Chicken Nuggets Recipe Simple: Crispy Nuggets In Minutes!

Craving crispy, tender chicken nuggets that rival your favorite fast-food chain? Look no further! This simple chicken nuggets recipe yields delicious homemade nuggets that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Made with a handful of pantry staples and a few easy steps, these nuggets are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. So, gather your ingredients and let’s embark on a culinary journey to create irresistible chicken nuggets at home!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup paprika
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

2. Make the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.

3. Dip the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk, then coat it evenly with the seasoned flour mixture.

4. Double Coat the Chicken: Dip the chicken pieces back into the buttermilk, then coat them again with the seasoned flour mixture. This double coating ensures extra crispiness.

5. Chill the Chicken: Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the coating adhere to the chicken better.

6. Prepare the Breadcrumbs: In a separate shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Mix well to combine.

7. Coat the Chicken with Breadcrumbs: Dip the chilled chicken pieces into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure they are evenly coated.

8. Fry the Chicken Nuggets: Heat a large pot or deep fryer filled with vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the coated chicken nuggets into the hot oil and fry until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.

9. Drain the Nuggets: Remove the chicken nuggets from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

10. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the crispy chicken nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. Enjoy these homemade nuggets as a delicious appetizer, main course, or snack!

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Nuggets:

• Use fresh, high-quality chicken for the best flavor.
• Cut the chicken into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
• Season the chicken liberally with salt and pepper for extra flavor.
• Double-coating the chicken ensures a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
• Chill the chicken before frying to help the coating adhere better.
• Use a combination of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese for a crispy, flavorful coating.
• Fry the chicken nuggets in hot oil until they are golden brown and cooked through.
• Drain the chicken nuggets on paper towels to remove excess oil.
• Serve the chicken nuggets immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Variations:

• For spicy chicken nuggets, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoned flour mixture.
• For cheesy chicken nuggets, add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the breadcrumb mixture.
• For herbed chicken nuggets, add 1 tablespoon of dried oregano or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture.
• For a healthier version, bake the chicken nuggets in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Storage:

• Store leftover chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat the chicken nuggets in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the chicken nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
• Pair the chicken nuggets with a side of fries, mashed potatoes, or a salad for a complete meal.
• Use the chicken nuggets as a topping for a salad or wrap.
• Pack the chicken nuggets in a lunch box for a quick and easy school or work lunch.

The Secret to Crispy Chicken Nuggets:

The key to achieving crispy chicken nuggets lies in the double coating technique. By dipping the chicken pieces into buttermilk and then coating them twice with the seasoned flour mixture, you create a crispy, flavorful crust that seals in the juices, resulting in tender, delicious nuggets.

The Bottom Line:

Indulge in the delightful simplicity of this chicken nuggets recipe. With just a few pantry staples and easy steps, you can create crispy, tender chicken nuggets that rival those from your favorite fast-food chain. Experiment with different variations to suit your taste preferences and enjoy these homemade nuggets as a satisfying meal or snack. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and let’s embark on a culinary journey to create irresistible chicken nuggets at home!

What You Need to Know

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

• Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Thaw the chicken completely before cutting and seasoning it.

2. What is the purpose of double-coating the chicken?

• Double-coating the chicken helps create a crispy, golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

3. How can I make sure the chicken nuggets are cooked through?

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken nuggets reaches 165°F (74°C) before removing them from the oil.

4. Can I bake the chicken nuggets instead of frying them?

• Yes, you can bake the chicken nuggets in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

5. What are some dipping sauce options for the chicken nuggets?

• Ketchup, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, sweet and sour sauce, and ranch dressing are popular dipping sauce options for chicken nuggets.