Homemade Chicken Nuggets with Crispy Panko Coating Recipe

Are you craving a delicious and crunchy snack that’s far healthier than fast food? Look no further! This homemade chicken nugget recipe, featuring a crispy panko coating, will surely become a favorite in your household. Packed with flavor and easy to make, these nuggets are perfect for kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into the details of making your very own popcorn chicken!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Nuggets

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: For dredging.
• 2 large eggs: Beaten for the egg wash.
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: For that extra crunch!
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a kick of flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Another layer of taste.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.
• Vegetable oil: For frying.

Optional for Serving

• Dipping sauces: BBQ, honey mustard, ranch, or your favorite sauce.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breasts into even-sized bite-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
2. Season the Flour: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Step 2: Set up Your Breading Station

3. Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well-combined.
4. Panko Coating: In another shallow dish, add the panko breadcrumbs. You can add more seasonings here if you like a stronger flavor.

Step 3: Bread the Nuggets

5. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
6. Dip in Egg: Next, dip the flour-coated chicken in the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully covered.
7. Final Coating: Finally, press the chicken into the panko breadcrumbs, coating it evenly. Place the coated nuggets on a plate and repeat until all chicken is breaded.

Step 4: Cook the Nuggets

8. Heat the Oil: In a large pan, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
9. Fry the Nuggets: Once the oil is hot (around 350°F), carefully add the chicken nuggets in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the oil temperature.
10. Cook Until Golden: Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked nuggets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Serve

11. Enjoy: Serve these crispy chicken nuggets hot, alongside your favorite dipping sauces.

Tips for Perfect Nuggets

• Keep It Tender: For extra juicy nuggets, consider marinating the chicken in buttermilk for a few hours before breading.
• Baking Option: If you prefer a healthier method, you can bake the nuggets at 425°F on a lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Storage: Leftover nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and reheated in the oven for the best crispiness.

Conclusion

Whipping up these homemade chicken nuggets with a crispy panko coating is simple and satisfying. Not only do they make for a great snack or appetizer, but they can also be paired with sides to create a delightful meal. Dive into this recipe and treat yourself and your loved ones to a healthier twist on a classic favorite!