Copycat Crispy Chicken Nuggets
If you’re a fan of the golden, crunchy, perfectly seasoned chicken nuggets from your favorite fast-food restaurant, then you’re in for a treat! This Copycat Crispy Chicken Nuggets recipe will allow you to recreate those delicious bites at home, making meal times fun for both kids and adults. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll have mouthwatering nuggets ready to dunk in your favorite sauce. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a must-try!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Who doesn’t love a good chicken nugget? These Copycat Crispy Chicken Nuggets have the ideal crunch on the outside while remaining juicy and tender inside. The secret to their exceptional flavor lies in the dill pickle juice marinade, which infuses the chicken with a tangy zest. Plus, preparing them at home means you can customize the seasonings and pair them with your favorite dipping sauces. Perfect for a game day snack or a quick dinner, these nuggets will surely become a family favorite!
Pro Tips for Making Copycat Crispy Chicken Nuggets
1. Marinate Overnight: To ensure your nuggets are incredibly flavorful, try to marinate the chicken pieces overnight. The longer they sit in the seasoned milk and pickle juice, the more tender and tangy they will be.
2. Use Peanut Oil: This oil has a high smoke point, which is key for deep frying. It ensures a crispy coating without burning, giving you that restaurant-quality texture.
3. Keep the Chicken Dry: After marinating the chicken, make sure to shake off excess marinade before breading. This makes it easier for the flour mixture to adhere properly, ensuring a perfect crispy crust.
4. Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry in batches! Overcrowding the pan can cause the oil temperature to drop, resulting in soggy nuggets. Frying in small batches helps maintain the right temperature, ensuring crispiness.
5. Experiment with Dipping Sauces: While these nuggets are tasty on their own, pairing them with homemade or store-bought dips like honey mustard, barbecue, or ranch can elevate your meal!
Ingredients
To whip up your Copycat Crispy Chicken Nuggets, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- 1 egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- Peanut oil for frying
Directions
Step 1: Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the milk, dill pickle juice, and the egg until combined. Add the chicken pieces to this marinade, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors develop.
Step 3: After the marination period, prepare the flour mixture. In a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, salt, pepper, and paprika. Shake or stir until well combined.
Step 4: Preheat the peanut oil in a deep frying pan or heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C). A thermometer is recommended to maintain the right frying temperature.
Step 5: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it drain briefly. Then, add a few pieces at a time to the flour mixture, coating them evenly. Shake off any excess flour before frying.
Step 6: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil in small batches. Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding for the best results.
Step 7: Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the nuggets to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat until all chicken pieces are cooked.
Step 8: Serve your crispy chicken nuggets hot alongside your favorite dipping sauces!
FAQs
Can I bake these chicken nuggets instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the nuggets at 400°F (204°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown, flipping them halfway through. However, frying will give them a better crispiness.
What can I use instead of peanut oil?
You can substitute peanut oil with vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil. Just make sure to choose an oil with a high smoke point for frying.
How do I store leftover chicken nuggets?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven until crisp, or microwave them on a low setting.
Can I freeze the nuggets before or after cooking?
You can freeze them before cooking. Prepare the breaded nuggets, lay them on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag. To cook, fry directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
What dipping sauces pair well with these chicken nuggets?
These nuggets pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like honey mustard, classic barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or even a spicy buffalo sauce for some heat!
Conclusion
Now you have all the tools necessary to whip up your own Copycat Crispy Chicken Nuggets at home! With their crunchy exterior and tender, juicy interior, these nuggets are sure to delight both kids and adults alike. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, there’s no need to visit your favorite fast-food restaurant when you can make them right in your kitchen. Enjoy your delicious, homemade nuggets with a variety of dipping sauces, and watch as they disappear from the plate!
