Deep-Frying Chicken Nuggets: A Tasty, Quick Treat

Chicken nuggets are a beloved fast-food classic, but they can also be made at home with just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen tools. In this article, we will discuss how to make chicken nuggets in a deep fryer, achieving that perfect golden-brown crispiness that we all know and love. So, get ready to impress your family and friends with your very own homemade version of this popular treat!

How to prepare the chicken for frying

Preparing the chicken is the first step in making chicken nuggets in a deep fryer. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, select the right chicken. Chicken breasts are the best option as they provide the optimal texture and flavour. Cut the chicken into evenly-sized pieces, preferably 1-inch cubes. This will ensure uniform cooking. If you prefer dark meat, opt for boneless skinless chicken thighs.

Now, for the brining process. This step is optional but highly recommended as it makes the chicken nuggets extra juicy and tender. Create a brine solution by whisking together plain yoghurt and salt, and then adding water. You can also use buttermilk instead of yoghurt. Submerge the chicken pieces in this solution and let them brine for at least 3 hours or even overnight in the refrigerator.

Once the brining is done, remove the chicken and season it with your choice of spices. You can use garlic powder, garam masala, paprika or chilli powder for a burst of flavour. Alternatively, try Italian seasoning, lemon zest, dried thyme or oregano. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.

Next comes the breading procedure. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place some all-purpose flour. You can also add other dry ingredients like baking soda, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper to create a seasoned flour mixture. The second dish should contain beaten eggs. If you want to skip the eggs, you can use the buttermilk brine or yoghurt mixture instead. The third dish should contain breadcrumbs. You can use traditional breadcrumbs for a finer crust or panko breadcrumbs for a lighter and crunchier texture.

Now, it's time to coat the chicken. First, dredge the chicken nuggets in the flour, making sure they are evenly coated. Then, dip them into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat them with the breadcrumbs, gently pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure an even and thorough coating.

Let the breaded chicken nuggets rest for about 10 minutes while you heat the oil for frying. This resting period helps the breading adhere better to the chicken during cooking.

How to make the breading

The breading is the key to delicious, crispy chicken nuggets. It creates a golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the chicken moist and tender on the inside. Here's a step-by-step guide to making the perfect breading for your chicken nuggets:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into small, evenly sized pieces. You can use a sharp knife or kitchen shears for this step. Aim for a nugget shape, or you can also cut them into strips if you prefer. Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and season them with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or Italian herbs at this stage to boost the flavour.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

Creating a breading station will make the coating process easier and less messy. You'll need three shallow dishes, such as bowls or trays. Place flour in the first dish, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs in the third. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs for a lighter and crunchier texture. If you're using panko, you can crush them slightly for a finer crust.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Take each piece of chicken and coat it with flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it's well coated. Finally, dredge the chicken in the breadcrumbs, gently pressing the crumbs onto the chicken to ensure an even and thick coating. Repeat this process for all your chicken pieces.

For an extra crispy texture, you can double-coat the chicken by repeating the flour-egg-breadcrumb process a second time. Alternatively, you can dip the chicken in buttermilk after the initial breading and then coat it with breadcrumbs again for an extra crunchy layer.

Step 4: Rest the Chicken

Once all your chicken pieces are coated, let them rest for a few minutes. This will help the breading adhere better to the chicken when cooked.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

Fill your deep fryer or a large pot halfway with oil. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are good choices due to their high smoke points and neutral flavours. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature and ensure it stays consistent.

Step 6: Fry the Chicken Nuggets

Carefully lower the breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil using tongs or a slotted spoon. Avoid overcrowding the fryer, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy nuggets. Fry the chicken in batches for 3-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.

Step 7: Drain and Serve

Once the nuggets are cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve your homemade chicken nuggets with your favourite dipping sauces, such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, ketchup, or ranch. Enjoy!

How to heat the oil

Heating the oil is a crucial step in the deep-frying process, as it ensures your chicken nuggets will be cooked through and have that desirable crispy texture. Here's a detailed guide on how to heat the oil for your chicken nuggets:

• Choose the Right Oil: Select an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut oil, or corn oil. These oils can withstand the high temperatures required for deep frying without burning.
• Prepare Your Setup: Use a deep fryer or a large, heavy pot. Fill it with oil, ensuring it is no more than halfway full. You don't want to fill it too high, as this can be dangerous and cause spillage.
• Heat the Oil: Place your pot on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Attach a deep-fry thermometer to the side of the pot to monitor the temperature accurately. Heat the oil to a temperature between 325°F and 375°F (175-190°C). This temperature range is ideal for deep frying chicken nuggets.
• Maintain Temperature: Keep an eye on the thermometer to ensure the oil temperature stays consistent. Each time you add chicken to the oil, it will bring the temperature down. Allow the oil to return to the proper temperature between batches to ensure even frying.
• Test the Oil: If you don't have a thermometer, you can test the oil's readiness by adding a small piece of bread or a drop of water to the oil. If the bread sizzles and rises, or the water sizzles, the oil is hot enough.
• Don't Overheat: Be careful not to overheat the oil, as this can lead to burning and an unpleasant taste. Keep the temperature within the desired range to ensure the best results.
• Be Prepared: Have your chicken nuggets ready and waiting while the oil heats. It's important to fry them as soon as the oil is ready to maintain the oil's temperature and ensure consistent cooking.

By following these steps, you'll be able to heat the oil effectively and safely, ensuring your chicken nuggets turn out perfectly crispy and delicious!

How to fry the chicken

Frying the chicken is the most crucial step in making chicken nuggets. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it right:

• Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken into nugget-sized pieces. You can use chicken breasts, tenderloins, or thighs, ensuring they are boneless and skinless. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper to enhance their flavour.
• Set Up a Breading Station: Create an assembly line with three shallow dishes. Place flour in the first dish, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs in the third. You can season the flour with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for extra flavour. The eggs can be mixed with buttermilk for a wet batter.
• Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, coat them in the egg mixture, and finally, dredge them in the breadcrumbs. This process ensures a crispy outer layer when fried.
• Heat the Oil: Use a deep fryer or a large pot and fill it halfway with oil. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). A candy or deep-fry thermometer can help monitor the temperature. Use oils with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
• Deep Frying: Carefully lower the breaded chicken into the hot oil using tongs or slotted spoons. Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy nuggets. Fry for 3-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
• Drain and Cool: Once the nuggets are cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. You can also place them on a wire rack to cool.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: It is crucial to maintain a consistent oil temperature between batches. Allow the oil to return to the proper temperature of 325°F-375°F (175°C-190°C) before adding more chicken. This ensures even frying and crispiness.
• Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken nuggets are fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cut into a nugget to ensure there is no pinkness and the juices run clear.
• Serve: Serve your homemade chicken nuggets with your favourite dipping sauces. Enjoy the crispy, juicy, and delicious treat!

How to serve the chicken nuggets

Now that you've made your chicken nuggets, it's time to serve them! Here are some ideas for how to serve chicken nuggets, from simple sides to more creative dishes.

Simple Sides

• Honey mustard and ketchup for dipping
• Salad
• Coleslaw
• Corn muffins
• Potato wedges
• Macaroni and cheese
• Pumpkin bread or muffins
• Southern collard greens
• Baked goods, such as biscuits

Creative Dishes

If you're feeling more adventurous, try one of these creative ways to serve chicken nuggets:

• Chicken nugget mac and cheese: Cut up chicken nuggets and sprinkle them throughout your mac and cheese.
• Chicken nugget Caesar salad: Place chicken nuggets on top of a Caesar salad.
• Chicken nugget nachos: Use chicken nuggets as the protein on your nachos.
• Chicken nugget mashed potato bowl: Place chicken nuggets in or around a bowl of mashed potatoes.
• Chicken nugget panini: Place a sliced nugget between two pieces of bread with cheese and heat in a panini press or skillet.
• Chicken nugget pizza: Use chicken nuggets as the protein on your pizza.
• Chicken nugget pasta: Toss chicken nuggets with creamy pasta.

Frequently asked questions