Name: Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into chunks; 1 cup dill pickle juice; ½ cup whole milk; 1 cup all purpose flour; 1 cup plain breadcrumbs; 3 tbsp powdered sugar; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 2 tsp salt; 2 tsp paprika; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp black pepper; Peanut oil, for frying (at least 1 inch deep)

If you're craving that perfect crunch paired with juicy, flavorful chicken, you’re in for a treat with this Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe. Trust me, once you try these homemade nuggets, fast food just won't cut it anymore.

A white plate is filled with many pieces of crispy fried chicken nuggets that are golden brown and have a crunchy texture. On the right side of the plate, there is a small glass bowl filled with thick, yellow mustard sauce. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a white cloth napkin slightly visible in the upper right corner. The lighting highlights the rough texture of the chicken coating and the smooth surface of the sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m honestly obsessed with how these nuggets come out every time—crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, with that subtle tang from a secret marinade.

Flavor Boost: Marinating the chicken in dill pickle juice and milk makes the nuggets irresistibly juicy and flavorful.
Perfect Crunch: The seasoned breadcrumb mixture ensures an ultra-crispy crust without being greasy.
Simple Ingredients: Most of what you need is probably already in your pantry, making this an easy weeknight winner.
Family Favorite: These nuggets vanish quickly—great for kids and grown-ups alike!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, I love picking fresh chicken breast chunks for that tender bite, and don’t skip the pickle juice—it’s the secret weapon that adds that unmistakable zing. Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients and why each one is essential.

Flat lay of fresh boneless skinless chicken breast chunks, a small white bowl of dill pickle juice, a small white bowl of whole milk, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of plain breadcrumbs, a small white bowl of powdered sugar, a small white bowl of garlic powder, a small white bowl of salt, a small white bowl of paprika, a small white bowl of baking powder, a small white bowl of black pepper, and two whole brown eggs with clean shells, all arranged symmetrically in simple white ceramic bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless skinless chicken breast: Tender, easy to bite-size, and perfect for frying up juicy nuggets.
Dill pickle juice: Adds a subtle tang and helps tenderize the chicken for juicy results.
Whole milk: Combines with pickle juice to keep the chicken moist and helps the breading stick.
All-purpose flour: Gives the coating structure and a light crispiness.
Plain breadcrumbs: Adds crunch and helps create that golden crust.
Powdered sugar: Balances flavors with a hint of sweetness that enhances the crust.
Garlic powder: Brings savory notes for depth of flavor.
Salt: Essential for seasoning both inside and out.
Paprika: Adds a gentle warmth and beautiful color.
Baking powder: Helps give the breading a light, puffy texture.
Black pepper: Adds just the right subtle kick.
Peanut oil: Ideal for frying to achieve that iconic crispy texture and flavor—similar to your favorite fast-food nuggets.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe is wonderfully versatile, so don’t hesitate to make it your own! Whether you want to tweak the seasoning or switch up the dipping sauce, small changes can bring big flavor surprises to this classic favorite.

Variation: For a little extra zing, try adding a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture. I love the subtle heat it adds, making each bite more exciting without overpowering that crispy, juicy chicken.
Diet-friendly option: Swap peanut oil with avocado oil if you want a heart-healthy twist, and consider baking the nuggets at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes if you prefer to avoid frying. Just be sure to flip halfway for even crispiness!
Seasonal twist: Mix fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the breadcrumb coating during spring and summer for a fragrant, garden-fresh note that complements the pickle juice marinade perfectly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe

This image shows a close-up of several golden-brown fried chicken pieces with a crispy, textured coating. One piece is broken in the center, revealing white, tender chicken meat inside. The chicken pieces have a crunchy coating with darker brown spots from frying. In the background, a clear glass bowl contains a smooth, shiny, yellow dipping sauce. The entire dish is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate for Maximum Flavor and Tenderness

Start by placing your chunks of boneless skinless chicken breast into a large zip-close bag. Pour in 1 cup of dill pickle juice and ½ cup of whole milk, then seal the bag. Massage it gently to make sure every piece is coated well. Let it marinate for 20 to 30 minutes—this short soak not only infuses that amazing tangy flavor but also helps make the chicken extra tender.

Step 2: Heat Your Oil to the Perfect Temperature

While your chicken is marinating, heat peanut oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pan to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure the oil is at least 1 inch deep so your nuggets fry evenly. Keeping the oil temperature steady is key to getting that golden, crispy exterior without sogginess, so don’t rush this step.

Step 3: Mix the Flavorful Breading

In a large bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup plain breadcrumbs, 3 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed. This blend is what gives your nuggets that wonderfully balanced taste with a hint of sweetness and just enough kick to keep every bite exciting.

Step 4: Coat Your Chicken Thoroughly

Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and discard the liquid. One by one, dip each piece into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so they’re fully coated. This step ensures every nugget will have that irresistible crispy crust we’re after. Take your time to get an even coating on each piece.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully lower the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, working in small batches to avoid crowding and lowering the temperature. Fry the nuggets for 3 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re a beautiful deep golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when they float to the surface and have a satisfying crunch to the touch.

Step 6: Drain and Serve Warm

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the nuggets to a wire cooling rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil—this keeps them crispier than paper towels would. Let them cool just slightly, then serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces. Trust me, these nuggets will disappear fast!

Top Tip

Getting the perfect crispy crust with juicy chicken inside is all about a few key steps that can really elevate your Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe. These tips have made my nuggets shine every time, helping avoid common pitfalls.

Maintain Oil Temperature: Keeping your peanut oil steady at 350 degrees Fahrenheit is crucial. I always use a thermometer to avoid greasy, soggy nuggets.
Batch Frying: Fry the chicken in small batches to prevent overcrowding—this helps the oil stay hot and cooks the nuggets evenly and quickly.
Use a Wire Rack: Draining the nuggets on a wire rack instead of paper towels ensures the coating stays crispy longer without getting damp.
Pickle Juice Marinade: Marinating your chicken chunks for 20 to 30 minutes in dill pickle juice and milk adds an amazing tang and tenderizes the meat beautifully.

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe

The image shows a clear plastic container filled with raw pieces of meat. The meat pieces are pale pink with white marbling and fatty textures spread unevenly across their surfaces. The pieces are irregular in shape and closely packed, filling most of the container. The container is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To add a fresh and vibrant touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over your nuggets just before serving. Lemon wedges also work wonderfully, giving a bright citrus pop that complements the pickle juice marinade. For a little extra flair, drizzle a bit of honey mustard or your favorite dipping sauce right over the nuggets.

Side Dishes

Serve your crispy chicken nuggets with classic sides like crispy French fries or sweet potato fries for a comforting combo. A fresh coleslaw or crunchy pickle spears balance out the richness nicely. For something a bit lighter, a simple green salad or steamed veggies are great accompaniments. And of course, don’t forget variety of dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ, or spicy sriracha mayo to keep things fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover nuggets store best in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them cool completely before sealing to keep the breading crunchy. Avoid stacking too many nuggets directly on top of each other to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken nuggets by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, about 1 to 2 hours. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. Freeze before serving to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat and keep that coveted crispiness, the best way is in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. You can also re-crisp frozen nuggets in the oven for 15-20 minutes straight from the freezer. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the coating soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of oil instead of peanut oil?

Yes, while peanut oil gives an iconic flavor and high smoke point ideal for frying, canola or vegetable oil are good substitutes if you have allergies or preferences.

What is the purpose of the dill pickle juice marinade?

The dill pickle juice tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle, tangy flavor that elevates the nuggets beyond typical fried chicken taste.

How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?

Using a cooking thermometer is the best way to ensure the oil reaches and maintains 350 degrees Fahrenheit, which is perfect for frying crispy nuggets without greasy results.

Can I bake these nuggets instead of frying?

While this Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe is designed for frying to get that golden crust, you can bake them but results won’t be quite as crispy or traditional tasting.

Final Thoughts

Making homemade nuggets is such a satisfying experience, especially when you nail that perfect balance of juicy chicken and golden, crispy coating — and this Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe hits all those marks. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to make this recipe your new go-to comfort food. Whether for a family dinner or a fun snack, these nuggets bring smiles every time. Happy frying and enjoy every bite!