Grilled Chicken Nuggets (Restaurant Copycat)

⏱️ 35 minutes👥 4 servings servings❤️ Taste: 10/10
Grilled Chicken Nuggets (Restaurant Copycat)

Nutrition Facts

Calories
385
Protein
42g
Carbs
24g
Fiber
1g

Health Benefits

Gut Health5/10
Anti-Inflammatory6/10
Blood Sugar Control6/10

Ingredients

  • •- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • •- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • •- ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • •- 2 large eggs
  • •- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • •- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • •- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • •- ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • •- ½ teaspoon paprika
  • •- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • •- Cooking spray for grill grates

Instructions

  1. 1Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound to an even ¼-inch thickness using a meat mallet, working from the center outward until uniformly flat.
  2. 2Pat chicken completely dry with paper towels to ensure optimal coating adhesion. Cut the flattened chicken into nugget-sized pieces, approximately 2 to 3 inches each.
  3. 3Set up your three-station breading assembly line. Place flour in the first shallow dish. Crack eggs into the second shallow dish and whisk thoroughly until completely blended. Combine panko breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in the third shallow dish, mixing well to distribute seasonings evenly throughout.
  4. 4Dredge each chicken piece first in flour, shaking off excess coating. Dip into beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip back into the dish. Press firmly into the seasoned panko mixture, coating all sides and pressing to ensure breadcrumbs adhere securely.
  5. 5Arrange breaded nuggets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate uncovered for 20 minutes to set the coating and prevent it from sliding off during grilling.
  6. 6Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, targeting 375-400°F. Oil the grill grates generously with cooking spray or brush with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
  7. 7Brush each chilled nugget lightly with vegetable oil on both sides. Place nuggets directly on the preheated grill grates, leaving space between each piece for even heat circulation.
  8. 8Grill without moving for 4 to 5 minutes until you see distinct grill marks and a golden-brown crust forms. Flip carefully using tongs and grill the second side for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until the coating is crispy and golden.
  9. 9Check internal temperature with an instant-read meat thermometer, ensuring it reaches 165°F at the thickest part. Remove from grill immediately once cooked through.
  10. 10Rest nuggets for 2 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, maintaining maximum tenderness.