Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Prepare chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Cut into 1 to 1 1/2-inch pieces (bite-sized nuggets). Place in a bowl and season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp paprika. Toss to coat evenly.

Set up breading stations

Place flour in a shallow bowl. In a second bowl, whisk the 2 eggs with 2 tbsp milk until combined. In a third shallow bowl, combine 1 cup breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (if using).

Bread the nuggets

Working in batches, dredge each chicken piece in flour (shake off excess), dip into the egg mixture, then press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly. Place finished pieces on a wire rack or a baking sheet lined with parchment. Repeat until all pieces are breaded.

Heat oil and fry

Pour about 1 cup vegetable oil into a large skillet so it comes about 1/4 inch up the sides (or use a deep fryer set to 350°F / 175°C). Heat oil over medium-high heat until it registers 350°F or a small piece of breadcrumb sizzles immediately on contact. Fry nuggets in batches without overcrowding, about 2.5 to 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a slotted spoon to transfer fried nuggets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Finish and keep warm

If frying in multiple batches, keep cooked nuggets warm on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you finish frying the rest. Let rest 2 minutes before serving so juices redistribute.

Preheat and prepare potatoes

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash and scrub the potatoes; peel if desired. Cut potatoes into 1/3- to 1/2-inch thick fries. Pat very dry with paper towels to remove surface moisture (this helps them crisp).

Season fries

Place cut potatoes in a bowl and toss with 1.5 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika if using. Ensure each fry is evenly coated.

Bake

Spread fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment or lightly oiled; avoid overcrowding. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip or toss the fries and continue baking another 12–15 minutes until golden brown and crisp at the edges. Total bake time ~32–35 minutes depending on thickness.

Finish

Remove from oven, taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt if needed. Serve immediately alongside the nuggets.

Combine 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, and 1 tbsp honey in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness or tang (add more honey or a squeeze of lemon if desired). Chill or serve immediately.