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Crispy Chicken Nuggets with Honey Garlic Dip

A plate piled high with golden, crispy chicken nuggets drizzled with sauce, served with a side of honey garlic dip.
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Make crispy, homemade chicken nuggets from scratch and pair them with a simple, flavorful honey garlic dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (or cooking spray for air frying/baking)
  • For the Dip:
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (slurry)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Place chicken pieces in a bowl. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Set up Breading Stations: In one shallow dish, mix flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In a second dish, place the beaten eggs. In a third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg, letting excess drip off. Finally, press firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to coat completely. Place breaded pieces on a wire rack.
  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 4 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F or 74°C). Remove and drain on paper towels.
  5. Cook the Nuggets (Air Fryer Method): Preheat air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Lightly spray nuggets with oil. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
  6. Make the Honey Garlic Dip: Combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  7. Thicken the Dip: Whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to simmer for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
  8. Serve immediately with the warm crispy chicken nuggets.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness when baking, place the breaded nuggets on a wire rack set over a baking sheet before baking at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • You can freeze uncooked, breaded nuggets on a tray; once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag for later use. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
  • For a tangier dip, increase the apple cider vinegar by one teaspoon.

Nutrition

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