Description
Crispy and flavorful chicken nuggets made with tender chicken pieces marinated in buttermilk and a blend of spices, coated in a seasoned flour and breadcrumb mixture, and cooked to golden perfection by frying or air-frying. Perfect as a snack or meal accompaniment, these homemade chicken nuggets offer a delicious alternative to store-bought versions.
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) or spray oil for air-frying
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cut chicken pieces with buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to ensure all pieces are coated evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with milk. In a third shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs or panko with grated Parmesan cheese and dried oregano or parsley.
- Coat the Chicken Pieces: Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece first in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Place coated pieces on a tray ready for cooking.
- Cook the Nuggets – Frying Method: Heat vegetable or canola oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat to about 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken nuggets in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Cook the Nuggets – Air Frying Method: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place coated chicken pieces in a single layer and spray the tops lightly with oil. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until nuggets are crispy and cooked through.
- Serve: Let the chicken nuggets rest for a couple of minutes after cooking. Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauces like ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch dressing.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 4 hours) will yield more tender and flavorful nuggets.
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Adjust cayenne pepper based on your spice preference or omit it for a milder taste.
- If frying, ensure oil is at the correct temperature to avoid greasy nuggets.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crisping.
- Leftover nuggets can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
Keywords: chicken nuggets, crispy chicken nuggets, homemade chicken nuggets, fried chicken bites, air fryer chicken nuggets, kid-friendly snack