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
Scale
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.
