Description
Crispy chicken nuggets combine golden-brown perfection with juicy, tender meat for a classic comfort meal. Home cooks can easily craft this crowd-pleasing dish that rivals restaurant versions with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsps water
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Preparation: Meticulously slice chicken breast into uniform, bite-sized pieces measuring 1-1.5 inches, ensuring consistent shape for even cooking.
- Coating Station: Establish three separate bowls – first with flour, second with whisked eggs and water, third with seasoned breadcrumbs – positioned strategically for efficient dredging.
- Initial Dredging: Completely encase each chicken morsel in flour, shaking off excess to create a delicate, even base layer that promotes optimal breading adhesion.
- Egg Wash: Immerse flour-dusted chicken pieces into egg mixture, allowing gentle drainage to prevent excessive liquid buildup.
- Breadcrumb Encrustation: Methodically roll egg-coated chicken through seasoned breadcrumbs, applying gentle pressure to ensure comprehensive, crisp exterior coverage.
- Oil Preparation: Heat vegetable oil in heavy-bottomed skillet to precise 350°F, utilizing cooking thermometer for temperature accuracy.
- Frying Process: Gently introduce chicken nuggets into hot oil, maintaining adequate spacing to prevent crowding and ensuring consistent golden-brown coloration.
- Cooking Completion: Fry nuggets 3-4 minutes per side, rotating once to achieve crispy exterior and guarantee internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Finishing Touch: Transfer crispy nuggets onto wire rack or paper towels, allowing excess oil to drain and coating to further crisp while resting briefly before serving.
Notes
- Precise Chicken Cutting: Create uniform 1-1.5 inch pieces for consistent cooking and even crispiness.
- Breading Station Setup: Arrange flour, egg wash, and seasoned breadcrumbs in separate bowls for smooth coating process.
- Temperature Control: Use cooking thermometer to maintain oil at exactly 350°F, preventing burnt exterior or undercooked center.
- Frying Technique: Avoid overcrowding pan, allowing each nugget space for proper golden-brown crispy exterior and even heat distribution.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg