Name: Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into chunks; 1 cup dill pickle juice; ½ cup whole milk; 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; peanut oil*, for frying (at least 1″ deep)

If you’ve ever craved those irresistible bites from your favorite fast-food chain, you’re in for a treat: this Chicken Nuggets Recipe is pure comfort food magic, right from your own kitchen. With juicy, tender chicken pieces marinated in dill pickle juice and buttermilk, coated in a flavorful, perfectly crispy crust and fried to golden perfection, these copycat nuggets seriously rival the originals. Plus, this homemade method lets you control the ingredients, flavor intensity, and cook up a batch big enough to share (or not). Once you try these nuggets with a side of that signature sauce, you may never hit the drive-through again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple pantry staples and a few clever flavor tricks work together to create these iconic nuggets! Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s making the chicken juicy, the coating golden and crunchy, or giving every bite that signature flavor.

Chicken breast: Lean, boneless, skinless chicken breast is perfect for juicy nuggets that cook up fast.
Dill pickle juice: This is the secret marinade for tangy, flavorful chicken—just like the restaurant version!
Whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps tenderize the chicken as it marinates.
All purpose flour: The first layer of our crispy coating, helping everything stick together.
Plain breadcrumbs: Ensures your coating is extra crunchy with every bite.
Powdered sugar: A little sweetness balances the savory flavors and nails that classic taste.
Garlic powder: Adds a simple but necessary flavor boost to the coating.
Salt: Enhances every other flavor and seasons the chicken throughout.
Paprika: Brings subtle warmth and a touch of color to the breading.
Baking powder: Helps the nuggets puff a bit and develop that signature crispness.
Black pepper: A dash of spice to round out the taste.
Peanut oil* (or canola/vegetable oil): Traditional for frying, peanut oil gives that iconic flavor and crispy golden exterior.

How to Make Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breast into bite-sized chunks. Place them into a large zip-close bag, then pour in the dill pickle juice and whole milk. Massage the bag gently so every piece is coated—this is where the magic happens! Let the chicken soak and tenderize for 20 to 30 minutes, infusing each bite with delicious flavor.

Step 2: Prep Your Frying Oil

While your chicken is marinating, start heating at least one inch of oil (peanut oil for that authentic flavor, though canola or vegetable oil work too) in a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Aim for 350 degrees F—using a thermometer is key to crispy results that aren’t greasy.

Step 3: Mix the Perfect Breading

In a shallow bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, plain breadcrumbs, powdered sugar, garlic powder, paprika, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly combined; this blend is what gives this Chicken Nuggets Recipe its signature crispy, flavorful crust.

Step 4: Bread Each Piece

After marinating, drain the liquid from the chicken and discard it. Working in batches, dredge each chicken piece in your breading mixture, pressing gently to coat all sides well. Don’t skimp on this step—thoroughly coated chicken means maximum crunch!

Step 5: Fry Until Golden

Carefully lower your coated chicken nuggets into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd (this keeps the oil temperature steady). Fry for 3 to 5 minutes, turning gently as needed, until they’re a deep golden brown and cooked through. Remove each batch to a wire rack, so they stay crisp while you finish cooking the rest.

How to Serve Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Garnishes

Sometimes the smallest touches make the biggest difference. Pile your nuggets high and sprinkle with a little extra flaky salt or chopped fresh parsley while they’re hot. A wedge of lemon on the side delivers a pop of brightness that pairs beautifully with the savory coating.

Side Dishes

Classic sides like crispy French fries, creamy coleslaw, or a fresh green salad turn this Chicken Nuggets Recipe into a satisfying meal everyone will love. For dipping, try a creamy honey mustard, ranch, barbecue sauce, or whip up your best version of that iconic copycat sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the ordinary! Thread nuggets onto skewers for a party platter, serve them atop mini slider buns for chicken nugget sandwiches, or tuck them into a tortilla with crunchy slaw for a playful chicken nugget taco. They’re just as much fun to serve as they are to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover chicken nuggets fresh by letting them cool completely, then storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their texture and keeps them from getting soggy.

Freezing

For longer storage, arrange cooled nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a resealable bag or container, and they’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months. This Chicken Nuggets Recipe is fantastic for meal prep!

Reheating

To bring back that crispy crunch, reheat nuggets in the oven at 375 degrees F for about 10 minutes, or pop them in an air fryer for a few minutes. Skip the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the coating a bit soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are naturally juicier and work beautifully in this Chicken Nuggets Recipe. Just trim excess fat and cut into bite-sized pieces before marinating and frying as directed.

What if I don’t have peanut oil?

No worries. While peanut oil gives that true fast-food flavor, canola or vegetable oil are good alternatives for deep frying and still yield wonderfully crispy results.

How can I make these nuggets gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free Chicken Nuggets Recipe, simply swap the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free versions. The texture will still be fantastic!

What’s the best way to keep nuggets crispy for a party?

After frying, keep your nuggets warm on a wire rack in a low oven (about 200 degrees F). This way, they stay crunchy and don’t steam on a paper towel or plate.

Is there a way to bake instead of fry?

You can! Arrange the breaded nuggets on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 425 degrees F for 18-22 minutes, flipping once. While not quite as crispy as deep-fried, it’s a lighter option that still delivers great flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you love classic comfort food with a homemade touch, you simply have to give this Chicken Nuggets Recipe a try. It’s ridiculously satisfying, loaded with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser—perfect for family dinners, game-day snacks, or any time the craving hits!

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Chicken Nuggets Recipe