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Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Nuggets That Stay Juicy and Crunchy Every Time
These Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Nuggets are juicy, crunchy, and easy to make at home. Perfect for weeknight dinners or snacks with your favourite dipping sauces.
Why You Will Love and Enjoy These Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Nuggets
- Super juicy inside with a proper crisp coating
- Works in air fryer, oven, or pan depending on your mood
- Easy ingredients you probably already have
Juicy Buttermilk Soaked Chicken Nuggets with Seasoned Breadcrumb Coating.
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Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Nuggets
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings depending on size 1x
- Category: Dinner Recipes
- Method: Easy
Description
These crispy buttermilk chicken nuggets are juicy, flavourful, and easy to make at home using simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups buttermilk, enough to fully cover chicken
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
- Optional: 1/2 tsp chili powder for a little heat
- Optional: 2 tbsp oil (if oven baking)
Instructions
- Cut the 4 to 6 chicken breasts or thighs into even bite-sized pieces so they cook at the same rate. Try not to make them too small; they will dry out.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken with 2 cups buttermilk, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp paprika, salt and pepper to taste, and optional 1/2 tsp chili powder if using. Mix it all well so every piece is coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Preheat your cooking method: Air fryer: 275⁰F (205⁰C); Oven: 400⁰F (200⁰C), line a tray and lightly oil it; Oil for frying: heat to medium-high
- Place 1 1/2 cups of breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. For extra flavour, you can add a pinch of salt and a bit more paprika here, depending on taste.
- Remove chicken pieces from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
- Toss each piece into the breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.
- Cook using your preferred method: Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking halfway through; Oven bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping once; Fry for 4 to 5 minutes until crisp and cooked through
- Serve hot with your favourite dips.
Notes
Created, prepared, tried, and tested by Rochelle
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 488
- Sugar: 5.7 g
- Sodium: 432.5 mg
- Fat: 11.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24.3 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 67.6 g
- Cholesterol: 207.5 mg
Crunchy outside, juicy inside, that’s the goal, and it makes these nuggets worth making from scratch.
Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Nuggets stand out for their balance of a crisp coating and juicy interior, without complicated steps. It’s the kind of recipe that fits easily into everyday cooking while still feeling satisfying enough to make again soon.
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