Crispy Golden Chicken Nuggets (Printable)

Tender chicken pieces in crispy golden coating, perfect for dipping and 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

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine chicken pieces with buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a bowl. Mix thoroughly, cover, and marinate for 15 minutes to 2 hours.
02 - Prepare 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 - Dredge each marinated chicken piece in flour, dip into egg, then press into breadcrumbs until thoroughly coated. Arrange coated pieces on a tray.
04 - Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F. Fry chicken nuggets in batches for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
05 - Serve hot with dipping sauces such as ketchup, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The buttermilk marinade makes the chicken impossibly tender, almost like it's been slow cooked
  • That triple coating technique creates a crunch that stays crispy even after dipping
  • You can freeze the uncooked nuggets for busy weeknight emergencies
02 -
  • Crowding the pan drops the oil temperature and makes soggy nuggets, so work in batches
  • Let the nuggets rest on paper towels for at least 2 minutes before serving, otherwise you'll lose that crispy crunch
03 -
  • Let the coated nuggets sit for 10 minutes before frying, this helps the breading set
  • Season your flour with salt and pepper too, every layer should add flavor
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