Description
A flavorful recipe for Spiced Indian Chicken Nuggets featuring marinated chicken pieces coated in a spiced breadcrumb crust and deep-fried to golden perfection. These nuggets offer a deliciously crispy exterior with tender, aromatic chicken inside, perfect as a snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons yogurt
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
Coating
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup bread crumbs
For Frying
- Oil for deep frying (such as vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch pieces. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, minced garlic, garam masala, chili powder, turmeric powder, salt, and ground pepper. Mix well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Cover and marinate the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the spices to infuse into the chicken.
- Prepare the coating: In a shallow bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and salt. Place the beaten egg in another bowl, and have the bread crumbs ready in a third bowl or plate.
- Coat the marinated chicken: Take each piece of marinated chicken and first dredge it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it is completely covered, and finally coat it evenly with the bread crumbs. Place the coated nuggets on a tray and refrigerate for 10 minutes to help the coating adhere better during frying.
- Heat oil and fry the nuggets: In a deep frying pan or pot, heat sufficient oil over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the coated chicken nuggets in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch until the nuggets turn golden brown and crispy on all sides, approximately 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove the nuggets and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the spiced Indian chicken nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as mint chutney, tamarind sauce, or a spicy ketchup for a tasty appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Adjust chili powder to your preferred spice level for milder or spicier nuggets.
- Ensure the oil is sufficiently hot before frying to prevent the nuggets from absorbing too much oil.
- Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 2 hours) can intensify the flavor.
- You can bake these nuggets at 400°F for 20 minutes as a healthier alternative, flipping halfway through.
- Use fresh bread crumbs or panko for an extra crispy texture.