Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Chicken Nuggets recipe is a crispy and golden recipe, which is made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts and seasoned breadcrumbs. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 30 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Chicken Nuggets Ingredients
- 2 whole Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Cut Into Small Pieces
- 1 cup All-purpose Flour
- 1 Tbsp. Seasoned Salt (such as Lawry’s)
- Salt And Black Pepper To Taste
- 2 whole Eggs
- 2 Tbsp. Water
- 2 cups Seasoned Breadcrumbs
- Vegetable Oil, For Frying
- Ketchup And Mustard, For Serving
How To Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Nuggets
- Set up the breading station: Create an assembly line with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, stir together the flour, seasoned salt, salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, beat the eggs and water together. In the third bowl, add the seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Bread the chicken: Working with a few pieces at a time, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Quickly dip them into the egg mixture, then roll them in the breadcrumbs until they are completely coated. Place the breaded chicken on a clean plate or baking sheet.
- Heat the oil: In a large, heavy skillet, heat about 1 ½ to 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-low to medium heat. The oil is ready when a few breadcrumbs dropped in sizzle gently but don’t burn immediately.
- Fry the nuggets: Carefully place 8 to 10 nuggets into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about a minute or so per side, until the breading is deep golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. This should take about 2-3 minutes total. Remove the cooked nuggets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat with the remaining chicken. Serve warm.
Recipe Tips
- How to get the crispiest nuggets? A three-step breading process (flour, egg, breadcrumbs) is key. The flour helps the egg stick, and the egg helps the breadcrumbs adhere, creating a sturdy, crispy crust.
- Can I bake these instead of frying? Yes. For a healthier option, place the breaded nuggets on a wire rack set on a baking sheet. Spray them generously with cooking spray and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
- What’s the best oil for frying? A neutral oil with a high smoke point is best. Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are all excellent choices for frying chicken nuggets.
- How do I know the chicken is cooked through? Because the pieces are small, they cook very quickly. The chicken should be fully cooked by the time the breading is a deep golden brown. If you’re unsure, you can cut one open to check that it’s white and no longer pink inside.
What To Serve With Chicken Nuggets
These homemade nuggets are perfect with all the classic dipping sauces and sides.
- French fries or tater tots
- Honey mustard sauce
- Barbecue sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Apple slices or a simple fruit salad
How To Store Chicken Nuggets
- Refrigerate: Store leftover cooked nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
- Freeze: You can freeze the nuggets either before or after cooking. To freeze uncooked, place breaded nuggets on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. To freeze cooked nuggets, let them cool completely first. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Chicken Nuggets Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 6-8 nuggets
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 24g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use panko breadcrumbs?
The recipe recommends regular breadcrumbs because panko can burn before the chicken has a chance to cook through. If you prefer panko, be sure to keep a close eye on the oil temperature and fry time.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
How do I keep the breading from falling off during frying?
After breading, let the chicken pieces rest on the plate for a few minutes. This helps the coating set and adhere better to the chicken. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan and only turn the nuggets once during frying.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Blueberry Chicken Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman No Peek Chicken
- Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Spaghetti
Pioneer Woman Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Description
Perfectly crispy, golden, and juicy homemade chicken nuggets that are incredibly easy to make and far more delicious than any store-bought version.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Set up three bowls: one with flour and seasonings, one with beaten egg and water, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Cut chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Dredge chicken pieces in flour, then dip in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs.
- Heat 1.5-2 inches of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry nuggets in batches for 2-3 minutes total, turning once, until deep golden brown.
- Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- u003cliu003eCut the chicken into small, uniform pieces to ensure they cook through quickly and evenly before the breading gets too dark.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eKeep the oil at a steady medium temperature. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor make-ahead convenience, you can freeze the breaded, uncooked nuggets and fry them directly from frozen.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eDon’t overcrowd the pan when frying; this lowers the oil temperature and can result in soggy nuggets.u003c/liu003e
Pioneer Woman Chicken Nuggets Recipe
