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Easy Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Nuggets

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These Easy Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Nuggets are the perfect balance of sweet, sticky heat and ultra-crunchy texture. Made with simple ingredients and ready in about 30 minutes, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or game day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons milk or buttermilk
  • Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • 2–3 tablespoons hot sauce
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized, 1-inch cubes. Pat very dry with paper towels. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. Set Up Your Breading Station: In one shallow bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. In a second shallow bowl, whisk eggs and milk (or buttermilk) until smooth.
  3. Bread the Chicken: Working in batches, dredge chicken pieces first in flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip into egg wash, letting extra drip off. Return to flour mixture for a second coating, pressing firmly. Place breaded nuggets on a plate or wire rack.
  4. Heat the Oil: Pour about 1 ½ inches of oil into a large skillet or Dutch oven. Heat over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Fry the Nuggets: Carefully add breaded chicken to hot oil in a single layer, without overcrowding. Fry for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Drain: Transfer cooked nuggets to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let rest for a minute or two.
  7. Make the Hot Honey Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes. Warm over low heat, stirring until butter is melted and sauce is smooth. Do not let it boil.
  8. Glaze and Serve: Place hot nuggets in a large mixing bowl. Pour warm glaze over top and toss gently until every nugget is coated. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra crispiness, don’t skip the cornstarch and double-dredge technique. Glaze the nuggets right before serving to maintain crunch. If using a gluten-free flour blend, it works perfectly as a substitute. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in an air fryer or oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot honey chicken nuggets, crispy chicken nuggets, easy chicken nuggets, sweet and spicy chicken, game day appetizer, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://nadinetable.com/easy-crispy-hot-honey-chicken-nuggets/