Description

Crispy Homemade Chicken Nuggets are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or main course featuring tender chicken breast pieces marinated in flavorful buttermilk and spices, then coated in a crunchy panko breadcrumb crust and fried to golden perfection. Perfect for family meals or parties, these nuggets offer a satisfying crunch and juicy interior that pairs wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauces.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika

Coating

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs

For Frying

Vegetable oil (about 2 inches for frying)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls or plates: one with the all-purpose flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the panko breadcrumbs. This setup will allow for easy and efficient dredging of the chicken pieces.
Coat the Chicken Pieces: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. First, dredge each piece in the flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly so the crumbs adhere well.
Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven to about 2 inches depth. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature for even, crispy cooking.
Fry the Nuggets: Fry the chicken nuggets in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Use a slotted spoon or tongs to carefully flip and remove them.
Drain and Serve: Once fried, place the nuggets on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot with your preferred dipping sauces such as ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch dressing.

Notes

For a healthier option, air-fry the coated nuggets at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, after spraying lightly with oil.
Enhance the breadcrumb coating by mixing in grated Parmesan cheese or dried herbs like parsley or oregano for extra flavor.
Ensure oil temperature is steady at 350°F to avoid greasy or undercooked nuggets.
Marinating overnight improves tenderness and flavor significantly but can be shortened to 30 minutes if needed.