Make tender, well-seasoned chicken nuggets with an extra crispy coating, served with a simple, tangy honey mustard dipping sauce.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:20 min
Total Time:40 min
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking or Air Frying
Cuisine:American
Diet:Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or tenderloins, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
2 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup milk
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
Cooking spray or oil for baking/air frying
For the Dip:
1/2 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Prepare the chicken: Place chicken pieces in a bowl. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Set up the breading station: Place flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a shallow dish and mix well. In a second dish, whisk the eggs and milk together. In a third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and cornstarch.
Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg mixture. Finally, press firmly into the panko mixture until fully coated.
Cook the nuggets (Oven Method): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or oil. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
Cook the nuggets (Air Fryer Method): Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place nuggets in a single layer in the basket (work in batches). Spray lightly with oil. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy.
Make the dip: While the nuggets cook, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, mayonnaise, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Serve the crispy chicken nuggets immediately with the honey mustard dip.
Notes
For the crispiest oven-baked results, ensure the breaded nuggets rest on the pan for 10 minutes before baking.
You can substitute chicken tenderloins for breasts; the cooking time remains similar.
If you prefer a tangier dip, add 1 teaspoon of yellow mustard along with the Dijon.