Description
These homemade chicken nuggets are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, made from freshly minced chicken breast mixed with flavorful spices and coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust. Perfect for a quick family meal or snack, these nuggets are fried to golden perfection for a classic taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 1 – 1 1/4 pounds chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Breading and Frying
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 3 – 4 cups vegetable oil (or more as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: Place the chicken breast in a food processor and blend until minced. Add onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, salt, sugar, cornstarch, and water, then process again until fully combined into a uniform mixture.
- Shape and Freeze: Using a 1-1/2 tablespoon measure, shape the mixture into rectangular nugget shapes with your hands. Place each shaped nugget on a parchment-lined baking tray and freeze for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Heat the Oil: Pour 3-4 cups of vegetable oil into a frying pan or deep fryer and heat to appropriate frying temperature (around 350°F or 175°C).
- Bread the Nuggets: Dredge each frozen nugget first in all-purpose flour, ensuring an even coating. Dip it into beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with plain breadcrumbs to create a crispy crust.
- Fry the Nuggets: Fry the breaded nuggets in batches, if necessary, in hot oil for 6-8 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Turn them over halfway through cooking to ensure even frying.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried nuggets with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined tray to absorb any excess oil before serving.
Notes
- Freezing the nuggets before breading helps them hold their shape better during frying.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature for perfect crispiness.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue, or ranch.
- For a healthier option, bake the nuggets at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or until golden.
