Description
These crispy and flavorful Chicken Nuggets are a perfect homemade snack or meal, featuring tender chicken pieces marinated in buttermilk and spices, coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture, and cooked to golden perfection either by frying or air-frying. Easy to make and great for all ages, they combine a crunchy exterior with juicy chicken inside.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1–2 inch pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs or panko
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or parsley
For Frying or Air-Frying:
- Cooking oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
- Spray oil for air-frying
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat all the pieces and cover. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to tenderize and infuse the chicken with flavor.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs with milk. In a third bowl, combine breadcrumbs or panko with Parmesan cheese and dried oregano or parsley.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken pieces from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece first in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Place coated nuggets on a baking sheet or plate.
- Frying Method: Heat enough vegetable or canola oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to about 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken nuggets in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Air-Frying Method: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place the coated chicken nuggets in a single layer without overlapping. Lightly spray the nuggets with spray oil. Air-fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the hot chicken nuggets immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch dressing.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier coating.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spice level or omit if sensitive to heat.
- If frying, maintain oil temperature to prevent greasy nuggets.
- Cooking times may vary based on nugget size and equipment.
- Make sure chicken pieces are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
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