Description
Crispy and flavorful homemade chicken nuggets marinated in dill pickle juice and milk, coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture, and perfectly fried to golden brown. These nuggets are reminiscent of iconic restaurant-style chicken, great for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into chunks
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- ½ cup whole milk
Breading Mixture
- 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 the chicken: Place the chicken chunks in a large resealable plastic bag and pour in the dill pickle juice and whole milk. Seal the bag and gently massage to coat all the chicken pieces evenly. Let it marinate for 20 to 30 minutes to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Prepare the oil: While the chicken marinates, heat at least 1 inch of peanut oil in a deep frying pan or skillet to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintain steady temperature for even frying.
- Make the breading: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, plain breadcrumbs, powdered sugar, garlic powder, paprika, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Coat the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the liquid. Dip each piece thoroughly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring complete coverage on all sides for a crispy crust.
- Fry the chicken nuggets: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature. Fry for 3 to 5 minutes until the nuggets turn deep golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove nuggets and place them on a wire rack to drain and cool slightly.
- Serve: Continue frying remaining nuggets in batches. Once all are cooked, serve immediately for best texture and flavor. Enjoy your homemade crispy chicken nuggets!
Notes
- Peanut oil provides the iconic flavor and high smoke point but can be substituted with canola or vegetable oil if needed.
- Ensure oil temperature stays consistent at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for even cooking and crispy coating.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan; cook in small batches to maintain oil temperature and avoid soggy nuggets.
- Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to drain excess oil and keep nuggets crispy.
- Powdered sugar in the breading adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory spices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 3 nuggets)
- Calories: 226 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
