Introduction:
The holiday season is all about indulgence, comfort, and sharing memorable moments with family and friends. What better way to bring people together than with a deliciously irresistible snack? Enter the Christmas Crispy Nuggets—small, golden bites of joy that are perfect for any festive gathering. With a crunchy exterior and tender, flavorful center, these nuggets are bound to disappear in minutes, leaving everyone asking for more. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply enjoying a cozy meal at home, these crispy nuggets are the perfect crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
500g (1 lb) chicken breast (or thighs, if preferred), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 large eggs
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika (for a hint of smokiness)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Optional for dipping sauce:
1/2 cup honey
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions:
Prepare the Breading Station:
Set up a breading station by placing three shallow dishes in a row. In the first dish, add the flour, salt, and pepper. In the second dish, whisk the eggs until smooth. In the third dish, mix together the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Coat the Chicken:
Take each chicken piece and coat it in the flour mixture, making sure it’s evenly covered. Next, dip it in the beaten eggs and then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Press down lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well.
Fry the Nuggets:
Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. You’ll need enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan but not submerge the nuggets. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken pieces, cooking them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Fry the nuggets for about 4-5 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serve:
Serve the Christmas Crispy Nuggets hot and crispy! For an added festive touch, drizzle the nuggets with a simple honey-mustard dipping sauce or serve it on the side. The sweet and tangy sauce pairs perfectly with the savory crunch of the nuggets.
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Serving Ideas:
Serve your crispy nuggets as an appetizer at your holiday party alongside a selection of other finger foods. They also make a fantastic main dish when paired with a light salad or roasted vegetables.
To keep the festive vibe, you can arrange the nuggets in the shape of a Christmas tree or serve them in cute, decorative bowls for a fun presentation.
Storing Leftovers:
If you have leftovers, allow the nuggets to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Freezing:
the rest on next page
ADVERTISEMENT
