Description
Crispy, golden homemade chicken nuggets made from tender boneless chicken pieces coated in a seasoned flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture, then fried to perfection. These nuggets are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or meal, perfect served with a variety of dipping sauces like ketchup, BBQ, ranch, or honey mustard.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Dry Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Wet Coating
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Breading
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
Frying
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Serving
- Ketchup, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces about 1 1/2 inches each to ensure even cooking and optimal bite-size nuggets.
- Set Up Breading Station: In a shallow bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to create the seasoned flour mixture.
- Beat the Eggs: In a separate shallow bowl, beat two large eggs thoroughly to prepare for coating the chicken.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture: In a third shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese and dried oregano if using, to add extra flavor and crunch.
- Bread the Chicken (Flour): Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour, coating thoroughly and shaking off any excess flour to prevent clumping.
- Bread the Chicken (Eggs): Dip each floured piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is evenly coated to help the breadcrumbs adhere better.
- Bread the Chicken (Breadcrumbs): Coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the crumbs stick well and form a crispy outer layer upon frying.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it on medium until it shimmers and a breadcrumb dropped in sizzles immediately.
- Fry the Nuggets: Carefully place the breaded chicken pieces in the hot oil in batches. Fry for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, or until nuggets achieve a golden brown, crispy exterior and the chicken is fully cooked inside. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Drain the Nuggets: Remove fried nuggets with a slotted spoon and place them onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the homemade chicken nuggets hot alongside your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, BBQ sauce, ranch, or honey mustard for a delicious meal or snack.
Notes
- Using chicken thighs instead of breasts can make the nuggets juicier.
- Ensure oil temperature is medium heat to avoid burning the exterior before cooking through.
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs.
- Parmesan cheese and oregano are optional but add great flavor to the coating.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when frying to maintain oil temperature and achieve even crispiness.
