Wendy's Crispy Chicken Nuggets feature tender, juicy chicken pieces coated in a crunchy, golden-brown breading, delivering a satisfying combination of savory flavor and crispy texture in every bite.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking tray or sheet pan
- Wire rack
- Meat thermometer
- Slotted spoon
- Kitchen knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Use fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breast for the best tenderness and juiciness in your crispy nuggets. Ensure that the buttermilk and egg mixture is properly whisked to create a smooth coating that helps the flour and panko breadcrumbs adhere evenly. Combining all-purpose flour with cornstarch enhances the crispiness of the breading for a perfect golden-brown crunch. Season the flour mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and sugar to balance savory and slightly sweet flavors. Your homemade Crispy Chicken Nuggets capture the satisfying crunch and savory taste found in Wendy's copycat menu.
Instructions
- Cut chicken breast into nugget-sized pieces using a kitchen knife and cutting board.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg.
- Add chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- In another mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and sugar.
- Place panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl.
- Preheat vegetable oil in a deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove chicken pieces from buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
- Dredge chicken pieces in the seasoned flour mixture.
- Dip floured chicken pieces back into the buttermilk mixture.
- Coat chicken pieces evenly in panko breadcrumbs.
- Arrange breaded chicken pieces on a baking tray or sheet pan with a wire rack.
- Working in batches, carefully lower nuggets into hot oil using tongs or a slotted spoon.
- Fry chicken nuggets for 3–4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove nuggets from oil using a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack to drain.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F/74°C internal temperature).
- Repeat with remaining chicken pieces.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
Wendy's Crispy Chicken Nuggets copycat recipe replicates the fast-food classic with tender chicken pieces wrapped in a crunchy, golden-brown breading. You can substitute boneless chicken thighs for breast to achieve a juicier texture, though cooking times may vary. If buttermilk is unavailable, mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar offers a quick homemade replacement. Using a meat thermometer ensures the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) for perfect doneness. For frying, maintain oil temperature between 350degF and 375degF to avoid soggy nuggets or burnt coating.
Tips
Ensure the oil temperature stays consistent at 350degF (175degC) to achieve that perfect crispy texture without absorbing excess oil. Marinate your chicken pieces for at least 30 minutes in the buttermilk and egg mixture to keep them tender and juicy inside. Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches 165degF (74degC), guaranteeing safe consumption. When frying, handle the nuggets carefully with tongs or a slotted spoon and don't overcrowd the fryer to maintain even cooking.
Nutritions
Wendy's Crispy Chicken Nuggets provide a good source of protein from the boneless, skinless chicken breast, essential for muscle repair and growth. The breading, made of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and panko breadcrumbs, contributes carbohydrates and dietary fiber, while the frying process adds calories through vegetable oil. Seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika offer minimal calories but enhance flavor without adding sodium excessively. You should be mindful of portion size to balance the indulgence of crispy texture with your daily nutritional goals, especially regarding fat and sodium intake.
Storage
Store Wendy's Crispy Chicken Nuggets in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. For longer storage, freeze the nuggets on a baking tray before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring they remain crispy when reheated. When ready to enjoy your nuggets, reheat them in an oven or air fryer to restore the original crunchy texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute buttermilk with plain yogurt or milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice for a similar tangy marinade. Swap panko breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes or crushed potato chips to achieve a unique crunch and flavor. For a healthier option, bake the coated nuggets on a wire rack in a preheated oven at 400degF (200degC) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. Adding a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade will introduce a spicy kick to your crispy chicken nuggets.
Allergies
Wendy's Crispy Chicken Nuggets contain common allergens such as wheat (found in all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs), eggs, and dairy (from buttermilk). If you have sensitivities to gluten, egg, or lactose, consuming these nuggets could trigger an allergic reaction. Always review ingredient lists carefully to ensure your safety and avoid exposure to allergens in your food.
Why this recipe?
Wendy's Crispy Chicken Nuggets are favored for their perfectly seasoned, crunchy exterior paired with tender, juicy chicken inside. The balance of crispy texture and flavorful meat creates an irresistible bite that appeals to a wide range of taste preferences. You can recreate this savory experience at home by making a copycat version, ensuring fresh ingredients and the ideal blend of spices for that authentic Wendy's taste. Trying the copycat recipe allows you to enjoy your favorite nuggets anytime while customizing flavors to suit your palate.