Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe
These homemade chicken nuggets are crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor thanks to a tangy pickle juice marinade and a perfectly seasoned breading. Fried to golden perfection and kept warm in the oven, they are an irresistible snack or meal for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 4-12 hours marinating time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes to 12 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
Breading Mixture
- 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
Frying
- 1 quart canola oil
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken chunks into a large zip-top bag. Add the dill pickle juice, milk, and hot sauce, seal the bag securely, and massage gently to combine the ingredients. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Breading: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, bread crumbs, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, and powdered sugar until well combined.
- Coat the Chicken: Drain the chicken from the marinade. Working in batches, thoroughly coat each chicken chunk in the breading mixture, ensuring all sides are covered for maximum crispiness.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Turn your oven onto the warm setting to keep cooked nuggets hot. Set aside a large baking sheet for placing fried chicken pieces.
- Heat the Oil: In a large Dutch oven, heat 1 quart of canola oil over medium heat. The oil is ready when it reaches 350°F or when bubbles form immediately around the back of a wooden spoon dipped in the oil.
- Fry the Nuggets: Carefully place the breaded chicken chunks into the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry each batch for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain and Keep Warm: Use a slotted spoon to remove the nuggets from the oil. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and keep them warm in the oven while frying the remaining batches.
- Serve: Serve the homemade chicken nuggets warm as a delicious appetizer or meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances tenderness and flavor but a minimum of 4 hours is essential.
- Maintain oil temperature around 350°F for even cooking and crispy texture.
- Use a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot to ensure stable oil temperature during frying.
- Avoid overcrowding the fryer to prevent oil temperature drops and soggy nuggets.
- Keep cooked nuggets warm in the oven on a baking sheet to maintain crispiness before serving.
Find it online: https://lauracooks.com/homemade-chicken-nuggets-recipe/