredient Notes:
For the Chicken:
- Large chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
- Buttermilk for tenderizing the chicken
- Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper for seasoning
For the Coating:
- All-purpose flour for dredging
- Eggs and milk for binding
- Breadcrumbs or panko for a crispy coating, with optional Parmesan cheese and dried herbs for extra flavor
- Cooking oil for frying (vegetable or canola) or spray oil for air-frying
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk and seasonings. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Set up a dredging station with flour, egg mixture, and breadcrumb mixture.
- Dredge each marinated chicken piece in flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- Fry the nuggets in hot oil until golden brown and crispy, or air-fry for a healthier option.
- Serve hot and enjoy the crunchy goodness!
Helpful Tips:
- For extra crispy nuggets, double-coat them by repeating the dredging process.
- To make these nuggets gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend and breadcrumbs.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- For a flavor boost, try adding a pinch of your favorite herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mixture.
- To prevent overcrowding in the frying pan, cook the nuggets in batches.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair these chicken nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce, a side salad, or some crispy fries for a complete meal. They also make a great appetizer for parties or game nights.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftover nuggets, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I bake these chicken nuggets instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. - Can I use chicken tenders instead of cutting chicken breasts or thighs?
Yes, chicken tenders work well in this recipe and can save you some prep time. - Can I freeze these chicken nuggets?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked nuggets on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Cook from frozen for a convenient meal option.
Conclusion:
With simple ingredients and easy steps, these homemade chicken nuggets are a tasty and versatile dish for any occasion. Try making them at home and enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness! Don’t forget to share your feedback and tag us in your creations. Happy cooking!
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Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Nuggets Recipe is a delicious homemade version of the classic favorite. Tender chicken pieces are marinated in buttermilk and coated with a flavorful mixture of breadcrumbs and spices before being fried to crispy perfection.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1–2 inch pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs or panko
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or parsley
For Frying or Air-Frying:
- Cooking oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil) or spray oil for air-frying
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Coating: In separate bowls, place flour with salt and pepper, beaten eggs with milk, and breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and oregano.
- Coat and Fry: Dredge marinated chicken in flour, dip in egg mixture, then coat with breadcrumbs. Fry in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Enjoy hot chicken nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For a healthier option, consider air-frying the chicken nuggets instead of deep-frying.
- You can customize the seasoning in the coating mixture to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg