Crispy Homemade Chicken Nuggets with Dill Pickle Marinade Recipe
Crispy and flavorful chicken nuggets made with tender boneless chicken breast marinated in dill pickle juice and milk, coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture, and deep-fried to a golden perfection. This classic snack or meal option is perfect for serving 12 people and delivers a deliciously tangy and crunchy bite every time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 3 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into chunks
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- ½ cup whole milk
Breading
- 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
For Frying
- Peanut oil, at least 1 inch deep
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken chunks in a large zip-close bag and pour in the dill pickle juice and whole milk. Seal the bag and gently smoosh to coat all pieces evenly. Let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
- Heat the Oil: While the chicken marinates, heat peanut oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F, ensuring the oil is at least 1 inch deep for proper frying.
- Prepare the Breading Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, plain breadcrumbs, powdered sugar, garlic powder, paprika, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
- Coat the Chicken: Drain the marinade from the chicken and discard it. Dip each piece of chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, coating it completely and pressing gently to adhere the breading well.
- Fry the Nuggets: Carefully add coated chicken pieces in small batches to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd to maintain oil temperature. Fry for 3 to 5 minutes until the nuggets turn a deep golden brown and are cooked through.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the cooked chicken nuggets from the oil and place them on a wire cooling rack to drain excess oil and cool slightly. Repeat with remaining pieces. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the fryer to prevent the oil temperature from dropping and affecting crispness.
- Using dill pickle juice in the marinade adds a unique tang and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Peanut oil is preferred for frying due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- Keep cooked nuggets warm in a low oven if preparing in batches.
- Ensure the oil temperature remains steady at 350°F for optimal frying results.