Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets Recipe
If you’re searching for a fun, irresistible twist on classic chicken nuggets, look no further than this Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of crispy, savory, and smoky flavors wrapped in bite-sized pieces of juicy chicken, all coated with crushed BBQ-flavored potato chips for that unbeatable crunch. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or serving up a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering, this recipe brings together simple ingredients and easy steps to create nuggets bursting with personality and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything in this recipe is straightforward and familiar, yet each ingredient plays an important role in delivering that perfect taste and texture. From the tender chicken breasts to the smoky seasoning and crunchy BBQ chip coating, all combine to make these nuggets utterly delicious.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and perfect nugget-sized bites.
- 2 cups BBQ-flavored potato chips: Crushed to create an extra crispy, flavorful crust that’s packed with BBQ goodness.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides a base coating that helps the seasonings adhere and creates a light crust.
- 2 large eggs: Beaten to act as a glue, binding the coating firmly to each piece of chicken.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle depth with its warm and aromatic notes.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances savoriness and complements the BBQ flavors perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a mild smoky kick that melds beautifully with the BBQ chips.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and amplifies the overall flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a little edge of spiciness that wakes up the palate.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for frying, it ensures a golden, crispy exterior without overpowering the flavors.
- BBQ sauce: For dipping, or drizzling, to amplify the smoky-sweet experience.
How to Make Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Coating Mixtures
Start by mixing your dry ingredients in one shallow bowl: flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This creates a flavorful base layer that sticks to the chicken, ensuring every bite is seasoned just right. In a separate bowl, beat your eggs well to get a smooth, sticky coating. Finally, place the crushed BBQ chips in a third shallow bowl; these will be the star of your crunchy crust.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Take each piece of chicken and first dredge it through the seasoned flour mix to give it a light dusting. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure the chicken is fully coated to help the chips stick. Finally, press the chicken pieces into the crushed BBQ chips, coating them evenly and pressing gently so the chips stick tightly. This triple-layer coating guarantees maximum crunch and flavor.
Step 3: Fry the Nuggets
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat so it’s hot but not smoking. Carefully add the coated chicken nuggets in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through. Once fried, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil, keeping them crisp.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
These nuggets are best enjoyed fresh and hot straight out of the pan with your favorite BBQ sauce for dipping. The contrast between the juicy chicken, crispy chip coating, and tangy sauce will have you coming back for more every time.
How to Serve Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor that complements the smoky nuggets beautifully. A light dusting of smoked paprika can also add visual appeal and reinforce that subtle smoky taste.
Side Dishes
These nuggets pair wonderfully with simple sides like crunchy coleslaw, crisp veggie sticks, or creamy mac and cheese. Choose one or mix several for a balanced meal that’s both comforting and exciting. Sweet potato fries or a fresh garden salad also make fantastic accompaniments, adding layers of texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving these nuggets as finger food at a party? Arrange them on a rustic wooden board with a trio of dipping sauces such as classic BBQ, spicy ranch, and honey mustard. For a fun twist, create mini slider sandwiches by pairing the nuggets with a slice of cheddar and pickles on petite buns. Presentation that invites sharing will only add to the enjoyment!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover nuggets in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture and keep them from getting soggy. Refrigerate and consume within 2-3 days for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer first. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay good for up to 1 month, ready to enjoy whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
To bring back that irresistible crunch, reheat the nuggets in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain crispiness as it tends to make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I bake the Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets Recipe instead of frying?
Absolutely! Baking is a great alternative for a lighter version. Arrange the coated nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
What type of BBQ chips work best for this recipe?
Any BBQ-flavored potato chips with a strong seasoning and crunch work well. Choose your favorite brand or type, whether it’s classic smoky BBQ or a spicy variant, to add your personal twist to the nuggets.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used and will give a slightly juicier, richer flavor. Just ensure to cut them into uniform bite-sized pieces to cook evenly.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely! These nuggets are a hit with kids because of their familiar shape and crunchy texture, but they also have a flavorful BBQ punch that adults will enjoy too. Just adjust the seasoning mildly if your kids prefer less spice.
Can I prepare the nuggets ahead of time before frying?
You can coat the chicken pieces with the flour and egg but hold off on the chip coating until right before frying to maintain the chips’ crispness. Alternatively, coat completely and freeze them to fry straight from frozen.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a crunchy, flavorful chicken nugget made with a little extra love and a whole lot of BBQ chip crunch. This Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets Recipe is perfect for any occasion when you want fast comfort food that feels homemade and exciting. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover your new favorite nugget twist that’s sure to become a family staple!
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Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets are a delicious twist on classic chicken nuggets, coated in crunchy BBQ-flavored potato chips for an irresistible smoky and savory bite. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or casual meal, these nuggets are fried to a golden crisp and served with your favorite BBQ sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Coating
- 2 cups BBQ-flavored potato chips, crushed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Frying
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Serving
- BBQ sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Coatings: In a shallow bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper thoroughly to create the seasoned flour coating.
- Beat the Eggs: In another shallow bowl, beat the two large eggs until smooth to use as the binding agent between coatings.
- Crush the Chips: Place the BBQ-flavored potato chips in a third shallow bowl and crush them into fine crumbs to form the final crispy coating.
- Coat the Chicken Pieces: Dip each chicken piece first into the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, and finally coat it well with the crushed BBQ potato chips. Repeat for all pieces.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Fry the Nuggets: Carefully add the coated chicken nuggets to the hot oil in a single layer, cooking for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Avoid overcrowding the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the nuggets from the skillet with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with BBQ sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Use fresh BBQ-flavored potato chips for the best crunch and flavor.
- Check the internal temperature of chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure safety.
- Oil temperature should be medium heat; too hot will burn coating, too low will make nuggets greasy.
- For a healthier option, you could bake the nuggets at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
