Rancher Chicken Nuggets
Dive into the delightful crunch of homemade chicken nuggets, crafted from premium Good Ranchers chicken breast. These nuggets are enveloped in a seasoned panko crust, fried to achieve a golden exterior with a tender, juicy center. Best part is, you can even have it on Sunday!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Nuggets:
2 Good Ranchers chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 large eggs, beaten
Favorite poultry rub
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Dipping Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
Cut the Good Ranchers chicken breasts into bite-sized nugget pieces, approximately 1.5 inches each. Season with salt and pepper.
Set Up the Breading Station:
In three shallow bowls, prepare the breading station: one bowl with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one bowl with the beaten eggs, and one bowl with panko breadcrumbs mixed with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Bread the Chicken Nuggets:
Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Fry the Chicken Nuggets:
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the breaded chicken nuggets in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pan, until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Use a thermometer to ensure they've reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Serve:
Arrange the chicken nuggets on a platter and serve with the dipping sauce on the side.
Sheed Tips:
For an extra crunchy coating, you can double-bread the chicken nuggets by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
The dipping sauce can be customized to your liking by adjusting the honey and mustard ratios or adding ingredients like hot sauce for a spicy kick.
These chicken nuggets can also be baked for a healthier option. Simply preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded nuggets on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Savor the homemade goodness of these crispy, golden chicken nuggets made from premium Good Ranchers chicken breast. Each nugget is coated in a perfectly seasoned panko crust, fried to perfection for that irresistible crunch outside and succulent, juicy inside. Paired with a sweet and tangy honey mustard dipping sauce, these chicken nuggets elevate a classic favorite into a gourmet delight, perfect for sharing or enjoying as a tasty treat any time of the day.