Get ready to revolutionize your chicken game with these mind-blowing Oven Baked Dill Pickle Chicken Nuggets that will make your taste buds dance! Imagine crispy, golden-brown nuggets infused with tangy dill pickle flavor, baked to perfection without the guilt of deep-frying. This isn't just another chicken recipe - it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary chicken breast into an extraordinary meal that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into nuggets
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by cutting chicken breast into bite-sized nugget pieces, ensuring they are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
- In a medium bowl, pour the dill pickle juice and submerge chicken nuggets. Allow to marinate for 30 minutes in the refrigerator to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Create a three-station breading setup: In the first dish, place flour seasoned with salt and pepper. In the second dish, beat the egg. In the third dish, spread out the breadcrumbs.
- Remove chicken from pickle juice and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Dredge each chicken nugget first in seasoned flour, then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure even coverage.
- Arrange breaded nuggets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece to ensure crispy edges.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, honey mustard, or additional pickle-based dip.
Tips
- • For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken in pickle juice for the full 30 minutes - this tenderizes the meat and adds incredible tanginess. • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F for perfect food safety and juiciness. • Pat chicken completely dry before breading to achieve the crispiest exterior. • Space nuggets evenly on the baking sheet to allow hot air circulation and prevent soggy spots. • For extra crunch, consider adding a tablespoon of grated Parmesan to your breadcrumb mixture. • Let nuggets rest after baking to redistribute juices and maintain maximum tenderness. • Experiment with different pickle juice varieties for subtle flavor variations.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 243kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
