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Hot Honey Chicken Nuggets

Hot Honey Chicken Nuggets

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  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Hot Honey Chicken Nuggets are crispy, golden-fried bite-size pieces of chicken breast marinated in a tangy buttermilk and pickle juice mixture, then coated in a seasoned flour blend and finished with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. These restaurant-quality nuggets use a double-fry technique to achieve maximum crispiness while keeping the interior tender and juicy, making them perfect for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cut into small bite-size pieces
  • 0.75 cup buttermilk, creates a tender coating
  • 0.5 cup pickle juice, adds tangy flavor and helps tenderize
  • 1.5 tablespoons hot sauce, for the marinade, adjust to your heat preference
  • 1 teaspoon salt, for the marinade
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, for the marinade
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder, for the marinade
  • 1 teaspoon paprika, for the marinade
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour, for the coating
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch, creates extra crispiness
  • 1 teaspoon salt, for the coating
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, for the coating
  • 1 teaspoon paprika, for the coating
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder, for the coating
  • oil for frying, vegetable or peanut oil works best
  • 0.5 cup honey, pure honey for best results
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons hot sauce, for the glaze, adjust based on desired heat level
  • 2 tablespoons butter, for richness and emulsion

Instructions

  1. Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, pickle juice, hot sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Whisk until well combined.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the bite-size chicken pieces to the marinade and coat thoroughly, ensuring each piece is well covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the most tender and flavorful results.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. This mixture will cling to the marinated chicken and create that signature crunch.
  4. Prepare for Coating: Set the flour mixture within easy reach of your work station, as you will be moving quickly once you start coating.
  5. Coat in Flour: Remove chicken pieces directly from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off, and immediately coat each piece in the flour mixture. Press the coating firmly onto the chicken so it adheres well and creates a textured crust. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  6. First Rest: Arrange the coated nuggets on a plate or baking sheet and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the coating to set and adhere better before frying.
  7. Heat the Oil: Pour oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet and heat to 340 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a thermometer to ensure accurate temperature for best results.
  8. First Fry: Working in batches to avoid crowding the pan, carefully add coated nuggets to the hot oil and fry for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly golden. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this lowers oil temperature and results in greasy nuggets. Use a slotted spoon to remove nuggets and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
  9. Rest Between Fries: Allow the nuggets to rest for 2 to 3 minutes after the first fry. This lets the interior cook through while the exterior remains light.
  10. Second Fry: Increase oil temperature slightly if needed and return nuggets to the oil for a second fry of 2 to 3 minutes until they achieve a deep golden-brown color and crispy exterior. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on fresh paper towels.
  11. Warm Ingredients: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, and butter. Stir constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until the butter melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and pourable.
  12. Adjust Spice Level: Taste the sauce and add more hot sauce if you prefer extra heat, or more honey if you want it sweeter. Remember that the heat intensifies slightly as it sits.
  13. Keep Warm: Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl and keep it warm while you finish the last batch of nuggets.
  14. Combine Nuggets and Sauce: Transfer the warm fried nuggets to a large bowl and drizzle with the hot honey sauce. Toss gently until all nuggets are evenly coated with the sweet and spicy glaze.
  15. Plate and Serve: Arrange the hot honey chicken nuggets on a serving platter and drizzle any remaining sauce over the top.
  16. Add Dipping Sauce: Serve alongside ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce to balance the heat and sweetness of the hot honey.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

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Find it online: https://ladysavor.com/hot-honey-chicken-nuggets/