Name: Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into chunks; 1 cup dill pickle juice; ½ cup whole milk; 1 cup all purpose flour; 1 cup plain breadcrumbs; 3 tbsp powdered sugar; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 2 tsp salt; 2 tsp paprika; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp black pepper; Peanut oil, for frying (at least 1" deep)

If you’re craving a seriously satisfying snack or meal, this Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine bite-sized pieces of juicy chicken soaked in tangy pickle juice, then fried to a golden, crunchy perfection. Let’s dive in and whip up these irresistible nuggets together!

A white plate is full of many small pieces of golden brown fried chicken with a crispy texture, piled thickly across the plate. On the right side of the plate, there is a small clear glass bowl filled with bright yellow dipping sauce that looks smooth and creamy. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth napkin partly visible in the upper right corner. The photo was taken from above, showing the whole plate and wings clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore making this recipe at home because it nails that perfect combination of crispy outside and juicy inside every single time. Plus, the dill pickle juice marinade adds a surprising burst of flavor that you don’t find in your usual chicken nuggets.

Flavor Boost: The pickle juice and milk marinade tenderizes the chicken while giving it a subtle tanginess that’s simply addictive.
Perfect Crunch: A seasoned breadcrumb coating creates a beautifully crispy crust that holds up even after frying.
Homemade Goodness: You know exactly what’s going into your nuggets—no mystery ingredients here.
Family Favorite: These nuggets are a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike, perfect for game nights or casual dinners.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, grab fresh chicken breast chunks and quality ingredients for the breading mix to get that crispy, golden crust. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and why each component is key to this recipe’s success.

Flat lay of fresh boneless skinless chicken breast chunks, a small white ceramic bowl of dill pickle juice, a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of plain breadcrumbs, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of paprika, a small white ceramic bowl of baking powder, a small white ceramic bowl of salt, a small white ceramic bowl of black pepper, two whole uncracked brown eggs, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless skinless chicken breast: Using breast meat ensures lean, tender bites that soak up the marinade beautifully.
Dill pickle juice: The secret ingredient that adds both tang and tenderizes the chicken perfectly.
Whole milk: Helps keep the chicken juicy and balances the acidity of the pickle juice in the marinade.
All-purpose flour: Provides a light base for the breading mixture, helping the coating stick well.
Plain breadcrumbs: For that signature crunch we all crave in good chicken nuggets.
Powdered sugar: A subtle sweetness that enhances the flavor and deepens the crust’s color while frying.
Garlic powder: Adds a fragrant savory depth without overpowering the other spices.
Salt: Essential for seasoning every bite just right.
Paprika: Brings a mild smoky warmth and vibrant color to the breading.
Baking powder: Helps the coating become extra light and crispy.
Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and rounds out the seasoning.
Peanut oil: Perfect for frying because of its high smoke point and subtle nutty flavor, which gives these nuggets an authentic taste.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to play with flavors or adapt to dietary needs, these nuggets are a fantastic canvas for your creativity!

Variation: Spicy Kick – I love adding a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the breading mix for a little heat. It gives the nuggets a delicious smoky, spicy edge without overpowering the pickle tang.
Variation: Herb Infusion – Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary finely chopped and mixed into the breadcrumb coating add a lovely aromatic twist. Perfect for an herb lover’s twist on this classic.
Variation: Gluten-Free – Swap out the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. Just make sure your coating stays nicely balanced so you still get that crispy, golden crunch.
Variation: Double Dip for Double Crunch – For an ultra-crispy nugget, dip each piece back into the milk after the first coating, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture again before frying. The extra layer really amps up the crunch factor!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe

The image shows a close-up view of a pile of crispy fried nuggets with a rough, crunchy golden-brown outer layer. One nugget is broken open in the center, revealing the white, tender inside with a fibrous texture. The nuggets rest on a white marbled surface. In the blurred background, there is a clear glass bowl filled with a smooth yellow dipping sauce. The photo shows fine details of the crispiness and texture of the fried nuggets. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate for Juiciness and Flavor

I start by cutting 3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast into evenly sized chunks to ensure every nugget cooks perfectly. Then, I place them into a large zip-close bag and pour in 1 cup dill pickle juice and ½ cup whole milk. After sealing, I give the bag a gentle massage to coat all pieces evenly. Leaving the chicken to marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature is key—it helps tenderize the meat and infuses it with that subtle tang that makes these nuggets unique.

Step 2: Heat the Oil to Perfection

While the chicken is soaking up all those flavors, I heat peanut oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F, making sure there's at least 1 inch of oil. Maintaining this temperature is crucial for that crispy, golden crust without greasy nuggets. Using peanut oil is my go-to because it brings out that classic Chick-fil-A flavor, but canola or vegetable oil works in a pinch.

Step 3: Mix the Flavorful Breading

In a large bowl, I combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup plain breadcrumbs, 3 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Mixing these thoroughly ensures every nugget gets a perfectly balanced coating that’s savory with a hint of sweetness and a little spice.

Step 4: Coat Each Nugget Evenly

Once the chicken is ready, I drain and discard the marinade. Then, I dip each chicken chunk into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to make sure every side is coated well. This step is where the magic of that crispy exterior really starts to take shape. I find it easiest to line the coated pieces on a tray before frying to keep things organized.

Step 5: Fry in Batches for Crispy Goodness

I carefully add the coated chicken nuggets in small batches to the hot oil, keeping the temperature steady at 350°F. Overcrowding the pot drops the oil temperature and leads to less crispy nuggets—something I always avoid. Each batch fries for about 5 minutes until they achieve a deep, golden brown color and are cooked through. The sight and smell at this stage are just irresistible!

Step 6: Drain and Serve Warm

Using a slotted spoon, I transfer the fried nuggets onto a wire cooling rack to drain off any excess oil and cool slightly. This keeps them crispy rather than soggy. Then it’s time to serve! These nuggets shine when warm, and I love pairing them with honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch for dipping.

Top Tip

These tips come from hands-on experience and will help you get those perfectly crispy, juicy nuggets every time you make this Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe.

Maintain Oil Temperature: Fry in small batches to keep the oil steady at 350°F. Overcrowding cools the oil and makes the nuggets soggy instead of crispy.
Uniform Chicken Pieces: Cutting chicken into evenly sized chunks ensures each nugget cooks through evenly and gets that beautiful golden crust.
Breadcrumb Magic: Mixing powdered sugar with the seasonings in the breadcrumb coating adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tang from the pickle juice marinade.
Drain Properly: Placing fried nuggets on a wire cooling rack instead of paper towels helps keep them crispy and prevents them from steaming in their own oil.

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe

The image shows many small pieces of raw meat with white fat marbled throughout, arranged closely together in a clear plastic container. The container sits on a white marbled surface, and the meat pieces are pale pink with layers of creamy white fat spread unevenly on each piece, creating a soft, textured look. The meat pieces fill the container almost to the top, without stacking much on each other. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For a fun, tasty touch, try garnishing your nuggets with freshly chopped parsley or chives. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after frying can also enhance the flavors. Lemon wedges on the side add a bright, zesty note that complements the pickle-infused chicken beautifully.

Side Dishes

Classic sides like crispy fries or a creamy coleslaw make perfect companions. You can also serve with fresh veggie sticks and a cool ranch or honey mustard dipping sauce. For a heartier meal, pair your nuggets with mashed potatoes or a simple garden salad for balance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover crispy chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making for a quick and delicious snack or meal addition.

Freezing

To freeze, lay the cooked nuggets out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen nuggets stay best for up to 1 month for optimal freshness and texture.

Reheating

Reheat your nuggets in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, to regain that crispy texture. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crunchy, as it tends to make the coating soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different kind of oil to fry the nuggets?

Yes! While peanut oil is recommended for its flavor and high smoke point, you can substitute canola or vegetable oil if needed. Just be sure to heat it to 350°F for best results.

How important is the dill pickle juice in the marinade?

The dill pickle juice adds a subtle tang and helps tenderize the chicken for extra juicy bites. It’s a key ingredient that really elevates the flavor in this Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe.

Can I bake these nuggets instead of frying?

While you can bake them, expect a less crispy texture compared to frying. Baking at a high heat and using a wire rack can help, but frying is best for that signature golden crunch.

How do I know when the nuggets are fully cooked?

Fry the nuggets for about 5 minutes at 350°F until they are a deep golden brown. Internally, chicken should reach 165°F. Using a meat thermometer can ensure perfect doneness.

Final Thoughts

Making homemade crispy chicken nuggets is such a rewarding experience — from the tangy marinade to that perfectly crunchy coating, every bite feels like a little celebration. Whether it’s a family dinner, a fun get-together, or just a cozy night in, this Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe is sure to bring smiles to your table. Enjoy every golden, juicy bite!