Chicken Nuggets
Tempura-style chicken nuggets — light crispy batter, juicy chicken. Different from breadcrumb-coated version. Japanese-influenced.
Prep Time
13 min
Cook Time
11 min
Servings
6
Calories
186 cal
🛠 Interactive Recipe Tools — Use them right here on this page
Smart Servings Scaler
- Chicken750 g
- Breadcrumbs¾ cup
- Flour3 cups
- Eggs3
- Salt1 ½ tsp
- Black Pepper¾ tsp
- Garlic Powder1 ½
- Oil3 tbsp
All quantities scaled automatically from 6 servings.
Ingredients
Makes 6 servings · Use the Servings Scaler above to adjust
- Chicken750 g
- Breadcrumbs0.75 cup
- Flour3 cups
- Eggs3
- Salt1.5 tsp
- Black Pepper0.75 tsp
- Garlic Powder1.5
- Oil3 tbsp
Instructions
- 1
Cut 1.5 lb chicken thighs into 1-inch chunks. Season with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon soy sauce.
- 2
Make tempura batter: whisk 1 cup flour + ½ cup cornstarch + 1 teaspoon baking powder + ½ teaspoon salt. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of ice-cold sparkling water and 1 beaten egg. Don't overmix — lumps are fine. The batter should be barely combined.
- 3
Heat 3 inches oil to 350°F.
- 4
Dip chicken pieces in batter, letting excess drip back. Carefully add to oil.
- 5
Fry in batches for 4-5 minutes until deep golden and cooked through. The tempura batter creates a light crispy crust.
- 6
Drain on wire rack. Sprinkle with flaky salt. Serve with soy-ginger dipping sauce (soy + grated ginger + rice vinegar + sesame oil) or sweet chili.
Watch how to make Chicken Nuggets
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💡 Expert Tips
- 1.Ice-cold sparkling water. The cold and bubbles create the crispy texture.
- 2.Don't overmix batter. Lumps are correct.
- 3.350°F oil.
- 4.Eat immediately.
🔬 Why It Works
Tempura chicken nuggets succeed with the light airy batter (cold sparkling water + minimal mixing) that creates the lacy crispy texture. Different from breadcrumb-coated nuggets — lighter, more delicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
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4.6
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Nutrition Facts
Per serving (recipe makes 6 servings)
* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are estimates.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (recipe makes 6 servings)
* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are estimates.
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