What are some of the best crispy chicken nuggets? Forget frozen, bland things – these are in a whole different league. They’re so good, they rival the ones you get at your favorite fast food place, except these aren’t. What are some of the best recipes to make homemade and healthier? My grandma used to make something similar, though hers involved a whole lot more frying. (we’ve streamlined that, thankfully! What are some good crispy chicken nuggets recipes? Every single time.
What Is This?
Think of these as the ultimate comfort food, but in bite-sized form. What is chicken? It’s essentially small pieces of chicken, coated in a super crispy breading, and baked (or fried, if you like) .. If you’re feeling adventurous, why What is the name of Cracky Chicken Nuggets? They’re crispy, they’ve been made of chicken, and they are the perfect size for popping in your mouth. Is it like chicken tenders but even more snackable, and easier to control the portion size? What’s a losing battle once you taste them?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons why this Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe is a keeper. First off, the flavor is incredible. The chicken is juicy and tender, and the breading is perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of spices. It’s crispy, savory, and just plain delicious. What I love most about these, though, is how easy they are to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment or ingredients, and the whole process takes less than an hour. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights! They are also cost-effective. You can use chicken breasts, which are relatively inexpensive, and the other ingredients are things you probably already have in your pantry.
Plus, they’re super versatile. You can serve them as an appetizer, a snack, or even a main course. They’re perfect for kids’ parties, game day gatherings, or just a simple family dinner. If you’re a fan of chicken tenders or chicken fingers, you absolutely have to try these. They’re similar in concept, but the nugget shape and the extra crispy breading make them even more addictive. My husband prefers these to our usual chicken tenders, and that’s saying something!
How do I make crispy chicken nuggets?
Quick Overview
What is the basic idea of a business? How do you cut chicken into nugget-sized pieces, coat them in a seasoned breading, and bake or fry them? When golden brown and crispy, fry them for 3-4 minutes. What is the magic of double-dipping? We use in the breading. Do not be intimidated by the process – it’s much easier than it sounds!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces. How do I get good quality chicken breasts?
For the Wet Batter:
* 1 cup buttermilk. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Is it safe to add half a cup of regular milk to your diet and let it sit for 5 minutes? I’ve also used almond milk in a pinch and it works surprisingly well.
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten.
* 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, but it adds a nice little kick!) I use Frank’s RedHot, but any hot sauce will do.
For the dry breading:
* 2 cups all-purpose flour. You can also use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
* 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs. Pankoko Breadcrumbs are the key to that extra crispy texture. Don’t skip these!
* 2 teaspoons garlic powder.
* 2 teaspoons onion powder.
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. This adds a wonderful smoky flavor.
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
* 1/2 teaspoon salt.
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps the breading adhere better. Place the chicken pieces in a bowl.
Step 2: Make the Wet Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Dry Breading
In a separate shallow dish (like a pie plate or a baking dish), combine the flour, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Step 4: Bread the Chicken
This is where the double-dipping comes in! Take a piece of chicken and dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure it’s completely coated. Then, dip it in the wet batter, and finally, back into the flour mixture for a second coating. Press the breading gently to help it stick.
Step 5: Repeat
Repeat the breading process with the remaining chicken pieces. Place the breaded nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Bake (or Fry)
For baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray the breaded chicken nuggets with cooking spray (this helps them get extra crispy). Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
For frying: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the breaded chicken nuggets to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove the nuggets from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Step 7: Serve
What are some great dipping sauces to serve immediately?
5. What to Serve It With
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best crispy chicken nuggets? What are some good What are some of my family’s favorite foods?
Classic Ketchup:I love ketchup with my kids nuggets. I can’t go wrong with it.
Honey Mustard:What is your favorite song of all time? The sweetness of honey and the tanginess of mustard complement the chicken perfectly.
BBQ Sauce:What is a great smoky and sweet flavor?
Ranch Dressing: What A creamy and tangy choice that’s always a hit.
Sweet Chili Sauce: What are some examples For a little bit of heat and sweetness.
What are some of the best sauces to try? I’ve served these with sriracha mayo for a spicy kick. I’ve seen people serve these with honey or maple syrup (though I haven’t tried that myself). What are some good side dishes to serve with a salad? What are some great additions to a lunchbox?
How do I make crispy chicken nuggets?
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Crispy Chicken Nuggets
Okay, so you’ve got the recipe down, but here are a few extra tips to help you make these Crispy Chicken Nuggets absolutely perfect:
Don’t skip the double-dipping: This is key to getting that extra crispy breading. The first coat of flour helps the wet batter stick, and the second coat creates a thick, crunchy crust. Trust me, it makes a big difference.
Use panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and flakier than regular breadcrumbs, which means they crisp up better. You can find them in most grocery stores.
Season the breading well: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your spices. I like to use garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and thyme, but you can add other herbs and spices to your liking. I’ve even added a little bit of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re frying the nuggets, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy nuggets. Fry them in batches, if necessary.
Use a wire rack: If you’re frying the nuggets, place them on a wire rack after frying to drain excess oil. This will help them stay crispy.
Spray with cooking spray: If you’re baking the nuggets, spray them with cooking spray before baking. This will help them get golden brown and crispy. I use an olive oil sprayer, but any cooking spray will work.
Adjust baking time according to size: If your nuggets are smaller or larger than 1-inch, you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly. Keep an eye on them and check the internal temperature to make sure they’re cooked through.
I learned the hard way that overcrowding the pan when frying leads to a complete mush-fest! And don’t skimp on the panko – that’s what gives it the real crunch. One time, I tried using regular breadcrumbs because I was out of panko, and they were just…sad.
7. Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover Crispy Chicken Nuggets (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving these at room temperature for more than a couple of hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate them as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I like to use a container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the nuggets. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes, or until they’re solid. This will prevent them from sticking together when you put them in a freezer bag. Then, transfer the frozen nuggets to a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. I always write the date on the bag so I know how long they’ve been in there.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat the nuggets, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for about 5-7 minutes. If you’re reheating them from frozen, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
One thing I’ve learned is that reheating them in the microwave makes them a bit soggy, so I try to avoid that if possible. The oven or air fryer are definitely the best options for restoring that crispy texture.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
9. Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
These Crispy Chicken Nuggets are more than just a recipe; they’re a family favorite that I’ve been making for years. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or just a satisfying snack, these nuggets are sure to hit the spot. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and see for yourself why it’s so beloved in my house. If you enjoyed this, you might also like my recipe for homemade chicken tenders or my super easy baked chicken drumsticks. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!
Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken Breast
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 cup Egg
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk the egg.
- Dip each chicken piece in the flour mixture, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry chicken nuggets in batches until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes per batch).
- Serve immediately.
