Ah, chicken nuggets. Aren’t they just little bites of joy?
I mean, remember that viral sensation with the kid who tasted a nugget for the first time and his soul left his body for a second? Yeah, that’s the kind of excitement we’re talking about here.
These crispy treasures aren’t just for kids either—everyone deserves that golden crunch and tender inside. Let’s be honest, this is the kind of recipe that might just make you rethink your loyalty to fast food.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or setting a wire rack on top for easier baking.
- Finely crush the Kettle Brand® chips using a food processor or by rolling over them with a pin, either in their bag or transferred to a freezer bag. Place the crumbled chips into a small bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until the whites and yolks are fully combined.
- Set up an assembly line with the chicken pieces, egg mixture, crumbled chips, and prepared baking sheet. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg to coat, then roll it in the chips, ensuring all sides are covered. Place each coated nugget on the baking sheet.
- Bake the nuggets for 12 minutes, then remove them from the oven to flip each piece. Continue baking for another 8 minutes until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once baked, remove the chicken nuggets from the oven and serve them warm with your choice of dipping sauces.
Ingredients
- Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets recipe:
- 1 (8.5-ounce) bag of Kettle Brand® chips, any flavor
- 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 eggs
FAQ
- Can I use any brand of chips for this recipe?
- Absolutely, you can use any brand of chips you prefer. However, Kettle Brand® chips are recommended for their flavor and natural gluten-free properties. Feel free to experiment with different flavors to customize your nuggets.
- How do I ensure the chicken nuggets are crispy on all sides?
- To achieve crispiness all around, you can either flip the nuggets halfway through baking or place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, which allows hot air to circulate and crisps them without the need to flip.
- What dipping sauces pair well with these chicken nuggets?
- Traditional options like ketchup, mustard, or ranch are always great. You can also try more unique choices such as tahini dip, tzatziki, classic hummus, or guacamole for a different flavor experience.
- Can these chicken nuggets be made ahead of time?
- While they are best served fresh and warm, you can prepare the nuggets in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the oven to restore their crispiness before serving.
- What are some good side dishes to serve with chicken nuggets?
- Pair your nuggets with sides like sweet potato fries, baked potatoes, roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts or cauliflower, or a fresh everyday salad for a balanced meal.
Tips
- Choose Your Chip Flavor Wisely: Experiment with different Kettle Brand chip flavors to customize the taste of your nuggets. Spicy varieties like Jalapeño or Buffalo Bleu can add a unique kick, while classics like Salt and Fresh Ground Black Pepper offer a more traditional taste.
- Use the Right Technique for Crumbling Chips: To achieve the perfect crumb consistency, use a food processor to finely crumble the chips. If you don’t have one, try using a rolling pin to crush the chips inside a bag, ensuring you poke a small hole to release air and prevent bursting.
- Hands-On Assembly Line: When coating the chicken, use one hand for dipping the chicken in the egg and the other for coating it with chips. This method helps prevent the chips from sticking to your hands and ensures an even coating on the nuggets.
- Bake on a Wire Rack for Even Crispness: For evenly crispy nuggets without the need to flip, consider placing a wire rack on top of your baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the nuggets, ensuring they crisp up on all sides.
Equipment
- Food Processor – To finely crumble the chips.
- Wire Rack – If opting to bake the chicken nuggets on a wire rack instead of flipping them halfway through.
- Baking Sheet – Needed for baking the nuggets. (While many people have this, some may not, especially if they are new to cooking.)
- Parchment Paper – Used to line the baking sheet (though this is more of a consumable item, it is crucial for the recipe).
