Crispy Garlic Herb Chicken Nuggets
Transform your mealtime with these Crispy Garlic Herb Chicken Nuggets! Inspired by Jamie Oliver's crumbing technique, this dish offers a delightful blend of crispy texture and rich flavors. Featuring succulent skinless chicken breast, freshly chopped herbs, and a zesty hint of lemon, these nuggets provide a versatile option for any occasion. Whether you choose to bake, fry, or roast, the addition of butter in the crunchy breadcrumb mixture ensures a beautifully golden finish every time. Pair it with a fresh salad or roasted veggies, and serve with a lemon wedge for an extra burst of flavor!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic clove
1 (Peeled)
Lemon
1 (Zested)
Cream or plain crackers (e.g., Jacob's)
6 (Crushed into crumbs)
Butter
2 tablespoons (Softened)
Fresh Italian parsley
4 sprigs (Chopped)
Sea salt
to taste
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste
All-purpose flour
1 tablespoon
Large egg, preferably free-range
1 (Beaten)
Skinless chicken breast fillets, preferably free-range
2
Olive oil
to taste (For frying or baking)
Instructions
1
Begin by prepping your chicken. Peel the garlic clove and zest the lemon, ensuring you capture all the essential oils from the peel for maximum flavor.
2
In a food processor, combine the crackers (or breadcrumbs) with the softened butter, peeled garlic, chopped parsley, lemon zest, sea salt, and black pepper. Process until you achieve a fine, even crumb mixture. Transfer the crumbs onto a plate for coating your chicken.
3
On a separate plate, sprinkle the all-purpose flour. In a small bowl, crack and beat the large egg until well mixed.
4
Score the underside of the chicken breasts lightly to help them cook evenly. Cover each breast with a square of plastic wrap and pound gently with the bottom of a pan until they are slightly flattened (this will ensure they cook evenly and remain juicy).
5
Coat each chicken breast first by dipping in the flour, making sure each side is completely covered. Follow this by dipping in the beaten egg to create a binding layer, and finally, thoroughly coat each breast with the prepared garlic-herb crumb mixture. Press the crumbs onto the meat firmly to guarantee they adhere.
6
For cooking, you have two options: baking or frying. If baking, preheat your oven to a high temperature (475°F/245°C). Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes or until golden and cooked through. If frying, heat a generous amount of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until crispy and golden brown.
7
Serve your crispy nuggets whole or slice them into strips. Accompany with lemon wedges for squeezing, a sprinkle of sea salt, and perhaps a side of fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a delightful and complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Crispy Garlic Herb Chicken Nuggets.
What inspired the crumbing technique in this recipe?
The crumbing technique is inspired by Jamie Oliver.
How many chicken breasts are needed?
You will need 2 skinless chicken breast fillets, preferably free-range.
What type of crackers should I use for the breading?
You can use 6 cream or plain crackers, such as Jacob's.
Why is butter included in the breadcrumb mixture?
Softened butter is added to the crumbs to ensure a beautifully golden and crunchy finish.
How do I prepare the garlic for the crumbs?
Peel one garlic clove and process it in a food processor with the other crumb ingredients.
What is the purpose of zesting the lemon?
Zesting captures the essential oils from the peel to provide maximum flavor and a zesty hint.
What herbs are used in the coating?
The recipe calls for 4 sprigs of fresh Italian parsley, chopped.
What are the two ways I can cook these nuggets?
You can either bake them in the oven or fry them in a pan.
What temperature should the oven be for baking?
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) for baking the chicken.
How long does it take to bake the chicken?
Baking takes approximately 15 minutes or until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
How do I fry the chicken nuggets?
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side.
Why should I score the underside of the chicken?
Scoring the underside helps the chicken breasts cook more evenly.
Why do I need to pound the chicken?
Pounding the chicken slightly flattened ensures it cooks evenly while remaining juicy.
How can I pound the chicken without making a mess?
Cover the chicken with a square of plastic wrap before gently pounding it with the bottom of a pan.
What is the order of the coating process?
First coat the chicken in flour, then dip it in beaten egg, and finally coat it with the crumb mixture.
How do I ensure the crumbs stick to the chicken?
Press the crumb mixture onto the meat firmly during the final coating step.
Can I use breadcrumbs if I don't have crackers?
Yes, breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute for crushed crackers in the food processor.
What seasoning is used for the crumbs?
The mixture is seasoned with sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
What should I serve with the chicken nuggets?
They are best served with lemon wedges, a sprinkle of sea salt, and a side of fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
Do I need a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is used to combine the crackers, butter, garlic, parsley, and zest into a fine crumb.
What type of flour is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour.
Is there a specific oil recommended for frying?
Olive oil is recommended for both frying and as an option for baking.
How should the egg be prepared?
One large egg should be cracked into a small bowl and beaten until well mixed.
Can I slice the nuggets before serving?
Yes, you can serve them whole or slice them into strips.
What is the texture of the finished chicken?
The chicken is crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside.
What is the first step in prepping the chicken?
The first step is peeling the garlic and zesting the lemon to prepare the flavoring elements.
How much butter is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of softened butter.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a versatile option for any occasion and a great family meal.