Chicken Nuggets For One

• Chicken Breast: Choose a single boneless, skinless chicken breast as your lean protein choice. For nuggets that are even juicier, feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. If you’ve got extra chicken, consider using one in Chicken Margherita, Chicken Divan, or Chicken Fajitas.
• Flour: Helps the buttermilk adhere to the chicken. Use gluten-free flour if necessary.
• Seasoning Blend (Paprika, Salt, Garlic Powder): These are your go-to flavor boosters. Feel free to get creative and swap these out for your own favorite spice mix.
• Buttermilk: This adds a tangy touch and tenderizes the chicken. If you’re out of buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup of milk with 1 1/2 teaspoons of lemon juice. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, stir, and you’re good to go. If you’ve got extra buttermilk, use it in a mini Buttermilk Pie, Butter Swim Biscuits, or Buttermilk Pancakes.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: For a crispier crunch, choose panko breadcrumbs. If you need a gluten-free option, there are gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs available. Leftover breadcrumbs can be used in Crab Cakes, Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower, or Hashbrown Casserole.
• Oil: Avocado oil is a good choice to use for shallow frying. Avocado oil has a high smoke point and its mild, nutty flavor enhances the chicken without overpowering it. It is less greasy than other oils, giving your nuggets a cleaner, crisper texture. Canola or vegetable oil can be used as a substitute.

Optional: Chicken Nugget Dipping Sauce Ingredients

With these ingredients, you can whip up a quick and tangy dipping sauce that complements the nuggets beautifully. It’s optional, but highly recommended for that extra flavor boost!

• Mayonnaise: Serves as the creamy base for your dipping sauce. Light mayo or a plant-based alternative can also be used.
• Sriracha or Another Type of Hot Sauce: This brings the heat to your sauce. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
• Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the heat.

Recipe Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are a few creative spins you can put on this chicken nuggets recipe to suit various cravings and dietary needs:

• Spicy Nuggets: Add 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for nuggets with a kick. You can also include spicy seasoning in the breadcrumbs.
• Herb-Infused: For an herbal note, add a teaspoon of dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to the flour mixture.
• Cheese-Crusted: Combine grated Parmesan with the breadcrumbs for a cheesy crust that adds an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
• Asian-Inspired: For a different take, use sesame seeds in the breadcrumb mixture and serve with a side of soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for dipping.
• Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make these nuggets suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

How To Make Chicken Nuggets

These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a small batch of chicken nuggets. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

1. Prepare the Dry Mix: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, salt, and garlic powder.

2. Set Up the Dipping Stations: In a separate bowl, pour in the buttermilk and place the breadcrumbs on a plate or in another bowl.
3. Coat the Chicken: Take your chicken pieces, cut into 1-inch sizes, and dredge them in the flour mixture, making sure each piece is evenly coated.

Pro Tip: When I make this recipe, I opt for a smaller, bite-sized approach by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breast into 1-inch pieces. This gives the nuggets a popcorn chicken vibe that’s not only fun to eat but also super quick to cook. If you’re more into traditional, larger-sized nuggets, feel free to cut your chicken into bigger pieces. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to adjust your frying time. Larger nuggets will require an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute of cooking time to ensure they reach that safe and juicy internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Whether you go small or big, you’ll end up with irresistibly delicious chicken nuggets.

4. Dip in Buttermilk: Next, immerse the chicken pieces in the buttermilk. Allow any excess buttermilk to drip off.

5. Roll in Breadcrumbs: Coat each buttermilk-dipped chicken piece evenly with breadcrumbs. Place the coated pieces on a separate plate.

Pro Tip: Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken pieces to ensure they adhere well for that perfect, crunchy texture.

6. Heat the Oil: In a 10-inch skillet, preheat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium heat. Use an oil or a candy thermometer to ensure the oil reaches and maintains a temperature of 350°F.

Pro Tip: Always check the oil’s temperature before adding the chicken to achieve consistent cooking.

7. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on one side. Then, flip the pieces and cook for another 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reads 165°F with a meat thermometer.

Note: In this recipe, we’re skipping the deep fryer and opting for pan-frying or skillet frying instead. This approach makes the cooking process a bit easier and less messy. You won’t need a ton of oil; simply pour enough to reach about a 1/2 inch from the bottom of your pan. This is sufficient for getting that crave-worthy golden crust on the nuggets while keeping the inside moist and flavorful. It’s a straightforward, less-fussy way to cook up these delicious bites!

8. Drain and Serve: Remove the cooked chicken pieces from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

9. Prepare the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, hot sauce, and honey. Serve this zesty sauce as a delightful complement to your chicken nuggets.

Pro Tip: Taste test your sauce and adjust the spice and sweetness to suit your preference.