Description
A delicious twist on classic chicken nuggets, these barbecue-flavored bites are crispy, juicy, and coated in a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce. Perfect for a quick snack, party appetizer, or a fun dinner for the family!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Nuggets:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Cooking oil (for frying or baking)
For the Barbecue Sauce:
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
1. Prepare the Breading Stations
Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
2. Bread the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken into the flour, then the egg mixture, and finally coat it in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to adhere.
3. Cook the Nuggets
- For Frying: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the nuggets in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- For Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray lightly with cooking oil and bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Make the Barbecue Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix barbecue sauce, honey, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika. Stir and cook for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
5. Coat the Nuggets
Toss the cooked chicken nuggets in the warm barbecue sauce until evenly coated.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately with extra barbecue sauce on the side. Pair with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a healthier option, use an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) and cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Swap panko for crushed cornflakes for an extra crispy texture.
- Try different barbecue sauce flavors like spicy, honey mustard, or mesquite for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying, Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 nuggets
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: barbecue chicken nuggets, crispy chicken, homemade nuggets, easy chicken recipe, kid-friendly meal, air fryer nuggets, party appetizers