Pancake Battered Chicken Nuggets offer a delightful twist on a family favorite. Tender chunks of chicken breast are coated in a sweet and savory pancake batter and then fried to golden perfection. With minimal prep, these nuggets are an easy and delicious meal that the whole family will love!\

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs chicken breasts (cut into 1½-2″ chunks)

• Salt & pepper (to taste)

• 2 cups pancake mix

• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 cup buttermilk

• ½ cup water (divided)

• 4 cups canola oil (for frying)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Liberally season the chicken chunks with salt and pepper, then set them aside.

2. Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together pancake mix, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Add the buttermilk and whisk until just incorporated. Gradually add water, ¼ cup at a time, until the batter is smooth and lump-free.

3. Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the batter and toss them until they are evenly coated.

4. Fry the Nuggets: Heat oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, use tongs to add 5-6 pieces of battered chicken at a time. Reduce the heat to medium-low and fry the chicken for 3 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. Repeat the process until all the chicken is fried.

5. Serve: Serve the nuggets warm, with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of crumbled bacon for added flavor.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 683 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 11g

• Protein: 22g

• Fat: 62g

• Saturated Fat: 6g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 37g

• Trans Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 81mg

• Sodium: 295mg

• Potassium: 431mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 2g

• Vitamin A: 292 IU

• Vitamin C: 1mg

• Calcium: 110mg

• Iron: 1mg

The Unique Pancake Batter: A Sweet and Savory Coating

The pancake batter is what makes these chicken nuggets so unique and delicious. Typically, chicken nuggets are coated in breadcrumbs or a simple flour mixture, but the pancake mix brings an entirely new texture and flavor profile. The batter is light yet crisp, with a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory spices. It’s also incredibly easy to work with—just a few quick ingredients and minimal prep time.

The addition of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to the batter gives the chicken an extra layer of flavor. These spices bring a mild heat, a smoky undertone, and a savory punch that enhances the sweetness of the pancake mix, creating a well-rounded taste that’s not overly sweet. The balance of flavors ensures that each nugget is flavorful but not overwhelming, allowing the natural taste of the chicken to shine through.

Tender Chicken: The Heart of the Dish

The chicken breast is the perfect choice for this recipe, offering a tender and lean protein that soaks up the flavor of the batter while maintaining its juiciness. By cutting the chicken into chunks of 1½ to 2 inches, you get bite-sized pieces that are perfect for dipping and eating in one go. Chicken breast is ideal because it cooks quickly and stays moist, even when fried in a crispy batter.

Before battering the chicken, be sure to season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and ensures that the nuggets are flavorful all the way through. While the batter will provide a lot of the flavor, a little bit of seasoning on the chicken is essential to make the nuggets truly delicious.

Frying: The Key to Perfect Crispy Nuggets

Frying is what gives these chicken nuggets their crispy, golden-brown exterior. The oil needs to be at the right temperature to achieve the perfect texture. It’s important to heat the oil over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering, but not smoking. This ensures that the chicken nuggets will cook evenly and become perfectly crispy without absorbing too much oil.

When frying, it’s essential to work in batches, adding 5-6 pieces of chicken at a time. This prevents overcrowding in the pan, which can cause the temperature of the oil to drop and result in soggy nuggets. Frying the chicken for 3 minutes, flipping them halfway through, allows the batter to crisp up beautifully while the chicken cooks all the way through. The result is a crispy, golden coating that gives way to tender, juicy chicken on the inside.

The Finishing Touch: Maple Syrup and Bacon

To take these Pancake Battered Chicken Nuggets to the next level, serve them with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of crumbled bacon. The sweetness of the maple syrup complements the savory flavors of the chicken and the smoky spices in the batter, creating a delightful contrast in each bite. The addition of bacon adds a crunchy, salty element that balances the sweetness of the syrup and enhances the overall flavor profile.

This combination of sweet, salty, and savory elements makes these chicken nuggets even more satisfying and fun to eat. The maple syrup adds a comforting, indulgent touch, while the bacon gives the dish an extra layer of flavor and texture. It’s a simple yet brilliant finishing touch that will have everyone asking for more.

Versatility and Customization

One of the best things about Pancake Battered Chicken Nuggets is their versatility. While the recipe calls for buttermilk to help create a rich and tangy batter, you can substitute regular milk if you don’t have buttermilk on hand. You can also adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences. If you like things spicier, feel free to increase the amount of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a more mild flavor, you can reduce the amount of smoked paprika or garlic powder.

You can also experiment with different dipping sauces to accompany the chicken nuggets. While maple syrup and bacon are a delicious combination, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard would also work beautifully. The options are endless, and you can easily adapt the dish to fit your family’s tastes.

A Quick and Easy Meal for Busy Nights

Pancake Battered Chicken Nuggets are the perfect meal for those nights when you want something flavorful but don’t have a lot of time to prepare dinner. The recipe comes together quickly, with minimal prep required. The chicken cooks in just a few minutes, and the batter takes no time at all to mix up. Once the chicken is battered and fried, the nuggets are ready to serve, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

The recipe is also great for feeding a crowd. You can easily scale it up by increasing the amount of chicken and adjusting the other ingredients accordingly. The nuggets are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults, making this a great choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

Conclusion: A Fun, Flavorful Twist on Chicken Nuggets

Pancake Battered Chicken Nuggets offer a fun and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. The combination of tender chicken, crispy pancake batter, savory spices, and a touch of sweetness from maple syrup and bacon creates a dish that is both comforting and exciting. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying with your family.

Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a unique snack, or something to impress your guests, these nuggets are a great option. The sweet and savory flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds, and the crispy texture will make each bite satisfying. Give this recipe a try, and watch as it becomes a new favorite in your household!