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Crispy Homemade Chicken Nuggets with Garlic Dip

A pile of golden brown, crispy chicken nuggets served on a white plate next to a small bowl of creamy garlic dip.
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Make juicy chicken nuggets with a crunchy exterior using a double-dredge method. This recipe includes instructions for a simple, creamy garlic dipping sauce.

Ingredients

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  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup regular breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Oil for frying, or cooking spray for baking/air frying
  • For the Garlic Dip: 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced or roasted
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Place chicken pieces in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let sit for 30 minutes.
  2. Set up the dredging station: Place flour mixed with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in one shallow dish. Beat the eggs in a second dish. Mix Panko and regular breadcrumbs in a third dish.
  3. Dredge the chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Coat thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip into the beaten egg, then coat completely in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the crumbs onto the chicken firmly for a thick crust.
  4. Cook the nuggets (Choose one method):
  5. For Frying: Heat 1 inch of oil in a large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry nuggets in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Drain on a wire rack.
  6. For Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  7. For Air Frying: Preheat air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Arrange nuggets in a single layer (work in batches). Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crisp.
  8. Make the dip: Combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix well.
  9. Serve the hot nuggets immediately with the garlic dip.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness when baking or air frying, lightly spray the breaded nuggets with oil before cooking.
  • You can roast the garlic for the dip instead of using it raw for a milder, sweeter flavor.
  • These nuggets freeze well after breading; place them on a tray, freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.

Nutrition

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