Deep-Frying Homemade Chicken Nuggets: A Tasty, Crispy Treat

Making homemade chicken nuggets in a deep fryer is a fun and delicious way to enjoy this classic fast-food favourite. With a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can easily recreate crispy, golden-brown chicken nuggets in your own kitchen. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make perfect chicken nuggets every time.

Preparing the chicken

First, you will need to cut the chicken into nugget-sized pieces. For this, you can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins. Chicken tenderloins are already in strip form, so they are easier to work with and can be cut into smaller pieces using a sharp knife or kitchen shears. If you are using chicken breasts, make sure to cut them into small, bite-sized pieces.

Once you have cut the chicken into the desired size, it's time to season it. In a large bowl or Ziploc bag, combine the chicken pieces with seasonings like salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and any other spices you prefer. Make sure to mix well so that the chicken is evenly coated. You can also add an egg to the mixture to help bind the meat together.

After seasoning, it is a good idea to let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow the flavours to absorb. Place the seasoned chicken in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes to chill. This step will help the chicken hold its shape better during the cooking process.

Now, you are ready to coat the chicken pieces. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place some all-purpose flour. You can also add additional seasonings to the flour, such as garlic salt, onion powder, or paprika, for extra flavour. In the second dish, beat one or two eggs, depending on the amount of chicken you are preparing. The egg will act as a wet batter and help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken. In the third dish, place breadcrumbs. You can use regular breadcrumbs or Japanese-style Panko breadcrumbs, which are lighter and airier, resulting in crispier nuggets.

Take each piece of chicken and coat it first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it is well coated. Finally, dredge it in the breadcrumbs, gently pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they stick.

Place the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack or a plate lined with parchment paper and let them rest for a few minutes while you heat the oil. This step will help the breading adhere better when the chicken is fried.

Your chicken is now prepared and ready for the deep fryer!

Making the batter

First, you'll need to prepare your chicken. Cut your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into nugget-sized pieces. You can also use chicken tenderloins, which are already in strips, and simply cut them into smaller pieces.

Now, it's time to set up your dredging station. You'll need three shallow dishes for the standard dredging process. In the first dish, place your flour and any seasonings you want to add. Common seasonings include garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add baking soda to the flour, which will help the nuggets get crispier. In the second dish, whisk together your eggs and buttermilk. You can also add some of the same seasonings to this mixture for added flavour. In the third dish, place your breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are a great option for an extra-crispy texture.

With your dredging station set up, it's time to start coating your chicken. First, coat the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour. Then, dip them in the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Finally, dredge the chicken in the breadcrumbs, making sure to coat them well.

Let the chicken rest on a wire rack for a few minutes while you heat your oil. This will help the breading adhere to the meat when cooked.

Heating the oil

Choosing 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.

Amount of Oil

Pour the chosen oil into your deep fryer or large pot, filling it about halfway. You want the oil to come about 2 inches up the sides of the pot or deep fryer. This will ensure your nuggets are fully submerged during frying.

Place your pot or deep fryer on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Attach a deep-fry thermometer to the side of the pot or fryer to monitor the temperature. Heat the oil to 325°F to 350°F (175°C). This temperature range is ideal for deep frying chicken nuggets.

Maintaining the Temperature

It is important to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the frying process. Each time you add chicken to the oil, the temperature will drop. Allow the oil to return to the proper temperature between batches to ensure even frying. Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature and make adjustments as needed.

Testing the Oil

To test if the oil is hot enough, carefully add a drop of water to the pot. If it sizzles, the oil is ready for frying. Another way to test is to stick the end of a wooden spoon into the oil; if the oil starts bubbling around it, it is hot enough.

Now that your oil is heated and ready, you can carefully add your breaded chicken nuggets and begin frying! Remember to work in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy nuggets. Enjoy your homemade chicken nuggets!

Frying the chicken

Now that you've prepared your chicken nuggets, it's time to fry them! Here's a detailed guide on how to fry your chicken nuggets to perfection:

Prepare your setup: Before you begin frying, ensure you have everything you need within easy reach. This includes your chicken nuggets, the oil for frying, a deep fryer or large pot, tongs or a slotted metal spoon, paper towels, and a plate or tray for the cooked nuggets. It's also a good idea to set up a fry station with your seasoned flour or breading in one bowl and the wet mixture (eggs and/or buttermilk) in another bowl. Keep a clean towel nearby to wipe your hands as you work.

Heat the oil: Pour enough oil into your deep fryer or large pot, filling it about halfway. You can use vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil, as these oils have high smoke points. Heat the oil to the desired temperature, typically between 325°F to 350°F (175°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer or a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.

Fry in batches: Carefully lower the breaded chicken nuggets into the hot oil using tongs or a slotted metal spoon. It's important not to overcrowd the fryer, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy nuggets. Fry the chicken in batches, cooking for 2-7 minutes per batch. Keep an eye on the nuggets and adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve a deep golden brown color and a crispy texture.

Maintain oil temperature: Each time you add chicken to the oil, the temperature will drop. Make sure to give the oil time to return to the desired temperature between batches. This is crucial for ensuring your nuggets are crispy and not soggy.

Check for doneness: Your nuggets are done when they are golden brown and cooked through. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, you can cut into a nugget to ensure there is no pinkness and the juices run clear.

Drain and serve: Once the nuggets are cooked, remove them from the oil using tongs or a slotted metal spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Season with additional salt while they are still warm, if desired. Repeat the frying process until all your nuggets are cooked.

Your homemade chicken nuggets are now ready to be served! Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, ketchup, or ranch.

Draining the chicken

If you're making a large batch, you can keep the cooked nuggets warm in the oven while you fry the rest. Simply transfer the drained nuggets to a wire rack placed on top of a baking sheet and put them in a preheated oven at 200°F.

After draining and cooling, your homemade chicken nuggets are ready to serve! Don't forget to provide an array of sauces for dipping, such as honey mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and golden chicken nuggets!

Frequently asked questions