Crispy Fried Chicken Nuggets Recipe – Easy and Delicious!
Are you looking for a snack that’s gluten-free and healthy, yet still satisfies your cravings? Look no further than these crispy fried chicken nuggets! Made with fresh, boneless skinless chicken breasts and seasoned with savory garlic and onion powder, these nuggets are the perfect bite-sized treat for any time of day.
And the best part? This recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using rice or almond flour instead of wheat flour. That means even individuals with dietary restrictions can enjoy this delicious snack without worry.
So if you’re on the hunt for a tasty and healthy snack, look no further than these gluten-free fried chicken nuggets. With all of the flavor and none of the guilt, they’re sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping your body happy and healthy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: crispy, golden nuggets of chicken that are juicy and tender on the inside. Now imagine being able to enjoy this comfort food favorite without any guilt! That’s what you can expect with this recipe for Fried Chicken Nuggets (which can be made gluten-free).
At its core, this recipe is all about flavor and texture. The seasoning blend of onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper not only adds a delicious savory flavor but also enhances the natural taste of the chicken. And let’s talk about that crispy factor – the coating made from flour (gluten-free or regular), powdered sugar, and additional spices ensure every bite is satisfyingly crispy.
But here’s the best part – this recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts which are leaner than other cuts of meat. With the right ingredients and cooking method, these chicken nuggets can be made healthy and nutritious while still being delicious. Whether you’re following a low-carb or gluten-free diet or just want to switch things up in the kitchen, these chicken nuggets are sure to please.
So why will you love this recipe? Because it’s easy to make, versatile, and simply scrumptious. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner or even as a snack option. Trust me – once you try this recipe you’ll never crave Chick Fil A again!
Ingredient List
Ingredients 1 (for coating the chicken nuggets / nuggets recipe ingredients):
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup gluten-free flour (use rice flour or any gluten-free all-purpose flour)
Ingredients 2 (for batter and frying / crispy fried chicken nuggets ingredients):
- 2 cups canola oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk (use dairy-free milk if necessary)
- ½ cup gluten-free flour (use rice flour or any gluten-free all-purpose flour)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Ingredients
For those who prefer an air-fried version of the fried chicken nuggets, you can use the following ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup rice flour
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Pepper and salt to taste
Note: Make sure that the chicken you are using is gluten-free. Some chicken products contain gluten ingredients. Chick-Fil-A uses wheat flour in their fried chicken recipe.
It’s important to have all your ingredients ready before starting to make this recipe. It will save you time and hassle in the kitchen.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dive in to the most exciting part – how to make these delicious gluten-free fried chicken nuggets! With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you’ll be able to enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken nuggets in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend of your choice)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk (or dairy-free milk of your choice)
- Canola oil or vegetable oil, for frying
Directions
Step 1: Prep the chicken
Start by cutting one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Optionally, you can add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper for some extra heat.
Step 2: Dredge the chicken
In a shallow dish or bowl, whisk together 2 eggs and 1/4 cup milk until well combined. In another shallow dish or bowl, mix together 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour) with additional seasonings of your choice such as more garlic/onion powder or even some powdered sugar.
Dredge each piece of seasoned chicken in the flour mixture until coated on all sides, then dip it in the egg mixture until coated again. Finally, dredge it in the flour mixture once more until fully coated. Place the coated chicken nugget on a plate or baking sheet and repeat until all pieces of chicken are coated.
Step 3: Fry the chicken
In a large skillet, heat enough canola oil or vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Carefully add the chicken in batches and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use tongs to remove the cooked chicken nuggets from the skillet and place them onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil.
Alternatively, you can make air-fried gluten-free chicken nuggets by preheating an air fryer to 400°F, placing the coated chicken nuggets into the air fryer basket in a single layer, and cooking for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Serve warm and enjoy
Serve your crispy fried gluten-free chicken nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauce such as *chick fil A sauce
Substitutions and Variations
Ah, the beauty of cooking! There are always ways to switch things up and make them your own. Here are some substitutions and variations for this fried chicken nugget recipe:
– Gluten-free: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free flour instead of regular flour. You can also use rice flour or almond flour for a different texture.
– Dairy-free: Swap out the milk for a non-dairy alternative like almond milk.
– Spices: Add some heat with cayenne pepper or paprika, or give it some smokiness with chipotle powder.
– Sauce: What’s fried chicken without a dipping sauce? You can go classic with ketchup or barbecue sauce, or get fancy with honey mustard or ranch.
– Air fryer: For a healthier option, try air-frying the nuggets instead of deep-frying them. These will still come out crispy and delicious.
– Keto/paleo-friendly: Use almond flour instead of regular flour and substitute the powdered sugar for a keto-friendly sweetener like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. You could also use bell & evans chicken or ground chicken to make low-carb nuggets without sacrificing flavor.
Get creative and adjust the recipe to fit your taste preferences!
Serving and Pairing
These gluten-free fried chicken nuggets are the perfect dish for any occasion. They make a great snack, appetizer, or main course. You can serve them with dipping sauces like ketchup, honey mustard, and barbecue sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a spicy aioli or homemade ranch dressing.
These crispy nuggets pair well with a variety of sides. For a classic combination, serve them with french fries or sweet potato fries. You could also pair them with coleslaw, baked beans, or grilled vegetables. If you’re looking for something lighter, try pairing them with a simple salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
For a kid-friendly meal, serve these chicken nuggets alongside colorful fruit skewers or crunchy carrot sticks. They’ll love the delicious taste of the nuggets and the fun presentation of the sides.
If you’re hosting a party or gathering, consider serving these chicken nuggets alongside other finger foods like mini quiches, cheese balls, and vegetable platters. They’ll be sure to please a crowd of any size.
No matter how you serve these gluten-free fried chicken nuggets, they’re bound to be a hit. Their crispy exterior and tender interior make for an irresistible combination that will have everyone going back for seconds.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
These gluten-free Fried Chicken Nuggets are best served hot and crispy, but sometimes you might have leftovers or want to meal prep for the week. Luckily, this recipe is great for making ahead of time and storing for later consumption.
If you want to make the nuggets ahead of time, simply cook them according to the recipe instructions and let them cool completely. Once they have cooled, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag and place them in the refrigerator or freezer. These nuggets can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
When reheating frozen nuggets, simply preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the frozen nuggets onto a baking sheet. Bake them for 15-20 minutes until they are hot and crispy. If you prefer using a microwave, then heat them up in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until they are heated through.
Reheating refrigerated nuggets is even easier, just preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake them on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them quickly in a toaster oven.
Whether you’re meal prepping or reheating leftovers, these gluten-free Fried Chicken Nuggets taste just as good when reheated as they do fresh out of the fryer.
Tips for Perfect Results
I know you want those chicken nuggets to turn out crispy and golden, and I am here to help you make sure that happens. Here are my top tips to ensure perfect results every time:
1. Use the right oil: Canola oil is the best option for frying as it has a high smoke point which means it won’t burn easily. It also imparts a neutral flavor that allows the flavor of your seasoning to shine through.
2. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces: This ensures that the chicken cooks through evenly and quickly, resulting in perfectly cooked and juicy nuggets.
3. Keep ingredients cold: Keep the flour and chicken cold until you are ready to use them. This will help with browning and will make for a crispier crust.
4. Don’t over-crowd the pan: Frying too many pieces at once will drop the temperature of the oil, resulting in soggy nuggets. Fry in small batches for optimal results.
5. Season generously: Don’t be shy with your seasonings! Onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper all enhance the flavor of these nuggets.
6. Preheat your oven: If you prefer an oven-baked version of these nuggets, preheat your oven to 400F and cook them for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through until they’re golden brown.
7. Gluten-free flour options: Try using rice flour or almond flour for a gluten-free version of this recipe. King Arthur is an excellent brand of gluten-free flour that I highly recommend.
8. For air fryer fans: If you prefer air-frying instead of deep frying, try brushing your chicken nuggets with vegetable oil or spraying them with cooking spray before placing them into the air fryer basket for extra crispiness.
Follow these tips, and you will achieve crispy, juicy, flavorful chicken nuggets every single time!
FAQ
As with any recipe, there may be some questions or concerns that come up along the way. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to address any issues that you may run into while making these delicious gluten-free fried chicken nuggets. So without further ado, let’s dive into the FAQ section!
Do fried chicken nuggets have gluten?
The main component of chicken nuggets is chicken, which is typically gluten-free. Usually, these nuggets also contain other ingredients like vegetable oil, wheat flour, and seasonings that do not usually have gluten.
What are gluten free chicken nuggets made of?
The key ingredients of this dish are chicken breast with rib meat, water, yellow corn flour, rice flour, and brown rice flour. In addition, it contains a mix of spices such as dried garlic and onion, paprika extractives, and natural flavors to enhance the taste. Other components include corn starch, cocoa powder, sea salt, soybean oil, sugar, yeast extract, and breading set in vegetable oil to complete the dish.
What chicken nuggets are gluten free?
These nuggets are a delectable treat that can be enjoyed either as a standalone snack or paired with your preferred dipping sauce. Additionally, being gluten-free, they are suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies.
Is Chick Fil A fried chicken nuggets gluten free?
Gluten-free eaters can indulge in Chick-fil-A’s grilled nuggets without worry, as they do not contain any gluten. However, it should be noted that the breaded and fried chicken nuggets are not gluten-free. As for sauces, all varieties available at Chick-fil-A, such as the Chick-fil-A sauce, Polynesian sauce, and barbecue sauce, are safe for gluten-free consumption.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this recipe for Fried Chicken Nuggets (Can Be Made Gluten Free) is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a delicious and healthy meal. With its easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredient list, you can enjoy crispy chicken nuggets in no time. Whether you choose to make it with gluten-free flour or regular flour, this recipe is sure to please everyone’s palate.
What sets this recipe apart from others is that it offers a healthier alternative to the traditional fried chicken without having to compromise on the taste. You can have the best of both worlds, as these chicken nuggets come out crispy and delicious every time.
Moreover, these nuggets are packed with protein, and by making them at home, you can control the quality of ingredients and avoid harmful preservatives that are often found in store-bought products.
In summary, I highly recommend this recipe for fried chicken nuggets as an excellent meal option. Whether you’re eating gluten-free or not, this recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit various dietary restrictions. By using fresh high-quality ingredients and following the recipe closely, you’ll be able to cook up a delightful meal that everyone will love – without compromising on health or taste. So don’t hesitate to give it a try and let your tastebuds experience a new level of fried chicken goodness!
Fried Chicken Nuggets (Can Be Made Gluten Free) Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 2 teaspoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 egg whites
- 1/4 cup milk
- 4 cups corn flakes (pre crushed)
- canola oil (enough to cover the bottom half of the chicken pieces in your frying pan. I used a large pan and 1 1)
Instructions
- 1) Cut up the chicken into nugget sized pieces.
- 2) Use a food processor and crush the corn flakes.
- 3) Add the rest of the DRY ingredients to the flakes and mix together (preferably into something you can shake as the finer ingredient will settle beneath the corn flakes).
- 4) Mix the milk & eggs together in a small, separate bowl.
- 5) Coat the chicken in the egg/milk mixture, letting excess run off.
- 6) Dredge the chicken into the corn flakes & seasonings, shaking it until it's completely coated.
- 7) Fry over medium high heat in the canola oil turning them to cook evenly and thoroughly.
- **If you'd like to bake them feel free. I haven't done that yet of course but I'm guessing 425 for 7 minutes then flipping for another 5-7. **.
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