Description
Create delicious, juicy chicken nuggets at home with this copycat recipe, capturing the signature flavor of your favorite fast-food chain. Perfect for a family meal or a tasty snack, these nuggets are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup pickle brine
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Submerge the chicken pieces in pickle brine and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- In another shallow dish, whisk together milk and egg.
- Remove chicken from pickle brine and pat dry with paper towels.
- Dip each chicken piece first into the milk mixture, letting any excess drip off, then dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Place coated chicken on a plate and repeat the dipping and dredging process for a double coating.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add chicken pieces to the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Fry for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway through.
- Remove chicken nuggets from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For crispier nuggets, you can chill the coated chicken for 15-20 minutes before frying.
- Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature to prevent greasy nuggets.
- Adjust cayenne pepper for your preferred level of heat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg