Cheese Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets are a beloved snack around the world. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. While you can easily find them in the frozen food section of your local grocery store, there’s something special about making them from scratch.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to whip up a batch of homemade chicken nuggets:
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| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 1 1/2 pounds (3 large) |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| Mayonnaise | 1/3 cup |
| All-purpose flour, cornstarch, or gluten-free potato starch | 1/3 cup |
| Mozzarella | 4 ounces (1 1/3 cups grated) |
| Chopped fresh dill | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste) |
| Black pepper | 1/8 teaspoon (or to taste) |
| Very light olive oil (or any high-heat cooking oil) | 2 tablespoons |
Ingredients for Garlic Aioli (Optional):
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| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | 1/3 cup |
| Garlic clove (pressed) | 1 |
| Lemon juice | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/8 teaspoon |
Preparing the Chicken
The first step in making perfect chicken nuggets is preparing the chicken itself. Here’s what you need to do:
- Using a sharp knife, cut the chicken breasts into 1/3-inch thick pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. If the chicken breasts are partially frozen, it will be easier to chop them up a bit.
Creating the Batter
Next, let’s prepare the batter that will give our nuggets their crispy and flavorful coating:
- In a mixing bowl, add the remaining batter ingredients: 2 eggs, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1/3 cup flour, 1 1/3 cups shredded mozzarella, 1 1/2 tablespoons dill, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. You can adjust the salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir until all the ingredients are well combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the batter for at least 2 hours, or even overnight if you have the time. This will allow the flavors to meld and the batter to thicken.
Frying the Nuggets
Now, let’s get to the exciting part—cooking the chicken nuggets to golden perfection:
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken mixture, one tablespoon at a time.
- Flatten the top of each nugget slightly with the back of a spatula and fry them uncovered for 3-4 minutes on the first side. Then, flip them over and fry for an additional 3 minutes on the second side or until the outside is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
- Repeat this process with the remaining nuggets, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
Making Garlic Aioli (Optional)
While your chicken nuggets are frying, you can whip up a quick and delicious garlic aioli sauce to accompany them:
- Combine all the aioli ingredients in a small bowl or measuring cup.
- Blend until the mixture is smooth and the garlic is well incorporated.
Serving and Enjoying
Once your homemade chicken nuggets are golden brown and cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve them up:
- Plate the nuggets alongside your freshly made garlic aioli sauce.
- Serve them hot and enjoy the irresistible combination of crispy, tender chicken nuggets with a creamy dipping sauce.
Now that you have the recipe for making delectable chicken nuggets at home, it’s time to get cooking. Whether you’re preparing them as a quick snack, a party appetizer, or a family dinner, these homemade nuggets are sure to be a hit. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the deliciousness of homemade chicken nuggets!
