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Crispy Chicken Nuggets with Honey Dip

Close-up of golden brown Crispy Chicken Nuggets with Honey Dip drizzled over them, served with a side of dipping sauce.

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Make crunchy homemade chicken nuggets using a double-dip breading method for extra crispiness, served with a simple sweet and tangy honey dip.

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 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 inches deep)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Place the cut chicken pieces in a bowl. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Set up the breading station: Place 1 cup flour, salt, pepper, and paprika in a shallow dish. In a second shallow dish, place the beaten eggs. In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Dredge the chicken: Take one piece of chicken and coat it completely in the seasoned flour mixture. Shake off excess.
  4. Dip in egg: Dip the floured chicken piece into the beaten egg, letting excess drip off.
  5. Coat with panko: Immediately press the egg-coated chicken firmly into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring full coverage. Press the crumbs onto the chicken to adhere well. Place coated nuggets on a plate. Repeat for all pieces.
  6. Cook the nuggets (Frying Method): Heat oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place nuggets into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C). Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels.
  7. Cook the nuggets (Baking Method): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the breaded nuggets with cooking spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
  8. Make the honey dip: While the nuggets cook, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and water in a small bowl until smooth.
  9. Serve the hot nuggets immediately with the prepared honey dip.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness when baking or air frying, lightly spray the breaded nuggets with oil before cooking.
  • You can freeze uncooked, breaded nuggets on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag for later use. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
  • If you prefer a tangier dip, increase the apple cider vinegar by one teaspoon.

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