Description
This Chicken Nuggets recipe offers a crispy, flavorful alternative to fast-food favorites by marinating chicken breast chunks in dill pickle juice and milk, then coating them in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture before frying to golden perfection. Perfect for a homemade snack or meal that’s sure to please both kids and adults.
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
For Frying
- Peanut oil (for frying, at least 1 inch deep)
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken chunks in a large zip-close bag and add the dill pickle juice and whole milk. Seal the bag and gently massage to coat all pieces evenly. Let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Prepare Oil: While the chicken marinates, heat at least 1 inch of peanut oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintain this temperature for frying.
- Mix Breading: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, plain breadcrumbs, powdered sugar, garlic powder, paprika, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Coat Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Dip each chicken piece into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to coat well on all sides.
- Fry Nuggets: Working in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature, carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil. Fry for 5 minutes or until the nuggets turn a deep golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
- Drain and Serve: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried chicken nuggets to a wire cooling rack to drain excess oil and cool slightly. Repeat until all chicken pieces are cooked. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For best results, use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F for crispy, non-greasy nuggets.
- You can substitute plain breadcrumbs with panko for an extra crispy texture.
- Marinating in pickle juice lends a slight tang and tenderness reminiscent of Chick-fil-A nuggets.
- Use peanut oil or another high smoke point oil to avoid burning and off flavors.
- Cook in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady and ensure even cooking.
- Pair with homemade or store-bought dipping sauces like honey mustard or Chick-fil-A sauce for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 226 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 886 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 74 mg
