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- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup dill pickle juice - 1 cup buttermilk The chicken breast is the star of this dish. I love using fresh chicken for the best flavor. Dill pickle juice adds a nice tang, making the chicken juicy and tasty. Buttermilk is key, too. It helps tenderize the chicken and adds creaminess. - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1 tablespoon powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon salt For the coating, all-purpose flour and cornstarch work together. They make the nuggets crunchy. The powdered sugar gives a slight sweetness. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth. Paprika, black pepper, and salt bring all the flavors together. - Vegetable oil for frying - Optional dipping sauces You need vegetable oil for frying the nuggets. Make sure you have enough to fully cover them. For dipping, choose your favorites. Ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce pairs well with these nuggets. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Start by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. - In a medium bowl, mix the chicken pieces with the dill pickle juice. - Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the chicken soak up great flavor. - While the chicken marinates, gather another bowl for the coating. - Whisk together 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar, and the spices: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. - Mix these dry ingredients well. This creates a tasty crunchy coating that sticks to the chicken. - Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). - Make sure you have enough oil to cover the nuggets while frying. - Once the chicken has marinated, take each piece and let the extra liquid drip off. - Coat each chicken piece in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully covered. - Carefully place the coated nuggets into the hot oil. Fry in small batches, so they cook evenly. - Fry the nuggets for about 4-5 minutes. They should turn a golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). - Use a slotted spoon to transfer the nuggets to a paper towel-lined plate after frying. This helps drain any extra oil. - Repeat this process until all the chicken pieces are cooked. Optimal Marination Time For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This helps the meat soak up the dill pickle juice, which gives it a tangy kick. If you have time, let it sit for 1-2 hours. This extra time makes the chicken even more flavorful. Alternative Marinades You can use other liquids for marinating. Try yogurt or citrus juices for a twist. Each option adds unique flavors to your nuggets. Experiment to find your favorite! Importance of Dredging Technique The key to crispy nuggets is the dredging process. After soaking, remove each piece and let excess liquid drip off. Then, coat the chicken well in the flour mix. This layer is what gives the nuggets their crunch. Oil Temperature Tips Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C) for great results. Use a thermometer to keep track. If the oil is too hot, the nuggets may burn. Too cool, and they will soak up oil and become soggy. Maintain the temperature for the best crunch. Best Dipping Sauces Pair your nuggets with delicious dips. Ranch, honey mustard, and BBQ sauce are top picks. You can also try spicy sauces for some heat. These dips enhance the flavor and make your meal more fun. Presentation Ideas Make your nuggets look great by using a large platter. Arrange the nuggets in a circle, leaving space for dipping sauces. Add fresh parsley or dill around the edges to brighten the dish. A nice presentation makes the meal more inviting. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Ensure the chicken is marinated for at least 30 minutes in dill pickle juice and another 30 in buttermilk for optimal flavor and tenderness. Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the oil temperature at around 350°F (175°C) to achieve that perfect crispy texture without burning. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the nuggets in small batches to prevent temperature drops in the oil and ensure even cooking and crispiness. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the spice mix in the flour coating to suit your taste. Adding cayenne pepper or herbs can enhance the flavor profile even more. {{image_4}} You can add heat to the nuggets. Use spices like cayenne pepper or chili powder. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to your taste. Mix these spices into the flour and cornstarch. This will give your nuggets a nice kick. You can also serve them with spicy dipping sauce. If you want a healthier option, try baking the nuggets. Instead of frying, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. After coating the chicken, place the nuggets on the sheet. Spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Flip halfway to ensure even crispness. For a gluten-free version, swap out the all-purpose flour. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead. You can also use almond flour or coconut flour. This keeps the crunch while being safe for those with gluten issues. Be sure to check the labels on your ingredients to avoid hidden gluten. To keep your leftover nuggets fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. For best results, freeze the nuggets after they cool. Lay them on a baking sheet, ensuring they don't touch. Freeze them for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer the nuggets to a freezer bag. This method helps keep them crispy. When you're ready to enjoy your nuggets again, use the oven or an air fryer. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the nuggets on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes. This keeps them crispy. If using an air fryer, set it to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Both methods ensure you enjoy a delightful crunch. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it first. Frozen chicken takes longer to marinate, so plan for extra time. Thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave. You can make a quick substitute for buttermilk. Mix one cup of milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for five minutes. This will mimic the tangy flavor of buttermilk. Check the color of the nuggets. They should be golden brown. Use a food thermometer to check the inside temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray them lightly with oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You have many tasty options for dipping sauces. Try ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce. You can also serve sweet and sour sauce or hot sauce for a kick. You learned how to make tasty chicken nuggets using simple steps and common ingredients. We discussed marinating the chicken in dill pickle juice, creating a crunchy coating, and cooking techniques for perfect results. Remember, you can also try spicy or baked versions. Store any leftovers properly to keep them fresh. The fun doesn’t stop here; experiment with different dips and flavors to make the recipe your own. Enjoy your cooking adventures with these nuggets!

Chick-Inspired Crunchy Nuggets

Delicious and crispy chicken nuggets marinated in dill pickle juice and buttermilk, coated with a flavorful mixture, and fried to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup dill pickle juice
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • to taste vegetable oil for frying

Instructions
 

  • Begin by marinating the chicken. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with the dill pickle juice. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse into the chicken.
  • After the chicken has marinated, drain the pickle juice, discarding it, and transfer the chicken to a clean bowl. Pour in the buttermilk, ensuring all the chicken pieces are submerged. Let them soak for another 30 minutes; this step helps to tenderize the chicken and enhances flavor.
  • While the chicken is soaking, prepare the coating. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, powdered sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt until well combined. This mixture will create a delicious crunchy texture and flavor for the nuggets.
  • In a deep pan or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Ensure you have enough oil to completely cover the nuggets while frying. Use a thermometer to maintain the correct temperature for best results.
  • Once the chicken has soaked in the buttermilk, remove the pieces one at a time, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure they are evenly coated for a satisfying crunch.
  • Carefully place the coated chicken nuggets into the hot oil in small batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Fry the nuggets for approximately 4-5 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Keep a close eye on the oil temperature and adjust the heat if necessary to prevent burning.
  • Once the nuggets are cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate, allowing any excess oil to drain off. Repeat the frying process with the remaining chicken pieces.
  • Serve the crispy chicken nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauces, which could include ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce.

Notes

For an inviting presentation, arrange the crunchy nuggets on a large platter. Accompany them with small bowls of various dipping sauces for guests to choose from. To add a touch of color, garnish the platter with fresh parsley or sprigs of dill.
Keyword appetizer, chicken nuggets, fried chicken