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Crispy Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe with Easy Honey Mustard Sauce

crispy homemade chicken nuggets - featured image

Golden, crunchy homemade chicken nuggets with a tender center paired with a tangy, sweet honey mustard sauce. A quick and easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable or canola oil for frying
  • For the honey mustard sauce:
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken breasts into 1 to 1.5-inch pieces and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper; whisk to blend.
  3. Beat eggs in a separate bowl until smooth.
  4. Place panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish; optionally add chopped parsley or cayenne pepper.
  5. Dredge chicken pieces in seasoned flour, dip in egg wash, then coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Place coated nuggets on a baking sheet.
  6. Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C), about 2 inches deep.
  7. Fry nuggets in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Drain on paper towels or wire rack.
  8. While frying, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the honey mustard sauce.
  9. Serve nuggets hot with honey mustard sauce on the side.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before coating to prevent soggy breading. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best crispiness. Fry in batches to avoid crowding. Drain nuggets on a wire rack to keep crust crunchy. Air fryer can be used as a lighter alternative with oil spray.

Nutrition

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