KFC Chicken Nuggets Copycat Recipe

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When I hear the phrase, “It’s finger-licking good,” I am instantly reminded of KFC’s world-famous, juicy fried chicken. However, my favorite item on their menu is their Chicken Nuggets, and here I am sharing my attempt at making them at home.

I began experimenting with KFC-style recipes at home. It took a few tries to get it just right, but soon, I perfected it. Now, my KFC-style fried Chicken Nuggets have become a hit among my family and friends for all gatherings.

Therefore, I would like you to get the same flavorful KFC hit at home. With just a few easy steps and ingredients, you, too, can enjoy these ‘finger-licking good’ nuggets at home.

What's In The Post

Equipments Required

Medium-Sized Bowl: I usually suggest a medium bowl, but a large one works fine if that’s your preference.
Knife: Using a sharp knife is my top recommendation for ensuring precise cuts of chicken.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: These two tools are my go-to for ensuring precise ingredient measurements.
Perforated Spoon: I use this tool to remove excess oil as I lift the chicken pieces out of the frying pot.
Heavy Bottom Frying Pot: I use a heavy-bottomed pot to fry the chicken.
A Plate or Wire Rack: Using a wire rack is a great way to keep your coated chicken before frying and remove any extra coating.

KFC Chicken Nuggets Ingredients & Substitutions

Note: The ingredients listed below are enough to make 3 portions of KFC Chicken Nuggets.

For Marinating:

300 Grams Boneless Chicken Breasts, cut into 2-inch cubes. For more succulent nuggets, I recommend using chicken thighs.
5 Tablespoons Buttermilk: Combining milk with yogurt can help you achieve a taste and texture similar to buttermilk.
2 Teaspoons of Salt: I use regular salt, but for a milder salt concentration, you can try using kosher salt
.2½ Teaspoons Black Pepper Powder: For a milder flavor, I recommend white pepper powder; chili powder adds a spicier kick.

For Coating:

4 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour: Opt for wheat flour, almond flour, or rice flour if you want a healthier alternative.
2 Whole Eggs
½ Cup Whole Wheat Bread Crumbs: I also use panko for an extra crunchy coating.
¼ Cup Corn Flakes: For a flaky texture, you can also use crushed tortilla chips or crackers.
1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano: I usually include marjoram as a suitable option for oregano with a mild, sweet flavor.
1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder: If you want a bolder garlic punch, mix in some crushed dried garlic or garlic oil.
1 Teaspoon Onion Powder: I also use leek powder or shallot powder for the same onion-like flavor.
½ Teaspoon Paprika Powder: You can use chili powder or chili sauce for a vibrant red color and a spicy kick.
3-4 Cups of Vegetable Oil: To deep-fry the chicken, I also suggest using canola oil, which has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point.

Preparation And Cooking Time

Preparation Time	Resting Time	Cooking Time	Total Time
10 Minutes	1 Hour	30 Minutes	1 Hour 40 Minutes

How To Make KFC Chicken Nuggets At Home

Step 1

Add the chicken cubes to a bowl and pour buttermilk all over them.

Step 2

Next, season the chicken with salt and pepper.

Step 3

Marinate the chicken for at least one hour to let the flavors of the buttermilk and seasonings seep in.

Step 4

Now, transfer the flour to a separate bowl.

Step 5

Then, whisk the eggs in a different bowl and set aside.

Step 6

In a tray, blend the cornflakes and breadcrumbs, then add the garlic and onion powder.

Step 7

Season the breadcrumbs with salt and pepper.

Step 8

Next, sprinkle paprika and oregano into the tray with the breadcrumb mixture.

Step 9

Begin by coating the marinated chicken in flour, then dip it in beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the mixture of breadcrumbs and cornflakes.

Step 10

Place the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack.

Step 11

Finally, fry the chicken in hot oil until golden brown and crispy; remove with a perforated spoon to shake off excess oil.

Step 12

Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

KFC Chicken Nuggets Recipe Video

Expert Tips That I Recommend

A proper marination ensures the chicken becomes tender and juicy while amplifying the flavors of the ingredients. I suggest marinating the chicken for 1 hour, or at least 3-4 hours if you have the time.
Feel free to enhance your coating with not only onion and garlic powder but also additional ingredients like dried thyme or basil, and a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg powder.
To ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption, I use a fork to poke the chicken meat before marinating.
Ensure the oil temperature stays between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the frying process for even cooking.
I recommend double-dredging the chicken pieces in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs for an extra-crispy coating.
I always rest the chicken for 10-15 minutes before frying to ensure that the breading sticks properly.

FAQs About KFC Chicken Nuggets Recipe

How can you prevent the chicken from becoming too browned or burnt?

For the best results, cook the chicken in batches at a medium temperature, and make sure to monitor the oil temperature to prevent burning.

How can I prevent the coating on the Chicken Nuggets from getting soggy?

Cooking at a low temperature can cause the breadcrumb coating to absorb too much oil, making it soggy. Hence, fry the chicken in batches at medium heat, frequently checking its texture and crispiness.

What can be done to avoid unevenly fried Chicken Nuggets?

Overcoating and frying the chicken at high temperatures can lead to a burnt coating and leave the chicken inside raw. To prevent this, avoid overcoating and monitor the oil temperature closely.

How can you prevent the breading from falling off the chicken?

To prevent the breading from coming off, dip the chicken pieces twice in the egg wash. This helps the crumbs adhere properly and reduces the chance of them falling off during frying.

What methods can help remove excess grease?

To remove excess grease before serving, place the fried nuggets on a wire rack or on paper towels.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

KFC Chicken Nuggets are not very healthy. Due to deep frying, they have a high fat and calorie content. Hence, it is best to enjoy them in moderation.

Calories	321 kcal
Carbohydrates	30 g
Protein	33 g
Fat	7 g
Cholesterol	169 mg
Sodium	1319 mg
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	2 g

KFC Chicken Nuggets are perfect for people on a low-sugar diet. However, those on ketogenic, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, or low-fat diets may have to make some variations to the recipe for it to be suitable.

Recipe Variations For Different Diets

Dairy-Free Diet: For a dairy-free option, I recommend replacing buttermilk with almond milk or soy milk during the marinating process.
Ketogenic Diet: I recommend following the same option as mentioned for a dairy-free diet. Moreover, you need to replace the breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour with ketogenic breadcrumbs and almond flour.
Low-Fat Diet: To make this recipe lower in fat, I suggest using an air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes instead of deep-frying, which eliminates the need for oil. You can also replace buttermilk with hemp milk for a reduced-fat option.
Gluten-Free Diet: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free flour or cornmeal in place of all-purpose flour, and choose quinoa flakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of traditional breadcrumbs.

Storing And Reheating This Recipe

Storing

In the refrigerator: To keep leftover chicken nuggets fresh for 5 days, I always store them in an airtight container or a sealed zip-lock bag.
In the freezer: Sometimes I store leftover nuggets there for a longer period. I just transfer them to an airtight container or zip-lock bag and store them in the freezer, where they stay fresh for about one month.

Reheating

Stove-top method: Heat a frying pan and shallow-fry the nuggets at a low flame with minimal oil for 3-5 minutes, or until they turn a little crispy.
In the Oven: I always grease the baking tray with oil, transfer the chicken nuggets by spraying them with cooking spray, and place them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes.
In the Airfryer: Place your leftover nuggets in an air fryer basket and spray them with cooking oil. Allow them to reheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-10 minutes until they are hot and crispy.

What To Serve With This Recipe

I love eating my nuggets independently, but I have included some side and sauce recommendations for those who want to try something different.

Some sauces that go great with nuggets are Spicy Mayonnaise, Chimichurri, and Garlic Parmesan Sauce. These flavorful sauces are always a great side for the nuggets.

Printable Version

More KFC Recipes That You Can Try

KFC Copycat Chicken Tenders — KFC Chicken Tenders

Chicken Drumsticks KFC Recipe — KFC Chicken Tenders

Conclusion

The KFC Chicken Nuggets recipe is a real treat for the taste buds. It offers a delightful mix of a crunchy exterior and juicy meat, making it absolutely tempting. The best part? It’s quick and simple to make and ready in no time.

I recommend ensuring the KFC Chicken Nuggets are well-coated with breading and batter to avoid issues during frying. After you try this recipe, you’ll probably make these KFC nuggets at home as often as I do!

So, enjoy this delicious recipe and share your feedback. I’ll have another recipe for you soon. Until then, happy cooking!