Golden Chicken Nuggets with Honey Mustard

Chicken nuggets are a universally adored comfort food, cherished by children and adults alike. Their crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior make them a go-to option for meals, snacks, or even party appetizers. However, while many may reach for store-bought varieties, there’s something uniquely satisfying about crafting your own chicken nuggets from scratch. Homemade nuggets not only allow for control over flavor and ingredients but also provide a healthier alternative, free from preservatives and artificial additives.

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with homemade crispy golden chicken nuggets paired with a sweet honey mustard dip. This recipe takes you step-by-step through the process, from selecting high-quality chicken breast to achieving the perfect crunchy coating. Discover how to customize breadcrumbs for extra flavor and master frying techniques for that golden texture. Perfect for a family dinner or party snack, these nuggets are healthier than store-bought options and sure to impress! Enjoy a delicious culinary adventure in your own kitchen!

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Ingredients

For the Chicken Nuggets:

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Honey Mustard Dip:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup mustard (yellow or dijon)

1/4 cup honey

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

- In a mixing bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in this spice mix until they are evenly coated.

Set Up the Breading Station:

- In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour in the first, whisk the eggs in the second, and the breadcrumbs in the third. If desired, you can season the breadcrumbs with additional spices for extra flavor.

Bread the Chicken:

- Take each piece of seasoned chicken and dredge it in the flour first, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick well. Place the breaded nuggets on a clean plate.

Heat the Oil:

- In a large skillet, pour in enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by about 1/4 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers but is not smoking.

Fry the Chicken Nuggets:

- Carefully add the chicken nuggets to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the nuggets to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Make the Honey Mustard Dip:

- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar until well combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve:

- Arrange the golden chicken nuggets on a serving platter alongside the honey mustard dip. Enjoy them warm!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4