Quick & Crispy Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Crispy and golden homemade bbq chip chicken nuggets deliver a seriously addictive crunch that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.
Small kitchen experiments often produce delightful surprises like this crowd-pleasing recipe.
Crushing barbecue potato chips into a perfect coating adds unexpected zest and texture to classic chicken bites.
Pantry staples become magical when combined with a bit of creativity and culinary passion.
Kids and adults alike will devour these crunchy morsels faster than you can plate them.
Every bite promises a satisfying blend of smoky flavor and irresistible crispiness that beats store-bought versions hands down.
This simple yet ingenious recipe turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal everyone will request again and again.
Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets Craze
Ingredients for Crispy BBQ Chip Nuggets
For the Protein:For the Coating Ingredients:For the Seasoning Ingredients:For the Dipping and Serving:Instructions for Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Step 1: Warm Up Your Cooking Space
Set your oven to 400F (200C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If using an air fryer, heat it to 375F (190C).
Getting the right temperature ensures crispy, golden nuggets.
Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Coating
Crush BBQ chips into fine crumbs using these methods:Prepare three separate bowls for dredging:Step 3: Season Chicken Pieces
Sprinkle chicken with these flavor boosters:Dip each chicken piece through the dredging stations:
First coat with flour, then dive into egg mixture, finally roll in BBQ chip crumbs.
Press gently to help coating stick.
Step 4: Cook to Crispy Perfection
Oven Method:
Spread nuggets on prepared baking sheet.
Bake 18-20 minutes, flipping midway until golden and crispy.
Air Fryer Method:
Arrange nuggets in single layer.
Cook 10-12 minutes, turning once for even browning.
Step 5: Serve With Delicious Dips
Let nuggets rest briefly.
Serve alongside:Tips to Perfect BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets
Flavor Variations for Chicken Nuggets
Pairing Ideas for Chicken Nuggets
Storage Advice for Chicken Nuggets
Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Prevent moisture by using paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Wrap individual nuggets in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
Restore crispiness by preheating oven to 375F. Spread nuggets on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Warm for 10-12 minutes, turning once halfway through. Avoid microwaving to maintain crunchiness.
Preheat air fryer to 350F. Place nuggets in a single layer without overcrowding.
FAQs
BBQ chips add a unique, tangy flavor and extra crunch to the chicken nuggets, creating a more exciting texture and taste compared to traditional breadcrumbs.
Absolutely! You can experiment with different flavored chips like sour cream and onion, ranch, or salt and vinegar to create unique variations of these nuggets.
Yes, these BBQ chip chicken nuggets are perfect for kids. The crispy coating and familiar flavors make them appealing to children while still being a homemade, healthier alternative to store-bought nuggets.
Use chicken breast instead of darker meat, bake instead of frying, and choose lower-sodium chips to reduce overall calories and fat content while maintaining great flavor.
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Homemade Bbq Chip Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Crispy homemade BBQ chip chicken nuggets blend crunchy chip coating with juicy chicken perfection. Bold flavors and simple ingredients make this comfort classic irresistible for quick family meals or casual gatherings you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 cups BBQ-flavored potato chips
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Liquid Ingredient:
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Prepare a pristine baking sheet with parchment paper or ready an air fryer basket, ensuring a clean cooking surface.
- Transform BBQ chips into fine, uniform crumbs using a rolling pin or food processor, creating a textured coating base.
- Establish a systematic dredging configuration with three distinct vessels: seasoned flour, whisked egg mixture, and pulverized BBQ chip crumbs.
- Meticulously season chicken pieces with aromatic spices, ensuring comprehensive flavor distribution.
- Methodically coat each chicken morsel by first enveloping in flour, then submerging in egg mixture, and finally encrusting with BBQ chip fragments, gently pressing for optimal adherence.
- For oven preparation: Position coated nuggets on prepared sheet and roast at 400F for 18-20 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee uniform golden crispiness.
- For air fryer technique: Arrange nuggets in a singular layer and cook at 375F for 10-12 minutes, flipping once to achieve consistent crunch and thorough internal cooking.
- Allow nuggets a brief cooling interval to stabilize coating and prevent burns.
- Present alongside complementary dipping sauces like tangy BBQ, creamy ranch, or sweet honey mustard for an enhanced culinary experience.
Notes
- Crush BBQ chips into fine, even crumbs to ensure a consistent, crunchy coating that adheres perfectly to the chicken.
- Add extra spices like smoked paprika or cayenne for a bolder flavor profile that complements the BBQ chip coating.
- Swap wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
- Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow hot air circulation, creating an extra crispy exterior with less oil and fewer calories.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (oven) or 10 minutes (air fryer)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 365 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Ethan Caldwell
Founder & Culinary Innovator
Expertise
Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling
Education
The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)
Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.