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Ingredients
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Nugget Chicken
Breading Station
Frying / Oil
Fries (side)
Serving / Dips
Method
Nugget Chicken
- 1
Prepare chicken
Trim any fat from the chicken breasts, then cut into 1 to 1 1/4-inch bite-size pieces. Pat pieces dry with paper towels so coating adheres.
- 2
Season chicken
Place cut chicken in a bowl and sprinkle with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp onion powder. Toss to coat evenly.
Breading Station
- 3
Set up stations
Place three shallow bowls or rimmed plates in a line. In bowl 1 combine 0.75 cups flour and 0.25 cups cornstarch. In bowl 2 whisk together 2 eggs and 3 tbs milk until smooth. In bowl 3 combine 1 cup panko, 2 tbs grated Parmesan (if using), 1 tsp paprika and 1/2 tsp salt; mix well.
- 4
Bread the nuggets
Working in batches, dredge each seasoned chicken piece first in the flour-cornstarch mixture, shaking off excess; then dip into the egg wash, letting excess drip off; finally press into the panko mixture to coat fully. Place breaded pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Repeat until all pieces are breaded.
Frying / Oil
- 5
Heat oil
Pour about 2 cups neutral oil into a wide, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of ~1 to 1.5 inches. Heat over medium-high until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C) or a piece of breadcrumb sizzles immediately on contact.
- 6
Fry nuggets
Fry nuggets in batches without crowding—about 6 to 8 pieces depending on pan size—for 2.5 to 3.5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked nuggets to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain. Let oil return to temperature between batches.
- 7
Finish
If desired, keep cooked nuggets warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven on a tray while frying remaining batches so they stay crisp.
Fries (side)
- 8
- 9
Toss and bake
Toss dried fries with 2 tbs olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp paprika (if using) until evenly coated. Spread in a single layer on a parchment-lined or lightly oiled baking sheet. Bake 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden and crisp at edges.
- 10
Crisp step (optional)
For extra crispness, switch oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes while watching closely, then remove.
