Dino Nuggets Recipe

Prepare chicken

Cut chicken into dinosaur-sized nugget pieces roughly 1 to 1-1/4 inches across (bite-size). Pat pieces very dry with paper towels.

Season

Place cut chicken in a bowl. Add 2 tbsp cold water, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder. Mix briefly to combine and coat pieces evenly. Let rest 5 minutes while you set up breading station.

Mix dry breading

In a shallow bowl combine 3 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 3 tbsp fine breadcrumbs, 1 tsp dried parsley, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Whisk to distribute evenly.

Prepare wet dip

In a second shallow bowl whisk together 1 large egg and 2 tbsp whole milk until smooth.

Bread the pieces

Working in small batches, dip each seasoned chicken piece into the flour mixture to lightly coat, then into the egg wash, then press into the breadcrumb mixture to fully coat. Place breaded nuggets on a tray or plate and let rest 5 minutes so the coating adheres. Repeat until all pieces are breaded.

Heat oil

Pour about 2 cups vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet or pot (enough to come 1/2 to 1 inch up the sides). Heat over medium-high until oil reaches 350°F (175°C) or until a small breadcrumb sizzles immediately on contact.

Fry nuggets

Fry the breaded chicken in batches, careful not to overcrowd, for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a slotted spoon to turn pieces and transfer cooked nuggets to a wire rack set over a baking sheet or paper towels to drain. Keep warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven if needed while finishing remaining batches.

Finish

Once all nuggets are cooked, if you want extra crispness, return them to hot oil for a quick 20–30 second flash fry, then drain again.

Bake or air-fry according to package

Cook 1 lb frozen waffle fries according to package instructions (usually 20–25 minutes at 425°F / 220°C in a conventional oven, flipping halfway; or 12–15 minutes in an air fryer at 400°F / 200°C). For extra crisping, toss fries lightly with 1 tsp vegetable oil before cooking.

Season

When fries are done, immediately sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt and toss lightly to distribute.

Plate the warm Dino Nuggets alongside waffle fries. Serve with ketchup and optional honey mustard or ranch for dipping. Provide napkins and enjoy.