Name: Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into chunks; 1 cup dill pickle juice; ½ cup whole milk; 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; Peanut oil, for frying (at least 1 inch deep)

If you’re craving that perfect homemade crunch with tender, juicy chicken inside, then this Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe is going to be your new favorite. It’s the kind of recipe that nails the classic fast food vibes but with better control over ingredients and flavor right in your kitchen.

A white plate is full of many small pieces of golden brown fried chicken with a crispy texture, piled thickly across the plate. On the right side of the plate, there is a small clear glass bowl filled with bright yellow dipping sauce that looks smooth and creamy. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth napkin partly visible in the upper right corner. The photo was taken from above, showing the whole plate and wings clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made plenty of chicken nuggets in my day, but this recipe stands out every time. The marinade with dill pickle juice and milk is a total game-changer, keeping each nugget incredibly juicy and adding a subtle tang that you won’t get anywhere else.

Flavor Packed: The dill pickle juice marinade infuses each bite with a unique zest and helps tenderize the chicken perfectly.
Irresistibly Crispy: The combination of breadcrumbs and flour with a pinch of powdered sugar gives that golden, crunchy bite you crave.
Juicy Inside: Thanks to the milk and marinade, these nuggets stay moist and tender, never drying out.
Perfectly Fried: Using peanut oil heated to exactly 350°F ensures the nuggets cook evenly and come out deliciously crisp without being greasy.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you grab your shopping list, let’s chat about these ingredients. You don’t need anything fancy, but a few key items really make this recipe sing — especially that dill pickle juice. Make sure to have fresh chicken breasts and quality peanut oil if you want to capture that classic fast-food flavor at home.

Flat lay of fresh boneless skinless chicken breast chunks, a small white ceramic bowl of dill pickle juice, a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of plain breadcrumbs, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of paprika, a small white ceramic bowl of baking powder, a small white ceramic bowl of salt, a small white ceramic bowl of black pepper, two whole uncracked brown eggs, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless skinless chicken breast: Lean and perfect for bite-sized chunks that cook evenly and stay tender.
Dill pickle juice: The secret ingredient that adds tang and tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
Whole milk: Helps keep the chicken juicy and adds richness to the marinade.
All-purpose flour: Provides a sturdy base for the crispy breading layer.
Plain breadcrumbs: Adds crunch and texture for that satisfying crispy coating.
Powdered sugar: A little twist that balances the seasoning and creates a golden crust.
Garlic powder: Brings savory depth to the coating without overpowering.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the breading perfectly.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and color to your nuggets.
Baking powder: Helps create that light, crispy texture in the breading.
Black pepper: Adds mild heat and flavor contrast.
Peanut oil: Ideal for frying — it heats evenly and contributes an iconic flavor similar to Chick-fil-A nuggets.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe is how versatile it can be! Feel free to swap ingredients or tweak seasoning to suit your personal taste or dietary needs — it’s all about making these nuggets your own crispy, juicy masterpiece.

Variation: I love adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breading mix when I’m craving a little heat. It adds a nice kick without overpowering the classic flavors.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives and you’re good to go! Just make sure the coating sticks well by pressing firmly.
Oven-Baked Option: For a lighter take, you can bake the breaded chicken pieces at 425°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t have quite the same deep-fried crunch but will still be deliciously satisfying.
Herbed Twist: Mix in some dried oregano or thyme into the breadcrumb mixture for a fresh herbal note that pairs wonderfully with the pickle marinade.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe

The image shows a close-up view of a pile of crispy fried nuggets with a rough, crunchy golden-brown outer layer. One nugget is broken open in the center, revealing the white, tender inside with a fibrous texture. The nuggets rest on a white marbled surface. In the blurred background, there is a clear glass bowl filled with a smooth yellow dipping sauce. The photo shows fine details of the crispiness and texture of the fried nuggets. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate for Juiciness and Flavor

Start by placing 3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast chunks into a large zip-close bag. Pour in 1 cup of dill pickle juice and ½ cup of whole milk. Seal the bag tightly and gently massage it to coat all the chicken pieces evenly. Let this marinate for 30 minutes — this step infuses your nuggets with tangy flavor while keeping them tender and juicy when cooked.

Step 2: Heat Your Frying Oil Just Right

While the chicken marinates, heat peanut oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F. Make sure you have at least 1 inch of oil depth to ensure your nuggets fry evenly and get that coveted golden crisp. Maintaining the temperature is key — too low and the nuggets absorb oil, too high and they burn before cooking through.

Step 3: Mix Up the Flavorful Breading

In a large bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup plain breadcrumbs, 3 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Stir thoroughly until everything is well mixed. This blend creates that irresistible flavorful crust that’s crispy, slightly sweet, and perfectly seasoned.

Step 4: Coat Each Piece Carefully

Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the liquid. One by one, dip each chunk into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to ensure an even, full coating on all sides. This careful coating helps lock in moisture and forms that signature crispy exterior that makes this Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe so addictive.

Step 5: Fry in Batches to Golden Perfection

Fry the coated chicken pieces in small batches for about 5 minutes each, or until they turn deep golden brown and are cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pot, which can drop the oil temperature and result in soggy nuggets. Once fried, place the nuggets on a wire cooling rack to drain and stay crispy — skip paper towels, as they trap steam and soften the crust.

Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy!

Continue frying the remaining chicken chunks the same way. Serve your nuggets warm with your favorite dipping sauces—whether it’s classic ketchup, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli. Watch them disappear fast; these crispy bites are truly irresistible!

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the crispiest, juiciest nuggets every time – because the difference is in the details!

Maintaining Oil Temperature: I learned that frying in small batches keeps the oil steady at 350°F, which is key for perfectly crispy, golden nuggets without greasiness.
Marinating Time: Giving the chicken a full 30 minutes in dill pickle juice and milk ensures tenderness and that subtle tangy flavor that really sets this recipe apart.
Using a Wire Rack: Instead of paper towels, I always transfer fried nuggets to a wire rack. It lets excess oil drip off and keeps the coating crisp instead of soggy.
Breadcrumb Pressing Technique: Pressing the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto each chicken piece creates a thicker, crunchier crust that stays put even after frying.

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe

The image shows many small pieces of raw meat with white fat marbled throughout, arranged closely together in a clear plastic container. The container sits on a white marbled surface, and the meat pieces are pale pink with layers of creamy white fat spread unevenly on each piece, creating a soft, textured look. The meat pieces fill the container almost to the top, without stacking much on each other. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the nuggets for a pop of color and fresh flavor. You can also add a dusting of smoked paprika for an extra smoky touch that complements the seasoned coating beautifully.

Side Dishes

These nuggets pair wonderfully with classic comfort sides like creamy mac and cheese, crispy French fries, or a cool coleslaw. For a lighter option, serve alongside a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the nuggets to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll keep well for up to 3 days, making for a quick and tasty snack or meal anytime.

Freezing

Freeze leftover nuggets by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freezing until firm (about 1-2 hours), then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They store well for up to 1 month, perfect for a future crispy craving.

Reheating

To reheat, bake frozen or refrigerated nuggets in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and crispy. Avoid the microwave to keep them from getting soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and a bit more flavor. Just cut them into similar-sized chunks and marinate for the same 30 minutes before breading and frying.

Why do you use dill pickle juice in the marinade?

The pickle juice tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tang reminiscent of the iconic Chick-fil-A nuggets. It makes the chicken juicier and more flavorful.

What if I don’t have peanut oil? Can I use another type?

Yes, you can substitute with canola or vegetable oil if needed, though peanut oil gives the classic authentic flavor and crispiness.

How do I prevent nuggets from being greasy?

Maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F and frying in small batches helps the nuggets cook quickly and absorb less oil. Also, draining on a wire rack rather than paper towels keeps them crisp and less oily.

Final Thoughts

Making your own Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience. With that perfect crunch and juicy inside, it’s impossible not to smile at every bite. Whether for a fun family dinner or a cozy snack, these nuggets bring comfort and joy straight to your table. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do!