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Crispy Chicken Nuggets with Spicy Mayo

A pile of golden brown, crispy chicken nuggets served with a dollop of orange spicy mayo on a white plate.
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Make crunchy, homemade chicken nuggets superior to store-bought versions, served with a simple, creamy spicy mayonnaise dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (or cooking spray for baking/air frying)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha or hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick and crisp up.
  2. Set up the dredging station: Place flour in one shallow dish. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika into the flour. Place beaten eggs in a second dish. Place panko breadcrumbs in a third dish.
  3. Dredge the chicken: Take one piece of chicken and coat it thoroughly in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to ensure full coverage. Place coated pieces on a wire rack.
  4. Cook the nuggets (Frying Method): Heat 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the nuggets in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pot, for 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  5. Cook the nuggets (Air Fryer Method): Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Lightly spray the coated nuggets with cooking spray. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
  6. Make the spicy mayo: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, and lemon juice until smooth.
  7. Serve the nuggets immediately with the spicy mayo for dipping.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can use a double-dredge technique: coat in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, then dip back into the egg, and coat again in breadcrumbs.
  • If baking, place nuggets on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for better air circulation and crispier bottoms.
  • Use chicken tenderloins instead of breast meat for a slightly different texture.

Nutrition

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