Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Servings: 6
THC Content: 17mg/serving
About this Recipe
Chicken nuggets hold a special place in many hearts, sparking memories of childhood lunches and carefree snacks. This homemade recipe adds a refined, adult twist to the classic favorite by incorporating premium ingredients and an optional infusion for a truly elevated experience. Whether you're a fan of the dino-shaped nuggets or simply crave the crispy, golden perfection of fresh, hand-crafted bites, these infused chicken nuggets deliver a delightful balance of nostalgia and culinary creativity.
Easy to whip up on a weeknight or when the craving strikes, these nuggets bring together tender ground chicken seasoned with garlic, onion, and celery salt for bold flavor in every bite. Perfectly golden and fried to crispy perfection, they pair beautifully with your favorite dipping sauces, making them an irresistible addition to any meal. As a bonus, the infused element transforms this recipe into a playful, adult-friendly dish that fits seamlessly into your cannabis-infused dining repertoire.
Ingredients
1 pound ground chicken
4 tablespoons fresh breadcrumbs (or 1 slice white bread)
4 tablespoons milk or cream
1 large egg, lightly whisked
1 teaspoon celery salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for seasoning)
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Flour, as needed for dredging
Oil, as needed for frying
Your favorite sauce, for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
Place the ground chicken in a medium mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk, letting them soften for a few minutes. Mix in the whisked egg, then combine this mixture with the chicken. Add celery salt, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper, and infused olive oil stirring until fully blended.Shape the Nuggets:
Scoop the chicken mixture into small portions (about 1 heaping tablespoon each) onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Shape each portion into flattened nuggets and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to firm them up.Dredge and Fry:
Place flour in a shallow bowl and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Working in batches, dredge the chilled nuggets in the seasoned flour, ensuring they are fully coated.Cook the Nuggets:
Fry the nuggets in the hot oil until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and season with a pinch of salt while hot.Serve:
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Cooking Tips from Chef Roilty
Chill the Nuggets Before Frying: To ensure your chicken nuggets hold their shape and fry up crispy, be sure to chill them in the refrigerator (or quickly in freezer) after forming them. This helps the breadcrumbs and egg mixture set, so they stay intact during frying.
Use a Thermometer for Perfect Frying: When frying the nuggets, it's crucial to maintain the right oil temperature. Aim for around 350°F. If the oil is too hot, the nuggets will burn on the outside before cooking through. If it's too cool, they can become greasy. A thermometer can help you monitor the temperature for perfectly crisp and golden nuggets every time.
Season Your Flour: For extra flavor, don't forget to season your flour! Adding a pinch of salt, pepper, and even some extra garlic powder or onion powder can elevate the flavor profile of the nuggets and give them a savory edge.
Batch Cooking for Crispy Perfection: Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying your nuggets. Fry them in batches to ensure each nugget has enough room to crisp up without steaming. This results in a beautifully golden exterior and juicy interior.
Experiment with Dipping Sauces: While these infused chicken nuggets are delicious on their own, pair them with a variety of dipping sauces to enhance the experience. Try a tangy barbecue sauce, creamy ranch, or even a spicy aioli for an extra flavor boost.
Chef’s Notes
For a crispier texture, you can coat the nuggets in panko breadcrumbs after dredging them in flour.
These nuggets can also be baked for a healthier option—simply place them on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Add a hint of spice by incorporating cayenne pepper or smoked paprika into the seasoning blend.
Share your creations on Instagram and tag @Roilty #DineWithRoilty so we can see them!
Check out more infused recipes from Chef Roilty
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