Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

  • Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches each.
  • Season the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper.

2. Set Up a Breading Station:

  • In a shallow bowl, place the flour. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
  • In a third shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (if using), and grated Parmesan cheese (if using).

3. Coat the Chicken:

  • Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, making sure it is coated on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
  • Dip the flour-coated chicken into the beaten eggs, coating it well.
  • Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick. Repeat this process for all the chicken pieces.

4. Fry the Chicken Nuggets:

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan—work in batches if necessary.
  • Cook the chicken nuggets for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for full safety.

5. Drain and Serve:

  • Use tongs to remove the chicken nuggets from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  • Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch dressing.

Dipping Sauce (Optional):

  • In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, honey, mustard, and garlic powder. Adjust the ingredients to taste for a sweet and tangy sauce.