Chicken Nuggets

My kids love Chicken Nuggets.  There is no need to go to a fast food restaurant to buy these little bite-sized pieces of chicken.  You can easily make them at home at a fraction of the cost.  Dip them in some Honey Mustard Sauce to make them even better tasting.

Ingredients

3 lbs.  chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
1 c. buttermilk
1 large egg
1/2 c. pickle juice
1 Tbs. hot sauce
1 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 c. bread crumbs, plain or Italian
1 Tbs. garlic powder
4 tsp. seasoned salt
2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp. black pepper

Directions

In a medium to large bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, pickle juice and hot sauce. Whisk until thoroughly mixed. You can also pour this into a large sealable bag or leave in the bowl.

Place cubed chicken into the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight if possible. 

In a deep fryer or deep heavy skillet, pot or Dutch oven, heat oil to 375°.

In a large bowl or sealable bag, combine flour, bread crumbs, garlic powder, seasoned salt, paprika, and black pepper. 

Remove chicken from the marinade and allow the excess liquid to drain off. Working in batches, add the chicken to the flour mixture.  Make sure all sides have a coating of flour.   

Carefully place some chicken pieces into the hot oil. Cook about 4 to 6 minutes until lightly browned and the internal temperature is 165°. 

Remove the chicken pieces with a slotted spoon and place the chicken on paper towels to absorb the excess oil.  Continue frying all the chicken pieces until all done. 

If you want to keep the chicken warm as you finish frying all the chicken, heat the oven to warm. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and place the baking sheet into the warm oven. 

Serve Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce.  Add a salad, fresh buttered corn and some Half Hour or 30 Minute Dinner Rolls for a great tasting and easy meal.