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Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 57 reviews

This Chicken Nuggets Recipe offers crispy, juicy bites of tender chicken coated in a flavorful seasoned breadcrumb crust. Marinated in buttermilk and a blend of aromatic spices, these nuggets can be prepared by frying or air-frying, providing a deliciously crunchy exterior and moist interior. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish for family-friendly meals.

Ingredients

Scale

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)
  • Spray oil for air-frying

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all chicken pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to tenderize and infuse flavor.
  2. Prepare the Coating Stations: In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour mixed with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) in the first. Beat the eggs and milk together in the second. In the third, combine the breadcrumbs or panko with grated Parmesan cheese and dried oregano or parsley.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge each piece first in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Place coated nuggets on a tray ready for cooking.
  4. Frying Method: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable or canola oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the nuggets in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached. Drain on paper towels before serving.
  5. Air-Frying Method: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated nuggets in a single layer in the basket without overlapping. Spray the tops with oil. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and fully cooked.
  6. Serve: Once cooked, serve the chicken nuggets hot with your choice of dipping sauces such as ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch dressing.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Panko breadcrumbs give a lighter, crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control the spice level.
  • If frying, do not overcrowd the pan to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked to 165°F (74°C).
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

Keywords: chicken nuggets, crispy chicken, homemade chicken nuggets, fried chicken bites, air fryer chicken nuggets, kid-friendly snack

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/crispy-chicken-nuggets-recipe/