Pioneer Woman Chicken Nuggets

This easy Pioneer Woman Chicken Nuggets recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious meal. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these nuggets are made with common ingredients you probably have on hand. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces for a fun and satisfying snack!

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon seasoned salt (such as Lawry’s)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 whole eggs
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Ketchup and mustard, for serving

How To Cook Chicken Nuggets:

1. Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three bowls: in the first bowl, mix together the flour, seasoned salt, salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, beat the eggs with the water. In the third bowl, place the seasoned breadcrumbs.
2. Bread the Chicken: Take a few pieces of chicken at a time and coat them: dredge each piece in the flour mixture, quickly dunk it in the egg mixture, and roll it in the breadcrumbs until fully coated. Shake off any excess coating and place the breaded chicken on a plate.
3. Fry the Chicken: In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1½ to 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-low to medium heat. It should be hot enough to sizzle gently when you add the chicken. Carefully drop in 8 to 10 pieces of chicken, using metal tongs to spread them out. Fry the chicken for about 1 minute on one side, then carefully turn them over to brown the other side. Cook until the breadcrumbs are deep golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes total. If the pieces are small, they should cook through in this time.
4. Serve: Remove the fried chicken nuggets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the remaining chicken. Serve warm with ketchup and mustard on the side.

Recipe Tips

• Use Cold Chicken: For the best texture, start with cold chicken breasts. This helps keep the meat juicy while ensuring a crispy coating when fried.
• Don’t Skip the Seasoning: Make sure to season your flour mixture well. This adds flavor to the chicken and enhances the overall taste of the nuggets.
• Control Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at a steady temperature (about 350°F or 175°C). If the oil is too hot, the nuggets will burn; if it’s too cool, they will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• Fry in Batches: Fry the chicken nuggets in small batches. Overcrowding the skillet can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy nuggets instead of crispy ones.
• Let Them Drain: After frying, place the chicken nuggets on paper towels to absorb excess oil. This step keeps them crispy and prevents them from becoming soggy.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Let leftover chicken nuggets cool to room temperature first. Then, put them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: To freeze chicken nuggets, first place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once they are frozen solid, move them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, put them in the refrigerator overnight before serving or reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat leftover chicken nuggets, bake them in a preheated oven for 10 minutes at 375°F crispy. Alternatively, use an air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes for a quick, crispy result.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 5 pieces (approximately 95g)

• Calories: 240
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 480mg
• Potassium: 570mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 19g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 13g

Try More Pioneer Woman Recipe:

• Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
• Pioneer Woman Pretzel Crusted Chicken
• Pioneer Woman Asian Chicken Wings
• Pioneer Woman Seasoned Crackers
• Pioneer Woman Fried Olives