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There is something about spicy chicken nuggets that even the thought of it makes us hungry. It’s probably the crunchy and crispy coating surrounding soft, tender, and juicy chicken pieces, forming the most delectable dish for our taste buds that gets us obsessed.
For me, the best chicken nuggets are always delightfully spicy. The crisp exterior works best with various herbs and spices forming a hot, flaming coating over succulent chicken pieces.
I have heard about Wendy’s chicken nuggets, KFC chicken nuggets, as well as McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets. My city has the latter two brands and I can confirm that their nuggets are pretty flavorful! But sometimes, they are can be a tad bit soggy, for my taste.
So that is why I am sharing my quick and easy spicy chicken nuggets recipe so you can make some fiery snacks at home. These are healthier than your frozen or fast-food joint nuggets.
Which Meat Cuts Are Best for Chicken Nuggets?
Typically chicken breast, tenderloin, and rib areas are best for nuggets. The meat sourced from these parts is juicier, more succulent, and perfect for these bite-sized wonders.
In my opinion, chicken thighs have more tender meat, while chicken breast pieces, when cut into smaller chunks, are best for nugget marination.
On the contrary, chicken leg pieces are chewy and not the best bits to use for spicy nuggets.
Ideally, many parts of a chicken are used to make nugget pieces. Hence when I cannot find the best portions to cut up into bite-sized chunks, I opt for minced meat for my spicy chicken nuggets recipe.
Can You Cook Chicken Nuggets in an Air Fryer?
Absolutely! If you own one and know how to cook chicken nuggets in air fryer, your chicken bits will need less oil to be just as delicious.
For starters, air frying needs less oil to cook chicken nuggets than deep frying. This means you can enjoy these juicy, tender, and spicy chicken snacks without guilt.
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However, I cannot say they have the same taste and texture as deep-fried food. For example, your chicken pieces will form a crunchy coating in the air fryer, but they will not be crispy and flaky.
On the flip side, air-fried chicken nuggets hold 70% to 80% fewer calories than deep-fried ones. So, in my opinion, if you like having spicy chicken nuggets daily, air frying is healthier.
But if you love to make these snacks for game meets or for close friends, I recommend deep frying them for a perfectly crunchy and golden-brown finish.
Vegan Alternative for Spicy Chicken Nuggets
If you follow a strict vegan meal plan, I have an equally tasty suggestion for you! Instead of chicken, use some silken tofu as the nugget filling. The firm pieces absorb all the spicy flavors and create juicy, crunchy, and super flavorful nuggets.
I love experimenting with tofu recipes and can guarantee that fried tofu has a diverse profile, depending on the ingredients you add. So do try my recipe with tofu and share your experience!
My Spicy Chicken Nuggets Recipe
I love taking bits from various blogs and YouTube videos to create my recipes. And one notable mention for this spicy chicken nuggets recipe is You Suck At Cooking.
I love their video, and the flow of prep and cooking is so entertaining. Moreover, I am using their suggestion to use bread slices as a binding agent, as it works so perfectly.
Step 1: Make Your Binder Agent
Take some white bread slices and cut off their sides. Up next, tear them apart and throw them in a food processor. Pulse the pieces five to six times till you have a somewhat powdery crumb base.
Keep it aside, as you will need this soon!
Step 2: Blend Spices for Your Minced Chicken
Add your spices to the minced chicken and blend them well. I suggest using a lot of spices for these nuggets, as they bring out a robust heat with each bite! Of course, always use contrasting spices that make the taste enjoyable.
These include:
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Chilli powder
- Chilli flakes
- Cumin powder
- Mustard powder
Step 3: Mix Spices With Minced Chickens
Once your spice mix is ready, add it to the minced chicken and blend them. You can use a fork or just your hands, whichever is comfortable.
Do not shy away from using too much spice. It helps to enhance the taste after you fry these nuggets.
Step 4: Fold in Your Bread Binding
After your spice is all mixed in, it is time to introduce the bread binding. I recommend adding the pulsed bread in small batches to avoid a stiff minced meat filling.
Add around 2 tablespoons each time, and use a fork or your food processor to mix everything in. Once you reach a semi-still consistency, your nugget filling is ready.
Step 5: Flatten and Piece Out the Nuggets
Next up, rub some oil over a cutting board, and also mix oil to your nugget filling.
Put the mince over your cutting board and divide them into individual chunks. Take each piece in your hand and use both palms to shape them into nuggets.
Step 6: Coat Your Nuggets With Egg and Breadcrumb
Whisk two eggs and add your breadcrumbs to another bowl. Now coat each raw spicy chicken nugget with whisked egg and breadcrumbs. Pat them slightly to dust off the excess crumbs and place them on a plate.
Step 7: Fry Your Spicy Chicken Nuggets
Pour some oil into a pan to deep fry the nuggets, and crank the heat to medium-high. Once the oil is bubbling, place your chicken nuggets one by one.
I recommend cooking them in multiple batches, so they do not stick to each other while frying. Fry each side for about 2 minutes and flip till the nuggets are crispy and golden brown.
You can now enjoy some crunchy spicy chicken nuggets with any dips of your choice! Since you used breadcrumbs without any cornstarch or flour, these spicy nuggets will stay crunchy, crispy, and snappy for longer.
I hope you enjoy this recipe, and if you have any feedback or suggestions, do leave your comments below!
Spicy chicken nuggets
Crispy and hot nuggets, coating the juicy and fresh spicy chicken underneath, a snack for the best days!
- Plates
- cutting board
- Forks
- Spoon
- Non-stick pan
- Tongs
- Kitchen knife
- Induction or regular stove
- 2 Pieces White Bread
- 250 Grams Minced Chicken
- 1 Tsp Onion Powder
- 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 Tsp Salt
- 1 Tsp Pepper
- 1 Tsp Chilli Powder
- 1 Tsp Chilli Flakes
- 1 Tsp Cumin Powder
- 1 Tsp Mustard Powder
- 30 Ml Cooking Oil
- 2 Units Large Eggs
- 50 Grams Breadcrumbs
Take some bread slices and cut up the sides
Put the white parts into a processor and pulse till crumbled. Keep aside
Add your spice mix to the minced meat in a bowl, and blend
Next, add the crumbled bread powder to the meat and fold
Add some oil to the chicken and to a cutting board surface
Place the chicken filling on the board and flatten out the minced meat
Cut out chunks to shape into nuggets
Use your palms and fingers to shape each chunk into a small spicy chicken nuggets
Coat each nugget piece in egg and dried breadcrumbs
Deep fry till golden brown and serve hot!
