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Crispy Homemade Dino Nuggets Recipe with Easy Panko Parmesan Crust

crispy homemade dino nuggets - featured image

These crispy homemade dino nuggets feature a crunchy panko parmesan crust and tender chicken inside, making them a kid-friendly, family-approved comfort food perfect for quick meals or snacks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound chicken breast, cut into dino-nugget-sized pieces
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (about 150g)
  • ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese (about 50g)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • About 1 cup olive oil or vegetable oil for shallow frying (240ml)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts. Cut into bite-sized pieces about 1 ½ inches long, shaped like little dinosaurs or small chunks.
  2. In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
  3. In another bowl, beat the eggs until smooth and slightly frothy.
  4. Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash, letting excess drip off, then roll in the panko parmesan mixture. Press gently to adhere. Place coated nuggets on a plate or tray.
  5. Pour about 1 cup of oil into a large skillet to cover the bottom with about ½ inch of oil. Heat over medium heat to about 350°F (175°C).
  6. Fry nuggets in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Adjust heat as needed.
  7. Transfer fried nuggets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let rest for a couple of minutes to keep crispy.
  8. Serve warm. Keep warm in a low oven (200°F / 95°C) if needed.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature around 350°F to avoid burning the parmesan crust or greasy nuggets. Fry in batches to prevent overcrowding. Freshly grated parmesan is best for flavor and crispiness. For a lighter option, bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes on a wire rack, flipping halfway. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the breadcrumb mixture if too dry.

Nutrition

Keywords: dino nuggets, homemade nuggets, crispy chicken nuggets, panko parmesan crust, kid-friendly, easy dinner, quick recipe