Tender Crispy Chicken Bites (Printable)

Juicy chicken pieces coated in a crunchy golden breadcrumb crust, ideal for dipping and snacking.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

→ Marinade

02 - ½ cup buttermilk
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
05 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
06 - ½ teaspoon paprika

→ Breading

07 - ¾ cup all-purpose flour
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 1½ cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
10 - 1 teaspoon paprika
11 - ½ teaspoon onion powder
12 - ½ teaspoon salt
13 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ For Frying

14 - Vegetable oil, for deep frying

# How-To Steps:

01 - Combine chicken pieces with buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, up to 2 hours for enhanced tenderness.
02 - Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
03 - Dredge each marinated chicken piece first in flour, then dip into eggs, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture. Arrange coated pieces on a tray.
04 - Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F. Fry chicken nuggets in batches for 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Drain on paper towels.
05 - Transfer nuggets to a serving platter and accompany with preferred dipping sauces such as ketchup, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The buttermilk marinade makes the chicken impossibly tender, almost like what you remember from childhood but better
  • These come together faster than ordering delivery and taste infinitely fresher
02 -
  • Overcrowding the pan drops oil temperature and makes soggy nuggets, so work in small batches
  • Letting finished nuggets rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels keeps them crispy on all sides
03 -
  • Use your left hand for dry ingredients and right hand for wet to prevent the dreaded clumpy fingers situation
  • Spraying breaded nuggets with oil before baking gives them that fried texture without all the mess
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