Description
This Chicken Nuggets Recipe features tender boneless skinless chicken breasts marinated in dill pickle juice and milk, then coated in a flavorful seasoned breadcrumb mixture and fried to golden perfection. Perfect for a crispy, juicy, and delicious homemade chicken nugget experience reminiscent of classic fast-food favorites.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into chunks
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- ½ cup whole milk
Breading
- 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
Frying
- Peanut oil, for frying (at least 1 inch deep)
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken chunks into a large zip-close bag and add the dill pickle juice and whole milk. Seal the bag and massage to ensure all the chicken pieces are coated. Let the chicken marinate for 20 to 30 minutes to infuse flavor and tenderize.
- Heat Oil: While marinating, heat peanut oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring the oil is at least 1 inch deep for proper frying.
- Prepare Breading: In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, plain breadcrumbs, powdered sugar, garlic powder, paprika, baking powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Coat Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the liquid. Dip each chicken piece into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it’s fully coated to create a crispy crust.
- Fry Chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in small batches, avoiding crowding the pan which can lower the oil temperature. Fry each batch for 3 to 5 minutes until the nuggets turn a deep golden brown and are cooked through.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried chicken nuggets and place them on a wire cooling rack to drain excess oil and cool slightly. Repeat frying with remaining chicken pieces. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Using peanut oil gives the nuggets an iconic flavor similar to Chick-fil-A, but canola or vegetable oil are good substitutes if needed.
- Ensure oil temperature remains at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for crispy, non-greasy nuggets.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain oil heat and even cooking.
- Use a wire rack to drain excess oil for crispier nuggets rather than paper towels.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 226 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
