Do you crave a quick, easy, tasty, and satisfying meal? Look no further than homemade chicken nuggets made in a deep fryer. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a kid-friendly meal or a chicken nugget fanatic, making this classic dish at home is a great way to save money and customize the flavor to your liking.
If you’re new to cooking or are hesitant to use a deep fryer, don’t worry! Anyone can make delicious chicken nuggets at home with a few simple steps.
In this article, I’ll review the best ingredients, the ideal frying temperature, and tips and tricks to help you achieve perfectly golden nuggets every time.
How Do To Make Home Made Chicken?
Chicken nuggets have become our favorite fast food and are readily available in restaurants and even on takeout menus. While they look like the real thing, there is often little to no real chicken in them.
Most chicken nuggets are made from mechanically separated meat, such as chicken breast or thigh pieces that have been ground up together. However, when you make your chicken nuggets at home, you can be sure you know what’s going into them – 100% real, boneless, skinless white meat chicken.
To cook up a batch of homemade chicken nuggets, you’ll need two pounds of either boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenderloins; these should then be cut into small cubes that resemble nugget shapes.
After making those cuts, the next steps depend upon your preferred method for cooking them – baking them in the oven with some oil or frying them on the stovetop. Both work to great effect! The result?
Delicious bites of crunchy-on-the-outside and juicy-on-the-inside deliciousness are sure to please any taste. Keep those recipes handy when you know your family will enjoy wholesome, homemade snacks.
Here is The Process Of Make Chicken Nuggets In A Deep Fryer
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Skinless, boneless chicken breasts | 4 |
| Corn oil | 2 cups |
| Egg, beaten | 1 |
| Water | 1/3 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 1/3 cup |
| Sesame seeds, toasted | 1 1/2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Start by marinating the chicken in a mixture of pickle juice and milk. Let it marinate for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Drain the chicken: Drain the excess liquid from the chicken after marinating. Pat it dry using a paper towel or drain it in a colander to remove most of the liquid.
- Prepare the coating: Prepare an egg wash in a bowl by whisking together one beaten egg and a bit of milk. Combine seasoned flour, toasted sesame seeds, salt, pepper, and other desired seasonings in a separate bag or container.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each piece of chicken in the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Then place the chicken in the bag or container with the seasoned flour mixture. Shake the bag to coat the chicken evenly.
- Fry the chicken: Preheat a deep fat fryer to 370-375°F (190-190°C). Carefully place a few coated chicken pieces into the hot oil and cook for about 4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the fryer to ensure even cooking.
- Drain and cool: Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the fried chicken from the oil and transfer it to a tray lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil. Allow the chicken to cool slightly before serving.
- Repeat and keep warm: Continue coating and frying the remaining chicken pieces in batches until all are cooked. If desired, keep the cooked chicken warm by placing it in a preheated oven at a low temperature while you finish cooking the rest.
- Enjoy: Once all the chicken nuggets are cooked and slightly cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as a tasty snack, or pair them with your favorite dipping sauces for a delicious meal.
Remember, deep frying involves hot oil, so exercise caution and follow proper safety guidelines when working with a deep-fat fryer.
Nutrient Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Protein | 30g |
Best Side Dish Of Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets are a versatile and popular dish that can be paired with various sides. Here are some delicious options to serve with chicken nuggets:
- French Fries: Classic crispy fries make a perfect accompaniment to chicken nuggets. You can make them at home or opt for frozen ones for convenience.
- Salad: A fresh salad can provide a refreshing and healthy balance to the crispy chicken nuggets. Please choose your favorite greens, add some colorful veggies, and top it with a light dressing.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw is a traditional side dish that complements the flavors of chicken nuggets. It adds a cool and crunchy element to the meal.
- Sweet Potato Fries: For a twist on traditional fries, try serving sweet potato fries alongside the chicken nuggets. They offer a slightly sweet and savory combination.
- Vegetable Medley: Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower, can provide a nutritious and flavorful side to balance the meal.
- Macaroni and Cheese: If you want a comforting and indulgent option, serve chicken nuggets with creamy macaroni and cheese. It’s a classic combination loved by both kids and adults.
- Dipping Sauces: Enhance the flavors of chicken nuggets by offering a variety of dipping sauces such as ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or sweet chili sauce.
- Fruit Salad: For a lighter and refreshing side, prepare a salad with a mix of seasonal fruits. It adds a burst of sweetness and contrasts with the savory chicken nuggets.
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on your preferences and dietary needs. Remember to consider a balance of flavors, textures, and nutritional value when planning your side dishes.
How Long To Deep Fry Cooked Chicken Nuggets?
Cooked chicken nuggets can be deep fried in a deep fryer to create a delicious and crispy exterior. Generally, the time it takes to fry deep-cooked chicken nuggets depends on the size of the nuggets.
For most cooked chicken nuggets, preheat your deep fryer to 375 °F and then add the nuggets in batches. Fry each batch for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown.
Which Bread Crumbs are Best?
Making the perfect breaded chicken nuggets starts with the breading. Regarding breadcrumbs, you have a lot of freedom when selecting what type to use. The best choice will depend on your specific tastes and cooking style.
Regular bread crumbs are your best bet for those who want a thinner crust with a traditional flavor. Bread crumbs are made from finely ground-up pieces of white or wheat bread, and these can be perfect for achieving the classic fried chicken look.
Panko-style bread crumbs are your ideal solution for something a bit lighter and crunchier. These larger pieces of processed white or wheat flour give them an extra-crunchy bite when baked or deep-fried in oil.
The ultimate option is to make your bread crumbs out of stale bread at home. This eliminates any worries about preservatives or additives in pre-processed versions available at supermarkets and specialty stores.
Remember that using fewer fresh ingredients will yield more crispiness in the end due to lower moisture content, so this might be an even better route if you’re looking for extra crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
1. Can I Serve Chicken Nuggets As A Main Course?
Absolutely! Chicken nuggets can be a satisfying main course, especially when paired with various side dishes. They provide protein and can be a versatile centerpiece for a meal.
2. Are There Healthier Alternatives To Traditional Sides With Chicken Nuggets?Â
Yes, there are plenty of healthier alternatives to consider. Instead of regular French fries, you can opt for baked sweet potato fries or homemade oven-baked potato wedges. You can also serve chicken nuggets with steamed vegetables or a mixed green salad for added nutrients.
3. What Dipping Sauces Go Well With Chicken Nuggets?
Dipping sauces can enhance the flavor of chicken nuggets. Popular options include ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, and sweet chili sauce. Choose the sauces that you and your guests enjoy the most.
4. Can Chicken Nuggets Be Served As Party Appetizers?Â
Absolutely! Chicken nuggets are a crowd-pleasing option for party appetizers. You can make mini-sized nuggets or cut larger ones into bite-sized pieces for easy snacking. Serve them with an assortment of dipping sauces to cater to different tastes.
5. Are There Vegetarian Or Vegan Alternatives To Chicken Nuggets?
Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan alternatives available. Vegetarians can find plant-based chicken nuggets made with soy, wheat, or tofu.
Vegan options often use plant-based proteins like tempeh, seitan, or chickpeas. These alternatives provide a similar texture and flavor to traditional chicken nuggets.
Conclusion
Chicken nuggets are a delicious and crowd-pleasing snack or main course. They can be deep-fried in a deep fryer to create a crispy exterior. To make the perfect breaded chicken nuggets, choose the breadcrumb style that best suits your taste and cooking style.
Chicken nuggets can also be served as party appetizers or as part of a healthier meal with sides like set amed vegetables or baked potatoes. Vegetarian and vegan alternatives are also available.
Meet our air fryer recipe expert, Jenny J. Brown. Jenny is a culinary enthusiast with a passion for creating healthy, delicious meals using the latest kitchen appliances. As an experienced home cook and food blogger, Jenny has spent years experimenting with air fryer recipes and perfecting her techniques to create meals that are both nutritious and satisfying.
