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Homemade Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe photo

Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Golden, crunchy chicken nuggets with a tangy honey-mustard dipping sauce.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 51 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 1 1/2 pounds, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt divided (plus 1 teaspoon)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided (plus 1 tablespoon)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup panko crumbs crushed
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3 large egg whites whisked until foamy
  • 4 cups peanut oil for frying
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise for dipping sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard for dipping sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard for dipping sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey for dipping sauce
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper for dipping sauce

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven
  • Deep-Frying Thermometer
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Shallow dishes or pie plate
  • Wire rack and rimmed baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch chunks and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups water, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, and Worcestershire sauce until the salt dissolves.
  3. Add the chicken to the brine, stir to coat, then refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  4. While the chicken brines, combine flour, crushed panko, onion powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, pepper, garlic powder, and baking soda in a shallow dish.
  5. In a second shallow dish, whisk the 3 egg whites until foamy.
  6. Remove chicken from the brine and discard the brine; pat the pieces dry with paper towels.
  7. Coat each chicken piece in egg white, then dredge in the flour-panko mixture. Place on a plate and let sit 10 minutes to help the coating adhere.
  8. Recoat each chicken piece in the flour mixture, pressing the mixture onto the chicken with your fingers.
  9. Heat peanut oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat to 350°F (use a deep-frying thermometer to check).
  10. Working in two batches, fry the chicken until golden brown, flipping once, about 3 minutes per batch total. Transfer to a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet to drain and keep warm in a 200°F oven if desired.
  11. Whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, honey, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl to make the dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Brining tenderizes and seasons the chicken.
  • Pat chicken thoroughly dry before coating.
  • Do not overcrowd the pot when frying.
  • Keep finished nuggets on a wire rack to stay crisp.