Description
These homemade crispy chicken nuggets use a buttermilk brine and panko breadcrumbs to create a shattering crunch while keeping the chicken juicy inside. Ready in under 30 minutes, they are a kid-approved, budget-friendly weeknight dinner savior.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- Cooking spray (optional)
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create uniform cutlets, then cut into 1-inch wide by 2-inch long strips.
- Place chicken strips in a bowl and pour buttermilk over them to submerge. Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to tenderize.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; one with whisked egg and a splash of milk; and one with panko breadcrumbs seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge in flour, dip in egg wash, then press firmly into panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry nuggets in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer fried nuggets to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to rest for 1-2 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra crunch, double dip the chicken in egg and panko. Ensure oil temperature stays around 350°F to prevent greasy nuggets. Do not overcrowd the pan. Reheat in oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 2
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 28
Keywords: chicken nuggets, panko recipe, crispy chicken, easy dinner, kid-friendly meals, weeknight dinner, homemade nuggets, buttermilk brine