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Crispy Chicken Nuggets with Spicy Mayo

Close-up of golden brown Crispy Chicken Nuggets, one broken open showing white meat, served with spicy mayo.
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Make restaurant-quality crispy chicken nuggets at home using a double-breading method, served with a simple, flavorful spicy mayonnaise dipping sauce.

Ingredients

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  • 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
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for second dredge)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (or cooking spray for baking/air frying)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Set up the breading stations: In the first shallow dish, mix 1 cup flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In the second dish, place the beaten eggs. In the third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  3. First dredge: Coat each chicken piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg wash, letting excess drip off. Coat completely in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
  4. Second crisping step: Take each breaded piece and dredge it again in the remaining 1/2 cup of plain flour. Then, dip it back into the egg wash quickly, and finally, coat it again in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing firmly to create a thick, craggy coating. Place coated nuggets on a wire rack.
  5. 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 4-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F or 74°C). Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  6. Cook the nuggets (Air Fryer method): Preheat air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Lightly spray the nuggets with cooking oil. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
  7. Make the spicy mayo: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, and smoked paprika until smooth.
  8. Serve the crispy chicken nuggets immediately with the spicy mayo for dipping.

Notes

  • For the juiciest interior, chill the breaded nuggets on the wire rack for 15 minutes before cooking. This helps the coating set.
  • You can freeze uncooked, breaded nuggets on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag for later use. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
  • Adjust the sriracha amount in the mayo to control the heat level.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonswirl.com/crispy-chicken-nuggets-with-spicy-mayo/