Buffalo Chicken Nuggets Recipe

When I first made these buffalo chicken nuggets, I knew they would be a hit, but I didn’t expect how much everyone would love them! Crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and tossed in a perfectly tangy buffalo sauce, these nuggets have become a favorite at our table. Whether I serve them as an appetizer, game day snack, or even as a casual dinner with some baked fries, they never disappoint.

The recipe is straightforward, and the results are so good that you might never want to buy frozen nuggets again. The best part? You can customize the recipe to suit all kinds of taste buds. Spicy, tangy, or mild, the flavors are so easy to adjust. This is one of those dishes that makes you feel like a pro in the kitchen, yet it’s simple enough for anyone to pull off. Trust me; you’re in for a treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here’s why these buffalo chicken nuggets are a recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket.

Crispy and Flavorful

These nuggets are fried to golden perfection, giving you a satisfying crunch with every bite. The homemade buffalo sauce adds just the right balance of heat and tangy goodness. The perfect combination of crispy texture and bold flavor in every nugget. You’ll love the contrast between the crunchy exterior and tender, juicy interior.

Easy to Prepare

Even if frying intimidates you, this recipe makes it a breeze. The steps are simple and use minimal ingredients, so you can whip these up quickly. No need for a deep fryer—just a skillet and some oil will do the trick. Great for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time but want something delicious.

Perfect for Any Occasion

From weekday dinners to hosting parties, these nuggets fit any occasion. Serve them as a main course or a mouthwatering appetizer everyone will love. They’re versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides, from veggies to fries. Whether it’s a family meal or a party snack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

Customizable Heat Level

Whether you prefer a mild kick or fiery hot, you can easily adjust the buffalo sauce to your liking. It’s great for families, especially those with kids or picky eaters. Add extra hot sauce for a bold flavor or tone it down with a touch of honey. Make a variety of sauce options to cater to different tastes in one meal.

Better Than Takeout

Once you’ve tasted these nuggets fresh out of the fryer, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought. They’re fresher, crispier, and so much tastier! You can control the ingredients and make them healthier with your choice of oil. The homemade buffalo sauce is the secret ingredient that makes these unbeatable!

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these crispy, flavorful nuggets.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Baking powder
• Hot sauce (like Frank’s Red Hot)
• Butter
• Honey

Variations

Looking to switch it up? Here are some ideas to make this recipe your own.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for coating.
• Healthier Option: Bake the nuggets instead of frying. They bake beautifully at 425°F for 10-15 minutes.
• Different Sauces: Try a sweet BBQ glaze, honey garlic sauce, or even teriyaki instead of traditional buffalo.
• Add Heat: Sprinkle cayenne or red chili flakes into the flour mixture if you like extra spice.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing Bowls: For coating the chicken and preparing the sauce.
• Deep Pan: To fry the nuggets to crispy perfection.
• Tongs: For safely flipping and removing the fried nuggets.
• Paper Towels: To drain excess oil after frying.
• Whisk: Perfect for mixing the buffalo sauce into a smooth consistency.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Nuggets?

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a plate of irresistible buffalo chicken nuggets in no time! 

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch. Place them in a bowl of buttermilk and allow them to soak for 10 minutes. This tenderizes the meat and helps the coating stick.

Step 2: Mix Your Coatings

Prepare two bowls. One for beaten eggs, and one for a seasoned flour mixture using flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and baking powder.

Step 3: Coat the Nuggets

Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, then into the eggs, and back into the flour. Repeat until all the chicken pieces are well coated. 🧂👩‍🍳

Step 4: Fry the Nuggets

Heat 2-3 inches of your preferred frying oil (vegetable, canola) in a deep pan to 350°F. Fry the nuggets in small batches for 4-6 minutes until golden and crispy. Use tongs to place them on paper towels for draining.

Step 5: Make the Buffalo Sauce

While the nuggets cool slightly, whisk together hot sauce, melted butter, and honey in a bowl. This creates a perfectly tangy, spicy buffalo sauce. Adjust the heat level by adding extra butter or honey if needed. 

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Toss the fried nuggets gently in the buffalo sauce until fully coated. Serve immediately with ranch dressing, celery sticks, and carrot sticks on the side. 

Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time:

• Use Fresh Oil: For the best flavor and crispiness, always use fresh oil for frying. Reused oil can give the nuggets an off taste.
• Keep the Oil Hot: Maintaining a consistent temperature of 350°F ensures the nuggets fry evenly without absorbing excess oil.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to keep the oil hot and allow the nuggets to crisp up properly.
• Customize the Sauce: If you’re not a fan of buffalo, these nuggets pair wonderfully with other sauces like BBQ or honey mustard.
• Serve Immediately: For the ultimate crunch and flavor, serve the nuggets fresh out of the fryer. If not, keep them warm in a low oven.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Nuggets?

These nuggets are so versatile, and there are endless ways to serve them!

• Classic Presentation: Serve them with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing, and sliced celery and carrots for a classic buffalo wings vibe.
• Crowd-Pleasing Platter: Arrange them on a large platter with various dipping sauces like honey mustard, sriracha mayo, and garlic aioli for a party spread.
• Dinner Option: Place the nuggets over a bed of salad greens with sliced avocado and a drizzle of ranch for a hearty buffalo chicken salad.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of buffalo chicken nuggets (with sauce) contains approximately the following nutrients:

• Calories: 421
• Protein: 39g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fat: 19g

Make Ahead and Storage

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes to bring back some crispiness.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the nuggets after frying but before tossing with sauce. Lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, and transfer to a sealed container. They can be kept for up to 2 months. Simply reheat and toss in sauce before serving.

These buffalo chicken nuggets are a surefire way to satisfy your cravings for bold, spicy, and crispy bites. Whether for a quick meal or entertaining, you’ll love making (and eating!) them. Happy cooking! 🐓✨