Crispy Golden Chicken Nuggets (Printable)

Tender chicken pieces in crispy golden breadcrumbs, ready in 35 minutes. Perfect for sharing.

# What You'll 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, beaten
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

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Combine chicken pieces with buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a bowl. Mix thoroughly to coat, cover, and refrigerate for 15 minutes to 2 hours for optimal tenderness.
02 - Set up three shallow bowls: place flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs blended with paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in the third.
03 - Remove chicken from marinade. Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off excess, dip into egg wash, then press firmly into breadcrumb mixture to coat completely. Transfer coated nuggets to a 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 with tongs and drain on paper towels.
05 - Transfer to serving platter and accompany with dipping sauces such as ketchup, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce while hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Incredibly Juicy: The buttermilk marinade ensures every piece of chicken is tender and flavorful.
  • Extra Crispy Coating: Using panko breadcrumbs guarantees a superior golden-brown crunch that stays crispy.
  • Quick and Easy: With simple steps and a total time of just 35 minutes, this is a perfect weeknight meal.
  • Family-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, especially when served with a variety of dipping sauces.
02 -
  • Uniform Size: Cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
  • Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Frying in small batches is key. It keeps the oil temperature stable, resulting in a perfectly crispy, non-greasy coating.
  • Firm Breading: When coating the chicken, press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the surface to ensure the coating adheres well during frying.
  • Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the oil at a steady 175°C (350°F). If the oil is too cool, the nuggets will be greasy; if it's too hot, they'll burn before cooking through.
Return