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Crispy Chicken Nuggets with Garlic Dip

A pile of golden brown, crispy chicken nuggets served with a small ramekin of creamy garlic dip.

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Make ultra-crispy chicken nuggets at home using an air fryer or oven, served with a simple, creamy garlic dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder (for breading)
  • Cooking spray or oil for coating
  • For the Garlic Dip:
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.25 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Place the flour, seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, in one shallow dish. Beat the eggs in a second shallow dish. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish.
  2. Dredge the chicken: Take one piece of chicken and coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip it into the beaten egg, letting excess drip off. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to ensure full coverage. Repeat for all pieces.
  3. Cook the nuggets (Air Fryer Method): Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the breaded nuggets with cooking spray or oil. Cook in a single layer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
  4. Cook the nuggets (Oven Method): Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place nuggets on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
  5. Make the Garlic Dip: While the nuggets cook, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix well until smooth.
  6. Serve immediately with the fresh garlic dip.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness in the oven, ensure the nuggets are not touching on the baking sheet.
  • Use chicken tenderloins instead of breast meat for a slightly more tender result.
  • You can substitute half the panko with crushed cornflakes for added crunch.

Nutrition