Description
This chicken nuggets recipe offers a juicy, crispy bite with a unique tangy flavor from dill pickle juice marinade. Perfect for a homemade alternative to classic fast food nuggets, these golden, flavorful chicken bites are fried to crispy perfection and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 3 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into chunks
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- ½ cup whole milk
Breading
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
Frying
- Peanut oil, for frying (at least 1 inch deep, about 4 cups)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken chunks in a large zip-close bag. Pour in the dill pickle juice and whole milk. Seal the bag and gently toss or smoosh so all chicken pieces are coated. Let marinate for 30 minutes to tenderize and add flavor.
- Heat the oil: While the chicken marinates, heat peanut oil in a deep fryer or large heavy pot to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, maintaining at least 1 inch depth for proper frying.
- Prepare the breading: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, plain breadcrumbs, powdered sugar, garlic powder, paprika, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create an even coating mixture.
- Coat the chicken pieces: Remove chicken from the marinade and discard marinade. Dip each chicken piece into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to coat completely on all sides.
- Fry the chicken nuggets: Carefully place coated chicken pieces into the hot oil in small batches, ensuring not to crowd the pot to maintain oil temperature. Fry for 5 minutes or until nuggets turn deep golden brown and are cooked through.
- Drain and cool: Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked nuggets to a wire cooling rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Repeat frying with remaining pieces.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the chicken nuggets warm with your favorite dipping sauce or sides.
Notes
- Use peanut oil for authentic Chick-fil-A-like flavor, but canola or vegetable oil work as alternatives.
- Maintaining oil temperature at 350°F is crucial to ensure crispy, non-greasy nuggets.
- Marinating the chicken in pickle juice tenderizes the meat and adds a subtle tang.
- Frying in small batches prevents temperature drop and ensures even cooking.
- Use a wire rack to drain fried chicken for crispier results compared to paper towels.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 4 oz)
- Calories: 226 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
