How to Make Delicious Chicken Nuggets

Like sausages and hamburgers, chicken nuggets are a quick and semi-prepared meal, especially loved by children. By making them at home, you can ensure both their quality and their amazing taste.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast and thigh mix: 500g

• Onion: 1 large

• Garlic: 3 cloves

• Mozzarella cheese: 5 tbsp

• Soft bread crumbs (from sandwich bread or toast): 4 slices

• Milk: As needed

• Kentucky-style breadcrumbs: ½ cup

• Vegetable oil: As needed

• Tomato sauce: As needed

• Smoked paprika: 1 tsp

• Mustard sauce: 1 tsp

• Salt, red pepper, thyme, coriander seeds, cumin: To taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture

• Remove the bones from the chicken thighs. Grind the chicken breast and thigh meat twice using a meat grinder.

• While you can use only chicken breast, adding thigh meat makes the nuggets softer and juicier.

2. Add Onion and Garlic

• Grate the onion coarsely and add it to the ground chicken.

• Puree the garlic cloves and mix them in.

3. Soak the Bread

• Remove the crusts from sandwich or toast bread.

• Place the bread in a bowl and gradually add milk until it forms a soft dough.

• Add the soaked bread to the chicken mixture and stir thoroughly.

4. Season and Mix

• Add all the spices, mustard sauce, and mozzarella cheese.

• Mix everything well until you have a smooth, uniform mixture.

5. Shape the Nuggets

• Spread the mixture on a floured surface, flattening it to about 0.5 cm thick.

• Use a cutter to shape the nuggets as desired.

• Place the shaped nuggets on a floured tray and refrigerate them for at least 1 hour.

6. Coat the Nuggets

• In one bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.

• In another bowl, add the Kentucky-style breadcrumbs.

• Dip each nugget first in the breadcrumbs, then in the egg mixture, and again in the breadcrumbs for an even coating.

7. Fry the Nuggets

• Heat a deep pot of oil over low heat until it’s gradually hot.

• Fry the nuggets in batches, making sure they are fully submerged in oil.

• Turn them occasionally to ensure even frying until golden and crispy.

8. Drain Excess Oil

• Place the fried nuggets on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

9. Serve and Enjoy

• Arrange the nuggets on a serving plate.

• Drizzle them with tomato sauce and garnish with pickles and fresh tomato slices.

• Serve them as a sandwich or enjoy them on their own!

Tips for Perfect Chicken Nuggets:

Chicken Selection:

• Always choose fresh chicken. Check joints like wings and thighs for any unpleasant smell.

• Avoid overly moist chicken, as it’s often previously frozen.

• For the best texture, use an equal mix of chicken breast and thigh meat.

Onion Preparation:

• Don’t completely squeeze out the juice from grated onions, as this can leave an unpleasant meat odor after cooking.

• Let grated onion sit for 5 minutes, drain the excess liquid, and add it to the chicken mixture.

Mozzarella Cheese:

• Mozzarella cheese enhances the taste and texture of nuggets.

• Choose high-quality cheese stored properly in refrigeration.

• Avoid cheese with artificial yellow or golden colors, as they may contain unhealthy chemical dyes.

Breadcrumbs:

• Use fine breadcrumbs for an even coating.

• Coarse breadcrumbs may fall off during frying and burn in the oil, affecting the nuggets’ appearance.

Now you're ready to enjoy homemade chicken nuggets that are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. Bon appétit!