Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Prepare the chicken

Trim any fat from the chicken breasts and pat dry with paper towels. Cut the chicken into 1 to 1.25-inch bite-sized pieces for nuggets; aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly.

Season

Place the cut chicken in a bowl and sprinkle with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp paprika. Toss gently to coat all pieces.

Set up breading stations

In three shallow bowls/plates: 1) combine 3/4 cup flour and a pinch of salt; 2) whisk together 2 eggs and 1/4 cup milk until smooth; 3) combine 1 cup breadcrumbs with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (if using).

Bread the chicken

Working in batches, dredge each piece first in the flour (shake off excess), then dip into the egg-milk mixture, then press into the breadcrumbs to fully coat. Place breaded pieces on a wire rack or sheet pan while you finish the rest.

Heat the oil

Pour about 1 cup avocado oil into a large skillet (cast-iron or stainless) to a depth of roughly 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Heat over medium-high until the oil registers 350°F (175°C) on a thermometer or a breadcrumb sizzles and browns within ~15 seconds when tested carefully.

Fry in batches

Add breaded nuggets to the hot oil in a single layer without overcrowding (work in batches). Fry for 2.5–3.5 minutes per side, flipping once, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning the crust.

Drain and rest

Transfer cooked nuggets to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack set over a baking sheet. Let rest 2 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and to keep the crust crisp.

While the oil is heating or nuggets are frying, wash and trim the vegetables. Cut carrots into sticks about 3 inches long and 1/4–1/2 inch thick, slice cucumbers into rounds or half-moons, and halve cherry tomatoes. Arrange on a small platter or in bowls and keep chilled until serving.

Place 1/2 cup ketchup in a small bowl for serving. If you want a sweeter dip, stir in 1 tablespoon honey to make a honey-ketchup variation. Serve additional condiments as desired (mustard, ranch, BBQ).