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Homemade Chicken Nuggets First Image

Homemade Chicken Nuggets


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  • Author: Chef John
  • Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Unspecified

Description

Delicious homemade chicken nuggets seasoned to perfection and fried until golden brown.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground chicken
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons salt (Diamond Crystal)
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¾ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt (Diamond Crystal)
  • 2 cups club soda (very cold)
  • Oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Set up your dredging station. Prepare a large sheet tray with parchment paper. Add the cornstarch to a plate or small sheet tray.
  2. In a large bowl, add the ground chicken, spices, and salt. Use your hands to combine the mixture, making sure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
  3. Using oiled hands, scoop out a heaping tablespoon of the ground chicken and form it into a chicken nugget shape. Then, coat the nugget in the cornstarch and place it on the sheet tray. Freeze the tray of nuggets for 2 hours or until firm.
  4. When your nuggets are frozen, prepare the wet batter and heat your frying oil. Fill a large, heavy-bottomed pot halfway with oil and set it over medium heat.
  5. While the oil heats, whisk together the flour, baking powder, spices, and salt in a medium bowl. Then, pour in the cold club soda and gently fold the mixture with a fork just until combined; the batter should remain slightly lumpy. Don’t overmix; simply break up any large clumps.
  6. Once the oil has reached 350℉, remove the sheet tray of nuggets from the freezer. Have a paper towel-lined plate or sheet tray ready for draining the oil from the nuggets and a spider or tongs within reach.
  7. Dip 5 nuggets into the wet batter. Use a fork to lift them out, letting the excess batter drip off a bit, and then place them directly into the oil. Only do a few nuggets at a time to avoid dropping the temperature of the oil.
  8. Fry the nuggets for 4-6 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked through.
  9. Now, remove the nuggets from the oil and let them drain on the prepared plate. Continue frying the remaining nuggets in batches.
  10. Serve immediately while hot, with your favorite dipping sauces and toppings.

Notes

  • For crispier nuggets, double coat them by dipping in the wet batter again after the first fry and frying briefly.
  • Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying to prevent sogginess.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 nuggets
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg