Easy and affordable: chicken nuggets recipe using mince for a budget-friendly treat
What To Know
- For extra crispy nuggets, double-coat them by dipping them in the egg and milk mixture again before rolling them in the bread crumb mixture.
- For a healthier alternative, bake the nuggets in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Cooked chicken nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Craving crispy, golden-brown chicken nuggets without the hassle of preparing chicken breasts? Look no further than this incredible chicken nuggets recipe using chicken mince. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can enjoy homemade chicken nuggets that rival your favorite fast-food chains.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground chicken (chicken mince)
- 1/2 cup (120 grams) bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup (60 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken mince mixture: In a large bowl, combine the chicken mince, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Bind the mixture: Add the egg and milk to the bowl and mix well until the mixture becomes sticky and holds together. If the mixture is too wet, add more bread crumbs. If it’s too dry, add more milk.
3. Shape the nuggets: Wet your hands slightly to prevent the mixture from sticking. Divide the mixture into small portions and shape them into nugget-sized ovals or desired shapes.
4. Coat the nuggets: In a shallow dish, whisk together the remaining bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and any remaining herbs and spices. Roll the shaped nuggets in the bread crumb mixture to coat them evenly.
5. Fry the nuggets: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Carefully drop the coated nuggets into the hot oil and fry for 3-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain and serve: Remove the nuggets from the oil and drain them on paper towels. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces or sides.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Nuggets
- For extra crispy nuggets, double-coat them by dipping them in the egg and milk mixture again before rolling them in the bread crumb mixture.
- If you don’t have ground chicken, you can easily make your own by grinding boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a food processor or meat grinder.
- To make the nuggets ahead of time, shape them and coat them with bread crumbs, but do not fry them. Freeze the nuggets on a baking sheet for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the nuggets and fry them as directed.
- For a healthier alternative, bake the nuggets in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
Variations
- Spicy chicken nuggets: Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the chicken mince mixture.
- Cheesy chicken nuggets: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the chicken mince mixture.
- Bacon chicken nuggets: Crumble 4 slices of bacon and add them to the chicken mince mixture.
- Buffalo chicken nuggets: Coat the cooked nuggets in buffalo sauce and serve with blue cheese dressing.
Dipping Sauces
- Ranch dressing
- Barbecue sauce
- Honey mustard
- Sweet and sour sauce
- Ketchup
Sides
- French fries
- Mashed potatoes
- Onion rings
- Coleslaw
- Salad
The Perfect Pairing for Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main course. They pair perfectly with a variety of sides and dipping sauces, making them a perfect choice for casual gatherings, parties, or family meals.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Can I use breadcrumbs made from other types of bread?
A: Yes, you can use breadcrumbs made from white bread, whole wheat bread, or even gluten-free bread.
Q: How do I know when the chicken nuggets are cooked through?
A: The chicken nuggets are cooked through when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer.
Q: Can I freeze the chicken nuggets before frying them?
A: Yes, you can freeze the shaped and coated nuggets for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the nuggets and fry them as directed.
Q: How long can I store the cooked chicken nuggets?
A: Cooked chicken nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I reheat the chicken nuggets?
A: Yes, you can reheat the chicken nuggets in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
