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Crispy Chicken Nuggets with Spicy Mayo

A plate of golden brown Crispy Chicken Nuggets served with a small bowl of orange Spicy Mayo.
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Make restaurant-quality crispy chicken nuggets at home using a double-breading method, served with a simple, balanced spicy mayonnaise dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (about 3 cups)
  • For Spicy Mayo:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels. This step helps prevent soggy nuggets.
  2. Set up the dredging stations: In the first shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, and paprika. In the second dish, whisk the eggs and water together. In the third dish, place the Panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Double-bread the chicken: Take each piece of chicken and dredge it first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip it into the egg wash, letting excess drip off. Finally, press it firmly into the Panko breadcrumbs, ensuring full coverage. Place the breaded nuggets on a wire rack.
  4. Prepare the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
  5. Fry the nuggets: Carefully place 6-8 nuggets into the hot oil, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pot. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
  6. Drain: Remove the nuggets with a slotted spoon and place them on a rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt immediately after removing from the oil.
  7. Make the spicy mayo: While the nuggets drain, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, and garlic powder in a small bowl until smooth.
  8. Serve the crispy chicken nuggets immediately with the spicy mayo.

Notes

  • For air fryer cooking: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Spray the breaded nuggets lightly with cooking spray and cook in a single layer for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
  • To make the nuggets juicy, do not overcook them; check the internal temperature promptly.
  • You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lower-fat spicy sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerykings.com/crispy-chicken-nuggets-with-spicy-mayo/