Crispy Chicken Nuggets

The BEST Crispy Chicken Nuggets! These crispy little bites are packed with flavor and fried to perfection... just like you'd get at your favorite restaurant. Delicious all on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce!

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 10

Additional Time: 1

Total Time: 1 20

Servings:

Calories: 348kcal

Author: Cathy Trochelman

Ingredients

1 pound boneless skinless chicken
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups panko bread crumbs
oil for frying

Instructions

Cut the chicken into 1 inch pieces. Place them in a medium bowl and add buttermilk. Soak the chicken in buttermilk for at least 1 hour.
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the buttermilk (*reserve buttermilk). Transfer the chicken to a gallon sized ziplock bag and sprinkle the cornstarch mixture over it. Seal the bag and shake to coat.
Use a fork to remove chicken one piece at a time from the cornstarch mixture. Briefly re-dip in the buttermilk, then coat with panko bread crumbs.
Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat to 350°. Add breaded chicken in batches and fry about 1 1/2 - 2 minutes on each side, until golden brown. (*Be sure the oil doesn't get too hot or the breading will over-brown before the chicken cooks all the way through.) Remove from the oil using a spider strainer; place on a large plate lined with paper towels.

Nutrition