Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless
skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1- inch chunks
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 1/2 cups plain bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 quart canola oil
Directions
- 1
Place the chicken chunks into a large zip-top bag. Pour the pickle juice, milk, and hot sauce into the bag and seal. Massage the mixture together and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- 2
In a large bowl whisk together the flour, bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and powdered sugar.
- 3
Drain the chicken from the pickle juice mixture. Working in batches coat the chicken chunks in the breading, making sure all sides are coated.
- 4
Turn your oven onto warm and set aside a large baking sheet.
- 5
In a large Dutch oven heat the oil over medium heat. Oil should reach 350°F, or when you place the back of a wooden spoon into the oil bubbles should form around it immediately.
- 6
Working in batches, place chicken into the hot oil. Allow the chicken to fry for 4-5 minutes, until it is golden brown.
- 7
Using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken nuggets from the oil and place onto the baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the oven to keep the nuggets warm while you fry the remaining chicken.
- 8
Serve warm
Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe
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About this Recipe
Craving crispy, flavor-packed chicken nuggets that taste better than anything from a drive-thru? This homemade chicken nugget recipe delivers on all fronts, promising a truly satisfying bite right from your kitchen. It’s the perfect way to bring that beloved fast-food favorite home, elevated with incredible flavor and a satisfying crunch.
The secret to their exceptional flavor and crispy coating lies in a thoughtful combination of ingredients. A base of dill pickle juice helps tenderize the chicken and imparts a distinct tang, while the carefully balanced breading mixture, including powdered sugar, ensures each nugget is irresistibly crunchy and flavorful.
Get ready for chicken nuggets that are anything but bland. You'll find a delightful balance of savory chicken with subtle tang from the pickle juice and a touch of warmth from the hot sauce. The exterior boasts a golden-brown crispness that gives way to tender, juicy chicken, making every bite a joy. Despite their restaurant-quality taste, these nuggets are surprisingly straightforward to prepare, making them a perfect choice for weeknight meals or weekend treats. With about 20 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking time, you'll have 6 servings of deliciousness ready to enjoy.
While this recipe shines as written, you can easily tweak it to your preference. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the level of spice, or experiment with different types of bread crumbs for varied textures. For a slightly different flavor profile, consider a pinch of onion powder alongside the garlic powder in the breading mixture.
Perfect for a family dinner, a party appetizer, or a fun lunch, these homemade chicken nuggets are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces for the ultimate experience.