If you’re looking for a snack that’s crispy, juicy, and utterly addictive, then this Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. These nuggets are not your average frozen fare; they’re bursting with flavor thanks to a unique marinade made with dill pickle juice and milk, which keeps the chicken tender and adds a tangy twist you won’t forget. Coated in a perfectly seasoned, crunchy breadcrumb crust, each bite offers a satisfying contrast of textures that will have you reaching for more. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving comfort food, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for a crowd-pleasing meal or snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients is half the fun and the secret to making your nuggets stand out. Each item on this list plays a critical role, whether it’s the marinade enhancing the chicken’s flavor or the combination of spices and breading creating that irresistible crunch and color.
- 3 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast: The star of the show, cut into bite-sized chunks for perfect nugget shape and easy frying.
- 1 cup dill pickle juice: Adds a punch of tangy zest and tenderizes the chicken wonderfully.
- ½ cup whole milk: Softens the marinade and keeps the chicken juicy and moist.
- 1 cup all purpose flour: Helps create a base layer for the breading to stick to the chicken.
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs: Provides that essential crispy coating everyone loves.
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar: Adds a hint of subtle sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- 1 tbsp garlic powder: Brings depth and warmth to the breadcrumb mix.
- 2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
- 2 tsp paprika: Adds smoky notes and a beautiful golden color.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Works magic by lightening the coating for extra crunch.
- 1 tsp black pepper: A gentle heat that rounds out the seasoning.
- Peanut oil* (for frying, at least 1″ deep): Ideal for high-temperature frying that yields crisp nuggets without greasiness.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken pieces into a large zip-close bag, then pour in the dill pickle juice and whole milk. This combo does wonders to tenderize the chicken, making every bite juicy and flavorful. Give the bag a good squish so all pieces are coated, then let it marinate for 20 to 30 minutes while you prepare your frying setup. This step is essential for that signature tang and tenderness in this Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Mixture
While the chicken marinates, combine the all-purpose flour, plain breadcrumbs, powdered sugar, garlic powder, paprika, baking powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix everything thoroughly so that each nugget you coat will have an even, flavorful crust. This seasoning blend is what gives these nuggets their unforgettable, balanced taste and texture.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour at least an inch of peanut oil into a deep skillet or fryer and heat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining the right temperature is crucial—it ensures your nuggets cook quickly and evenly while turning a mouthwatering golden brown. If the oil is too cool, the nuggets will soak up grease; too hot, and they risk burning on the outside before cooking through.
Step 4: Coat and Fry the Nuggets
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, and discard the liquid. For each piece, dip it into your breadcrumb mixture, making sure it is completely covered in that seasoned crust. Carefully place the nuggets into the hot oil in small batches to keep the temperature steady. Fry each batch for 3 to 5 minutes, until they’re deeply golden brown and crisp. Remove them to a wire cooling rack to drain and cool slightly while you cook the rest.
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over your nuggets for a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor. A light dusting of grated Parmesan can also elevate the dish and add a savory richness that contrasts beautifully with the crispy coating.
Side Dishes
Classic pairings like crunchy celery sticks, carrot batons, or a creamy coleslaw are perfect for adding freshness and crunch alongside your nuggets. For heartier fare, serve them with buttery mashed potatoes or a warm mac and cheese—comfort food dreams come true.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn your Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe into party hits? Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, from spicy sriracha mayo to sweet honey mustard or tangy barbecue sauce, arranged in charming ramekins or mini dipping cups. You can also assemble mini nugget sliders with soft buns and pickles for a fun twist that guests of all ages will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keeping them on a wire rack in the container helps maintain their crispiness by allowing air to circulate instead of trapping steam.
Freezing
If you want to save your Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe for later, freezing is a great option. First, flash freeze the cooked nuggets spread out on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to two months without losing their texture or flavor.
Reheating
To bring your nuggets back to life with their original crisp, reheat them in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that delightful crunch!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat and can be more forgiving if overcooked, but cutting them into even chunks is key to ensure they cook evenly like the breasts in this recipe.
Why pickle juice in the marinade?
The pickle juice adds acidity that tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with subtle tanginess, elevating the flavor far beyond what plain milk or buttermilk does alone.
Can I bake these nuggets instead of frying?
Sure! For a healthier take, bake them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit on a wire rack for about 20-25 minutes or until golden and cooked through. They won’t be as crispy as fried but still delicious.
What’s the best oil for frying chicken nuggets?
Peanut oil is ideal because of its high smoke point and mild flavor, which lets the nugget seasonings shine. Vegetable or canola oil also works well in a pinch.
How do I make sure the nuggets stay crispy?
Served fresh is best, but to keep them crispy longer, rest the nuggets on a wire rack after frying and avoid stacking them. Reheating in the oven instead of the microwave helps retain their crunch too.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about making your own Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe from scratch. The tangy marinade, perfectly seasoned crust, and juicy chicken inside create a harmony of flavors and textures that frozen nuggets just can’t match. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see how quickly it becomes a family favorite. Trust me, once you taste these nuggets, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Print
Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and flavorful chicken nuggets marinated in tangy dill pickle juice and milk, coated with a seasoned breadcrumb mixture, then deep-fried to golden perfection. These homemade nuggets are juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside, perfect for a savory snack or meal.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 3 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into chunks
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- ½ cup whole milk
Breading
- 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 (enough for at least 1″ deep frying)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken chunks in a large zip-close bag, pour in the dill pickle juice and whole milk, seal the bag, and gently smoosh it around to fully coat the chicken. Let it marinate for 20 to 30 minutes to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Prepare the Breading Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the all purpose flour, plain breadcrumbs, powdered sugar, garlic powder, paprika, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure all spices and ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Heat the Oil: While the chicken marinates, heat peanut oil in a deep fryer or a large heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C), making sure the oil is at least one inch deep to allow proper frying.
- Bread the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, drain off excess liquid, and discard the marinade. Dip each piece thoroughly into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to fully coat the chicken.
- Fry the Nuggets: Carefully add the breaded chicken to the hot oil in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature. Fry each batch for 3 to 5 minutes, until the nuggets turn deep golden brown and are cooked through.
- Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to remove the nuggets from the oil and place them on a wire cooling rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Continue frying remaining chicken until all pieces are cooked. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure oil temperature remains at 350°F to achieve crispy nuggets without absorbing excess oil.
- Cooking in small batches helps maintain consistent oil temperature and even cooking.
- Use a wire rack for draining fried nuggets to keep them crispy instead of soggy.
- Adjust seasoning in the breadcrumb mix to taste.
- Leftover nuggets can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to retain crispness.
