These crispy Golden Chicken Nuggies are perfect for any day! They have a tasty lemony piccata sauce that adds a bright zing. Yummy and kid-approved!
Honestly, who doesn’t love chicken nuggies? They remind me of my childhood lunches, but with a fun twist! I like serving them with a side of veggies for a complete meal. 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Fresh chicken breasts are ideal for making tender nuggets. If you’re looking for a quicker option, consider using frozen pre-cooked chicken bites.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the nuggets an extra crispy texture. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs work, but you might want to add a touch of extra seasoning to boost the flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a lovely cheesy flavor. You can substitute with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or omit it for a dairy-free variation.
Capers: They provide a burst of briny flavor in the piccata sauce. If you don’t have them, try using chopped olives as a substitute, but adjust the salt in the dish accordingly.
How Do I Get the Chicken Nuggets Extra Crispy?
Getting that satisfying crunch requires proper breading and frying techniques. First, make sure your chicken pieces are dry before breading; this helps the coating stick better.
- After coating, let the chicken nuggets rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the breadcrumbs to adhere better during frying.
- Heat the oil adequately before adding the nuggets. A good test is to drop a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles, you’re ready!
- Fry in small batches to avoid crowding, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy nuggets.
How Can I Make the Lemony Piccata Sauce Just Right?
The key to a balanced piccata sauce is the right amount of acidity and seasoning. Start by sautéing the garlic until fragrant, but don’t let it brown, or it may taste bitter.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor! Store-bought may contain additives that can change the taste.
- Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened, which helps intensify the lemon flavor. You can adjust the amount of chicken broth to control the sauce thickness.
- Finally, always taste and adjust the seasoning. If it feels too tangy, a pinch of sugar can help balance it out.
Golden Chicken Nuggies with Lemony Piccata
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Nuggies:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized nuggets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
For the Lemony Piccata Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp capers, drained
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon slices, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and about 15 minutes of cooking time, for a total of approximately 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy dinner option that’s sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Breading Stations:
Start by setting up three separate bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper together.
2. Coat the Chicken Nuggets:
Take your chicken nuggets and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better. First, dredge each nugget in the flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip it in the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Set the coated nuggets aside on a plate or tray until all are breaded.
3. Fry the Nuggets:
Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a breadcrumb in to see if it sizzles), carefully add the nuggets in batches. Fry each nugget for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Once done, transfer the nuggets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
4. Make the Lemony Piccata Sauce:
In the same skillet (after being cleaned thoroughly), melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add in minced garlic and saute for about 1 minute or until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn!
5. Prepare the Sauce:
Pour in the fresh lemon juice along with the chicken broth. Stir the mixture to combine and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes. You want it to slightly thicken up as it cooks.
6. Add Capers and Finish the Sauce:
Now stir in the capers and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook the sauce until it’s glossy and the butter has melted completely. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Combine Nuggets with Sauce:
Carefully return the cooked chicken nuggets to the skillet, gently turning them to coat with the lemony piccata sauce. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for added flavor and color.
8. Plate the Dish:
Transfer the golden chicken nuggets to a serving plate. Drizzle extra lemony piccata sauce on top and garnish with lemon slices and more parsley, as desired.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the nuggies warm and enjoy this crispy, tangy, and flavorful meal. It’s perfect for dinner, lunch box treats, or even a fun party appetizer!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs provide extra juiciness and flavor. Just make sure to trim any excess fat and cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken nuggies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Make the Lemony Piccata Sauce Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can easily make the sauce dairy-free by substituting the butter with a vegan alternative or using olive oil instead. The flavor will still be bright and delicious!
What Can I Serve with Golden Chicken Nuggies?
These chicken nuggies pair wonderfully with a side of roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or fluffy rice. For a fun twist, try serving them with different dipping sauces like honey mustard or barbecue!