Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (See NOTES 1 for substitutes)
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons chicken bone broth (See NOTES 2 for substitutes)
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (See NOTES 3 for substitutes)
- 3/4 teaspoons of garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoons of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 batch of made homemade beer batter or store-bought [for crust] 1/2 cup mix + 7tbl water/beer
- Peanut oil [for frying]
Instructions
THE NUGGETS
- In a medium-small bowl, combine the ground chicken panko breadcrumbs, chicken bone broth, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture achieves a smooth, thick paste-like consistency.
- Alternatively, use a food processor to grind the chicken breasts with the panko breadcrumbs, chicken bone broth, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined and the mixture has a smooth, thick paste-like consistency.
- Using a 1 Tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the meat mixture and arrange the scoops on a baking sheet or plate. Once all are scooped, dip your hands in water and gently shape each portion into a flattened nugget form of your choice, then set aside on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Repeat until all of the chicken mixture has been shaped into nuggets.
- Chill them in the freezer for about 5-10 minutes (roughly the time it should take you to prepare the beer batter).
- Make the homemade beer batter (or store bought)
- When ready to fry, fill a frying pan to about ¼ to ½ inch deep with oil. Heat the oil to medium-high until it shimmers (or when it reaches 350°F).
- Using a fork, carefully dip the chilled chicken nuggets into the beer batter, ensuring they are completely covered.
- Gently lower 3 to 4 of the chilled nuggets into the hot oil. Allow the nuggets to cook for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once to ensure all sides are cooked and turn golden brown. Transfer them to a towel-lined plate or a cooling rack lined on a baking sheet to drain and cool.
- Serve the nuggets warm with your favorite dipping sauces:
THE BATTER
Make the beer batter according to the directions.
Equipment

Le Creuset 6.75 qt. Enameled Cast Iron
Buy Now →
Mora Ceramics Small Mixing Bowls Set of 2 – 2.5 & 1.6 Qt (Vanilla White)
Buy Now →
Stainless Steel Baking Sheet Set with Silicone Mats and Cooling Racks (Set of 9)
Buy Now →
Swify Spider Strainer (Set of 3)
Buy Now →Notes
SUBSTITUTIONS
- 1:1 ratio Panko to Plain Breadcrumbs can be used.
- 1:1 ratio chicken bone broth to Vegetable Broth (Use Code: JENNSMITH15 to 15% off at Gourmend)
- 1:1 ratio boneless skinless chicken breast to ground chicken
STORAGE
- Store chicken nuggets in the fridge for 4 days. To reheat, preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 10-15 minutes until crispy and heated.
- Cooked nuggets can be frozen for 3 months. Reheat at 400°F for 18-20 minutes until crispy and heated.
- Uncoated, raw nuggets can be frozen for 3 months. Defrost in the fridge before frying. Follow frying instructions (#3-8 in cooking instructions)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Freezing Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: lunch, dinner, moderate recipe
- Method: frying
- Cuisine: American