If you’re looking for a delicious recipe that’s juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside, make these crispy golden chicken nuggets. This is a homemade recipe that beats fast food every time. The easy step-by-step recipe is explained in this article.
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Crispy Golden Chicken Nuggets: Homemade Recipe
- There’s nothing like eating perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken nuggets. They’re juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside, making them incredibly delicious.
- Whether you serve it as a quick dinner, it’s a great snack on game day, or as an appetizer to wow guests at a party. Homemade chicken nuggets are always a hit and never disappoint.
- In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make restaurant-style chicken nuggets at home, using simple ingredients and a step-by-step method. These nuggets are healthier, fresher, and more satisfying than any frozen or fast food option. So let’s get started.
All the Necessary Ingredients
Before making crispy golden chicken nuggets, gather all the ingredients listed to make perfect homemade chicken nuggets without missing a single ingredient.
Chicken Ingredients-
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
Coating ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs, plain or plain for extra crispiness
- 1 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 large beaten eggs
Frying ingredients:
Vegetable oil
Dumping sauce ingredients:
- Ranch dressing
- Ketchup
- Honey mustard
- Barbecue sauce
Full instructions for making crispy golden chicken nuggets:
1. Preparing the Chicken
- First, take boneless chicken breasts and cut them into nugget-sized pieces. Choose pieces that are 1 to 1.5 inches long, as this size ensures even cooking and perfect bite.
- Use a paper towel to remove excess moisture from the chicken and pat it dry thoroughly to remove all moisture and allow the coating to adhere properly, resulting in a crispy finish.
2. Seasoning the Chicken
- Use a large bowl and add the ingredients in the specified quantities to each chicken piece: garlic powder, salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Mix thoroughly, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Now, let your marinated chicken sit for 12 to 15 minutes to absorb the flavor.
- If you want a more thorough seasoning, you can marinate it in the freezer for up to 1 hour, which results in evenly flavored, crispy, golden chicken nuggets.
3. Setting Up the Breading Station
- If you want to create a super crispy coating, you need a three-step breading station. Use three bowls first.
- 1st Bowl – Add flour and a pinch of salt.
- 2nd Bowl – Add milk and egg, whisk together.
- 3rd Bowl – Add breadcrumbs. For a lighter and crispier texture, you can also add plain or paella bread.
4. Breading the Chicken Nuggets
- To bread crispy golden chicken nuggets, work one piece at a time.
- Coat each chicken piece thoroughly in the flour.
- Shake off any excess flour from the chicken.
- Dip it thoroughly in the egg mixture, making sure it’s all coated.
- Now, coat it in the breadcrumbs and press it down lightly to ensure it sticks.
- Place the breaded nuggets on a tray lined with parchment paper.
Tips– If you want more crispiness, you can repeat the breadcrumbs and egg step once again, this will double coat your nuggets and give them a better crispiness.
5. Heating the Oil
- Use a deep pan or pot. Add vegetable oil. Ensure the nuggets are half submerged and the oil temperature is 175°C.
- If you want to check the oil temperature, drop a small amount of breadcrumb into it. If it sizzles and puffs up quickly, the oil is hot and ready.
6. Frying the Nuggets
- Carefully add the nuggets to the hot oil. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 4 to 5 minutes on all sides, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Once golden brown, use a slotted spoon to remove the nuggets, then place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
7. Baking Option
- If you don’t want to fry crispy golden chicken nuggets, baking them is a much easier option and much healthier.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F, 200°C.
- Place the breaded nuggets evenly on a greased baking sheet and lightly drizzle with cooking oil.
- Bake the crispy golden chicken nuggets for 18 minutes. Turn them over halfway through to ensure they are evenly golden and cooked through on both sides.
- Serve crispy golden chicken nuggets and enjoy them with a delicious side.
8. Serving and Enjoying
- Homemade crispy chicken nuggets can be served hot with your favorite dumpling sauce, barbecue sauce, honey mustard sauce, or ranch sauce.
- It makes a very complete meal with coleslaw, fries, or a salad on the side.
- A few pro tips for the best crispy golden chicken nuggets:
- Use panko breadcrumbs for added crunch.
- Don’t forget to add the seasoning, as the flavor originates from the chicken itself.
- Double coating creates a truly amazing and extra crispiness.
- The oil temperature must be maintained, as too hot can burn the coating, and too cold can make the nuggets greasy.
- To keep the fried nuggets crispier, place them on a wire rack or paper towel.
Storing and Reheating —
- Crispy golden chicken nuggets can be thoroughly cooled to room temperature before storing. They can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing: Place the cooked nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet and refrigerate until firm. Then, place them in a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months.
- To reheat, preheat in the oven at 375°F, 190°C for 10 minutes, or until crisp and hot. Be careful not to microwave them; microwaving can make them soggy.
Final thoughts
Crispy golden chicken nuggets are easier than you think, and the results are simply superior. They taste far better than anything you can get from the freezer or dry-thawed. With a few simple ingredients and these steps, you can enjoy tender, juicy chicken with a perfectly crispy coating at home, just like in a restaurant.
Bake, fry, or air fry crispy golden chicken nuggets, this recipe is sure to be a family favorite. To make it now, put on your apron, heat up the oil, and enjoy the crispiest, golden, and delicious chicken nuggets with your family.