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If you love crispy, flavorful, and totally satisfying bites, then these Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets are about to become your new obsession. Picture this: tender chicken pieces, coated in a crunchy, seasoned BBQ chip crust, and baked to golden perfection. Trust me, you’re going to love this! They’ve got that irresistible crunch, plus a smoky, tangy flavor that makes them completely addictive. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a fun snack for your next gathering. Whether you’re dunking them in your favorite dipping sauce or just enjoying them on their own, these nuggets are sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets
This recipe is more than just a quick and easy meal; it’s a game-changer. Here’s why:
- Versatile: Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a laid-back gathering, these chicken nuggets are always a crowd-pleaser. You can serve them as a snack, appetizer, or even as the star of the show.
- Budget-Friendly: Using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, these BBQ chip-coated nuggets are easy on the wallet but packed with flavor.
- Quick and Easy: The best part? They’re super simple to make! Even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, these steps are easy to follow, and you’ll have crispy, tender nuggets ready in no time.
- Customizable: Want a spicier kick? Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the BBQ chip coating. It’s all about making these nuggets your own!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving kids or adults, these nuggets will have everyone coming back for more. They’re that perfect balance of crunch, flavor, and comfort.

Ingredients in Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets
Here’s the magic of this recipe—it’s made with simple pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
- Chicken Breast: The star of the show. Tender and juicy, chicken breast is the perfect base for these crispy nuggets. You’ll cut them into bite-sized pieces, making them perfect for dipping.
- BBQ Chips: These give your nuggets their signature flavor and crispy coating. Crunchy, smoky, and full of that BBQ goodness, they add so much character to these nuggets.
- Flour: A little flour to help the coating stick, creating a crispy crust when baked.
- Egg: The glue that holds everything together, ensuring that your BBQ chip coating stays put.
- Seasoning: Simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and maybe a little garlic powder to enhance the flavor of the chicken before you coat it.
(Note: The full list with measurements is included in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your nuggets bake evenly and come out crispy all around.
Prepare the BBQ Chip Coating
In a large resealable bag, crush your BBQ chips until they’re small crumbs. This creates the perfect crispy coating that’s packed with flavor. You can either use a rolling pin or crush them with your hands—whatever works for you!
Set Up the Dipping Stations
In one bowl, whisk an egg. In another bowl, place the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper (and any other seasonings you’re adding). You’ll dip each chicken piece in flour first, then coat it in egg, and finally roll it in those crushed BBQ chips.
Coat the Chicken
Take each chicken nugget, coat it in flour, dip it in the egg, and then roll it in the BBQ chip crumbs. Make sure they’re well-coated, so every bite gets that crunchy, flavorful crust.
Bake to Perfection
Place your chicken nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden and crispy. You might want to flip them halfway through to make sure they cook evenly.
Finishing Touches
Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. That way, they’ll stay crispy on the outside but still juicy on the inside.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve your homemade BBQ chip chicken nuggets warm, and enjoy the crispy goodness! Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, or just eat them on their own—they’re that delicious!
How to Serve Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets
These nuggets are perfect as an appetizer, a snack, or even a main dish! Here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience:
- Dipping Sauces: Sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, creamy ranch, or even honey mustard make great dipping options.
- Salads: Pair these nuggets with a fresh, crisp salad to balance the richness of the chicken.
- Vegetable Sides: Serve with roasted veggies, like carrots or sweet potatoes, for a wholesome meal.
- Fries: You can’t go wrong with classic crispy fries to go along with these nuggets.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the chicken nuggets and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready, just bake from frozen for an easy meal.
- Customize the Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different types of chips or spices in the coating. Sweet potato chips or sour cream and onion chips would add a fun twist!
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute BBQ chips with another flavor?
A1: Absolutely! You can experiment with other chips like sour cream and onion or even cheese-flavored chips. Each will bring its own unique taste to the nuggets.
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the chicken nuggets and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready, just bake them from frozen.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best results, reheat in the oven to keep them crispy.
Q4: Can I bake these from frozen?
A4: Yes! If you’ve frozen the nuggets before baking, simply bake them at 400°F for an extra 5-7 minutes until they’re golden and crispy.
Q5: How can I make these nuggets spicier?
A5: Add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ chip coating for an extra kick! You can adjust the heat level to your taste.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Of course! Just make sure you have enough space on your baking sheet. You might need to bake them in batches depending on your oven size.
Q7: Are these nuggets suitable for kids?
A7: Yes, they’re perfect for kids! If you want to make them milder, you can use plain chips instead of BBQ chips to reduce the spice.
Q8: What sides go well with these chicken nuggets?
A8: These nuggets are fantastic with a variety of sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or even a simple green salad.
Q9: Can I make these nuggets gluten-free?
A9: Yes! Simply use gluten-free flour and chips to make these nuggets gluten-free.
Q10: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A10: The best way to reheat your nuggets is in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to keep them crispy.
Conclusion
There you have it—crispy, flavorful Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets that will have everyone coming back for more! Whether you’re making them for a cozy night in or serving them at your next get-together, this recipe is bound to be a hit. Enjoy every crispy, flavorful bite!
PrintHomemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets
These Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets are crispy, flavorful, and packed with smoky BBQ goodness! Coated in crunchy BBQ chips for a fun twist on the classic chicken nugget, they’re perfect for snacking or serving as a meal. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible treat!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes (oven) or 10-12 minutes (air fryer)
- Total Time: 28-32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
- Method: Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups crushed BBQ-flavored potato chips
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven or Air Fryer:
- For oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- For air fryer: Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Coating:
- Crush BBQ chips in a Ziploc bag using a rolling pin or pulse in a food processor until they resemble coarse crumbs.
- Set up a dredging station with three bowls:
- Flour
- Eggs & milk, whisked together
- Crushed BBQ chips
- Season & Coat the Chicken:
- Season chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each piece in flour, dip into the egg mixture, and then coat in the crushed BBQ chips, pressing gently to adhere.
- Cook the Nuggets:
- Oven method: Place nuggets on a baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
- Air fryer method: Arrange nuggets in a single layer and air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Let cool for a few minutes, then serve with BBQ sauce, ranch, or honey mustard for dipping!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, use spicy BBQ chips or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning.
- For extra crispiness, air frying is the best option.
- These nuggets can be made ahead of time and frozen for later use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 nuggets
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 120mg