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Crispy Chicken Nuggets with Garlic Dip

A plate piled high with golden brown Crispy Chicken Nuggets next to a small white ramekin of creamy garlic dip.
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Make restaurant-style crispy chicken nuggets at home using a simple double-breading method, served with a homemade garlic dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup regular breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (or cooking spray for baking/air frying)
  • For the Garlic Dip:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick.
  2. Set up the breading station: Place flour in one shallow dish. Whisk the eggs in a second dish. Mix the panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a third dish.
  3. Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken piece first in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat completely. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps (double-dip).
  4. Cook the nuggets (Frying Method): Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the nuggets in batches for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C). Remove and drain on a wire rack set over paper towels.
  5. Cook the nuggets (Oven/Air Fryer Method): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the breaded nuggets with cooking spray or brush with oil. Bake for 18-22 minutes or air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
  6. Make the garlic dip: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and salt. Stir until smooth.
  7. Serve the crispy chicken nuggets immediately with the garlic dip.

Notes

  • For the crispiest results when baking or air frying, ensure the breaded nuggets rest on a wire rack so air circulates around them.
  • You can freeze the breaded, uncooked nuggets on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag for later use.
  • Use chicken tenderloins instead of breast meat for a slightly more tender texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonswirl.com/crispy-chicken-nuggets-with-garlic-dip/