Spiced chicken nuggets

Spicy Chicken Nuggets

How much we love chicken nuggets! These little delights are not just a perfect appetizer, but also a meal loved by the whole family. This time, I decided to add a special touch to the classic recipe by infusing them with flavors that will delight our taste buds. Let's discover together how to prepare these delicious nuggets, seasoned with herbs and spices.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 3 hours
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total: 3 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Necessary ingredients

- 1 chicken breast (approximately 500g), skinless
- 2 large eggs
- 100 ml milk
- 100 g cheese, grated
- 60 g breadcrumbs (ideally with garlic and parsley)
- 40 g all-purpose flour
- For the marinade:
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 fresh basil leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
- Coarse salt, to taste
- Mixed pepper, freshly ground, to taste
- A pinch of chili (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil

Step by step

1. Preparing the chicken: Start by cleaning the chicken breast and cutting it into pieces about 3-4 cm. These sizes are ideal for obtaining juicy nuggets that will cook evenly. Place them in a bowl and set aside.

2. Creating the aromatic marinade: In a mortar or mixing bowl (if you don’t have a mortar, you can use a food processor), add the two garlic cloves, basil leaves, chicken bouillon, salt, pepper, and chili. Mash the ingredients well until you obtain a smooth paste. This marinade will add intense flavor to your nuggets.

3. Marinating the chicken: In another bowl, beat the eggs with the milk. Add the spice paste and mix well. Introduce the chicken pieces into this mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge for about 3 hours. This step is essential for allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat well.

4. Preparing the crust: Once the chicken is marinated, prepare two plates: one with flour and the other with the breadcrumb and grated cheese mixture. Spread the breadcrumbs on the plate so that it is even.

5. Dipping in flour and breadcrumbs: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, allowing the excess to drain. Roll each piece first in flour, then in the breadcrumb and cheese mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.

6. Cooking the nuggets: In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Place the chicken pieces in the pan, leaving enough space between them to cook evenly. Fry them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they turn golden and crispy. Use a spatula to carefully turn them.

7. Finishing and serving: Once the nuggets are cooked, remove them onto a paper towel to absorb the excess oil. If desired, you can sprinkle a little cheese on top for a more appetizing look.

Additional tip

For an even more delicious serving, you can accompany the nuggets with a fresh salad of tomatoes and radishes with a drizzle of olive oil. This combination offers a perfect contrast between the crunchiness of the nuggets and the freshness of the salad.

Nutritional information

These chicken nuggets are an excellent source of protein due to the chicken and eggs. The cheese adds a dose of calcium, while the breadcrumbs and flour contribute carbohydrates. It is a relatively balanced meal, but it is important to be mindful of the amounts of oil used to maintain a moderate calorie content.

Possible variations

- Herb-flavored chicken nuggets: Instead of basil, you can experiment with oregano or thyme.
- Spicy chicken nuggets: Add more chili or a dash of Tabasco sauce to the marinade for a more intense flavor.
- Vegetarian nuggets: Replace the chicken with mushrooms or tofu for a delicious vegetarian option.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use frozen chicken?: Yes, but make sure to completely thaw it before starting the marinating process.
- How should I store the nuggets?: They can be stored in the fridge for 2 days in an airtight container. You can reheat them in the oven for a crispy crust.
- Can I freeze the nuggets?: Yes, you can freeze the raw nuggets before frying them. Make sure to seal them well to avoid freezer burn.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking and enjoy the final result! These spicy chicken nuggets are a perfect choice for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 1 chicken breast 2 eggs 100 ml of milk 100 g cheese 60 g breadcrumbs (I used store-bought with parsley and garlic) 40 g white flour a small sauce from the aromatic ingredients: 2 cloves of garlic 2 basil leaves 1 teaspoon chicken seasoning salt coarse kitchen salt freshly ground mixed pepper a pinch of chili (optional) I made half and half. 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

 Tags:  nuggets