Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate crowd-pleaser: the Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets Recipe. These golden, crunchy bites are packed with bold flavors from BBQ-flavored potato chips and a mix of spices that give every nugget a smoky, savory punch. Perfect for game day, a family dinner, or an irresistible snack, this recipe blends crispy texture with juicy chicken inside, making it a guaranteed hit. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, you’ll appreciate how simple yet amazingly tasty these nuggets are.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets Recipe are straightforward but crucial to achieving that perfect balance of flavor and crunch. Each component plays a special role, from tender chicken to the smoky seasonings and the unexpectedly fabulous BBQ chip crust.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, they ensure juicy and tender nuggets every time.
- BBQ-flavored potato chips: Crushed to form an extra crispy, flavorful coating that elevates classic nuggets.
- All-purpose flour: Acts as the first layer of coating to help the egg and chips stick beautifully.
- Eggs: Beaten, they serve as a sticky binder holding the crunchy coating to the chicken.
- Garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory note complementing the BBQ flavor.
- Onion powder: Brings depth and a touch of sweetness to the seasoning mix.
- Smoked paprika: Enhances the smoky vibe, perfectly marrying with the BBQ chips.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors in each bite.
- Olive oil: Used for frying, it adds a subtle richness and helps crisp the nuggets up.
- BBQ sauce: The ideal dipping partner, boosting sauce lovers’ enjoyment with extra tangy sweetness.
How to Make Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Coatings
Start by setting up your flavor stations. In a shallow bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This seasoned flour creates a flavorful base layer for the coating process that clings to each piece of chicken.
Step 2: Beat the Eggs
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. This step might sound simple, but the eggs are the glue that helps the BBQ chip coating stick firmly, turning each bite into a delightful crunchy treat.
Step 3: Crush the BBQ Chips
Place the BBQ-flavored potato chips in a third bowl and crush them into finer crumbs. Not too powdery—keep some texture intact—so the coating crisps up beautifully when fried, delivering that signature BBQ chip crunch.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Pieces
Now for the fun part—dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour first, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally press it firmly into the crushed BBQ chips. This triple-layer coating ensures each nugget is packed with both flavor and crunch.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden and Crisp
Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once shimmering, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Fry for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage will have you reaching for a nugget before they even hit the plate.
Step 6: Drain and Rest
Remove the nuggets from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil. This little step helps keep them crisp without feeling greasy.
How to Serve Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances the smoky, crispy nuggets beautifully. For a bit of heat, offer some sliced jalapeños on the side.
Side Dishes
Serve these nuggets alongside creamy coleslaw or a fresh garden salad to lighten up the plate. Crispy fries or sweet potato wedges make a perfect pairing, while a simple corn on the cob brings a sweet contrast to the bold BBQ flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these nuggets into finger food by skewering them with some colorful veggie sticks for parties. Or create a dipping platter featuring a variety of sauces—ranch, honey mustard, and classic BBQ—letting everyone customize their bites. You can even turn them into sliders with mini buns, lettuce, and a dollop of BBQ sauce for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep them as crispy as when freshly made, place a paper towel underneath to absorb moisture.
Freezing
These nuggets freeze beautifully! Flash freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They stay fresh for up to two months and are awesome to keep on hand for a last-minute snack or quick meal.
Reheating
Reheat your stored nuggets in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that fantastic crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chips for this recipe?
Absolutely! While BBQ-flavored chips add a smoky sweetness, you can try other savory chip flavors like sour cream and onion or even plain salted chips for different taste profiles. Just be sure to crush them finely enough for an even coating.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely! These nuggets have a familiar, kid-friendly appeal with a delicious twist that adults will love too. Just check for any spice sensitivity with the smoked paprika and seasonings.
Can I bake the nuggets instead of frying?
Yes, baking is an option if you prefer less oil. Place the coated nuggets on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as frying but still tasty and satisfying.
How do I make sure the chicken is cooked all the way through?
Cutting the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces ensures even cooking. Frying over medium heat and cooking for 3–4 minutes per side usually does the trick. If unsure, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great choice if you prefer juicier nuggets. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through compared to breasts.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets Recipe that makes it irresistible every time you make it. The crunchy crust, smoky spices, and tender chicken come together in a perfect harmony that everyone will rave about. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and bring this fun and flavorful dish to your table—you won’t regret it!
Print
Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets are crispy, flavorful bites of chicken coated in a seasoned flour mixture, dipped in egg, and then crusted with crushed BBQ-flavored potato chips, fried to golden perfection. Served with BBQ sauce for dipping, these nuggets offer a delightful twist on a classic favorite with a smoky, tangy crunch.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Breading
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups BBQ-flavored potato chips, crushed
For Cooking and Serving
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
- BBQ sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Prepare the coatings: In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper thoroughly to create the seasoned flour mixture.
- Beat the eggs: In a second shallow bowl, beat the two large eggs well to ensure an even coating for the chicken pieces.
- Prepare the BBQ chip crust: Place the crushed BBQ-flavored potato chips in a third shallow bowl, ensuring the chips are crushed into small pieces for effective breading.
- Coat the chicken pieces: Take each chicken piece and first dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the crushed BBQ potato chips, making sure each piece is well coated with the chips.
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
- Fry the nuggets: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary. Fry each side for about 3 to 4 minutes or until the coating is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Drain and serve: Remove the nuggets with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm with BBQ sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure chicken pieces are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
- You can bake the nuggets at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes as a healthier alternative.
- For extra crispness, double dip the chicken by repeating the egg and chip coating steps.
- Use gluten-free flour if you want to make this recipe gluten free.
