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Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large (1.25 pounds) boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into small, even 1/2-inch cubes
- 3/4 cup milk whole preferred
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 large egg
- 1–1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
- 3/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 3 cups peanut oil
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons mayo full-fat (best foods)
- 1–1/2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 large lemon
- 1–1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon honey bbq sauce like sweet baby rays
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into small, even 1/2-inch cubes.
- In a bowl, whisk the milk and vinegar together, letting it sit for 5 minutes. Add the egg and salt, whisking until smooth. Then, add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours.
- In a large shallow bowl, combine all breading ingredients. Set aside 3 tablespoons of the marinade and drizzle it over the flour mixture. Mix using your fingers until small clumps form.
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat peanut oil over medium-high to 350°F, monitoring the temperature closely. Prepare a plate lined with paper towels to drain the chicken.
- Using tongs, transfer the chicken from the marinade to the breading, scattering it across the surface. Gently toss to coat, then press the flour mixture onto the chicken to create craggy pieces, shaking off any excess.
- Carefully lower the chicken into the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, stirring halfway to separate pieces.
- Use a metal strainer or slotted spoon to remove the chicken and let it drain on paper towels. Lightly sprinkle with salt if desired and serve immediately with the sauce.
- For the sauce, whisk mayo, mustard, honey, and BBQ sauce in a small bowl. Add lemon juice and season with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste.
Notes
For even juicier nuggets, marinate the chicken for longer if time allows.
Ensure your oil is at the right temperature to achieve a crispy coating without burning.
Serve with a side of your favorite dipping sauce for an extra flavor boost.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 110 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 965mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg