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Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe

The ultimate comfort food, these Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, they are sure to satisfy cravings. Make them tonight for the family!
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 51 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups Water
  • 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup All-purpose flour
  • 1 cup Panko crumbs
  • 2 teaspoons Onion powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon Pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda
  • 3 large Egg whites
  • 4 cups Peanut oil
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons Honey
  • 1/8 teaspoon Cayenne pepper

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven
  • Deep Frying Thermometer

Method
 

  1. Cut **chicken** breasts into 1-inch chunks.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together **water**, 1 tablespoon of **salt**, and **Worcestershire sauce** until **salt** dissolves.
  3. Add **chicken**, stir to coat **chicken** well, and place in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  4. While **chicken** is brining, combine **flour**, **panko** bread crumbs, **onion powder**, remaining **salt**, **pepper**, **garlic powder**, and **baking soda** in a pie plate or shallow dish. In a second shallow dish, whisk the **egg whites** until foamy.
  5. Remove **chicken** from brine and discard the brine. Pat **chicken** dry with paper towels.
  6. Coat **chicken** in **egg white** and then dredge in **flour** mixture. Place on a plate and let sit for 10 minutes.
  7. Heat **oil** in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat to a temperature of 350 degrees.
  8. Recoat **chicken** in **flour** mixture, pressing mixture on with your fingers.
  9. Working in 2 batches, fry **chicken** until golden brown, flipping once. This will take approximately 3 minutes total. Place **chicken** on top of a wire rack set in a large, rimmed baking sheet. **Chicken** can be kept warm in a 200 degree oven.
  10. To make dipping sauce, combine **mayonnaise**, both **mustards**, **honey**, and **cayenne pepper** in a bowl.

Notes

  • Tip 1: Leftover **chicken** nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven to restore their crispiness.
  • Tip 2: You can freeze uncooked nuggets before frying. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Fry them straight from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the cooking time.
  • Tip 3: Serve these nuggets with a side of fresh vegetables or a light salad to balance the meal. They also pair wonderfully with crunchy **fries** or sweet potato wedges.
  • Tip 4: Experiment with different spices in the **flour** mixture, such as paprika or cayenne pepper, for an extra kick.
  • Tip 5: If you're looking for a healthier option, consider baking the nuggets instead of frying. Just spray them with cooking oil and bake until golden brown.