Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, these "Real Fried Chicken Nuggets" take homemade comfort food to the next level. Made with tender, marinated chicken breasts soaked in buttermilk for a juicy, flavorful bite, each nugget is coated in a perfectly seasoned flour mixture, dipped in egg, and finished with a crunchy panko breadcrumb layer. Fried to perfection in hot oil, these nuggets achieve the ultimate crispiness while remaining irresistibly juicy inside. This easy recipe comes together in just 30 minutes of active time and is ideal for satisfying cravings or serving at family dinners, game days, or casual gatherings. Pair these mouthwatering nuggets with your favorite dipping sauces for an unforgettable snack or meal. Perfect for lovers of homemade fried chicken and classic comfort food!
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-inch cubes, and set aside.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the buttermilk, 0.5 tsp of salt, and 0.25 tsp of black pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture and stir to coat. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, remaining salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In a second shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, pour the panko breadcrumbs.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid. Dredge each piece first in the flour mixture, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure an even coating. Repeat for all chicken pieces.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature for even frying.
Carefully add the coated chicken nuggets to the hot oil in small batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Remove the nuggets from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve the chicken nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch.
Serving size | 541.4 grams (541.4g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 1006 |
Total Fat 20.80g | 27% |
Saturated Fat 8.00g | 40% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.50g | |
Cholesterol 399mg | 133% |
Sodium 3104mg | 135% |
Total Carbohydrate 161.70g | 59% |
Dietary Fiber 6.20g | 22% |
Total Sugars 16.30g | |
Protein 40.80g | 82% |
Vitamin D 209IU | 1045% |
Calcium 384mg | 30% |
Iron 10mg | 57% |
Potassium 663mg | 14% |
Source of Calories