Crispy Golden Chicken Nuggets (Printable)

Tender juicy chicken pieces with crispy golden coating, ready in 35 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces

→ Marinade

02 - ½ cup buttermilk
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
05 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
06 - ½ teaspoon paprika

→ Breading

07 - ¾ cup all-purpose flour
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 1½ cups breadcrumbs, preferably panko
10 - 1 teaspoon paprika
11 - ½ teaspoon onion powder
12 - ½ teaspoon salt
13 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ For Frying

14 - Vegetable oil for deep frying

# How To Make:

01 - Combine chicken pieces with buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a bowl. Mix thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours for enhanced tenderness.
02 - Set up three shallow bowls: place flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs mixed with paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in the third.
03 - Remove chicken from marinade. Dredge each piece in flour, dip into egg wash, then press firmly into breadcrumb mixture to coat completely. Transfer breaded nuggets to a baking sheet or tray.
04 - Heat oil in deep skillet or pot to 350°F. Fry nuggets in batches for 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
05 - Serve immediately hot with dipping sauces such as ketchup, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The buttermilk marinade makes the chicken impossibly tender, almost like restaurant quality
  • These freeze beautifully so you can always have homemade nuggets ready for busy nights
02 -
  • Let the coated nuggets sit for 10 minutes before frying to help the breading adhere better
  • Do not overcrowd the pan or the oil temperature will drop and you will get soggy nuggets
03 -
  • Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature consistently
  • Season each step of the breading process for layers of flavor
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