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Pickle-Brined Chicken Nuggets

These chicken nuggets marinate in pickle juice and unsweetened milk before being coated with seasoned flour and breadcrumbs. Cook them in the oven or air fryer.

Ingredients

  • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, 5 ounces each, cut into 20 one-inch pieces
  • ½ cup unsweetened almond or coconut milk
  • ½ cup dill pickle juice
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon powdered sugar or powdered sugar substitute
  • 1 large egg beaten with 1 teaspoon unsweetened almond milk, or 2 tablespoons egg substitute
  • ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Nonstick canola-oil cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
  2. Combine the pickle juice and ½ cup unsweetened milk in a bowl. Add the chicken and toss to coat.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 6 hours.
  4. Drain the chicken and discard the marinade. If using the oven, preheat it to 400°F (205°C).
  5. Place the egg mixture or egg substitute in a large bowl and coat the chicken with it.
  6. Combine the flour, breadcrumbs, powdered sugar, paprika, and garlic powder on a shallow plate.
  7. Coat each chicken piece evenly in the flour mixture.
  8. Coat an air-fryer basket or baking sheet with cooking spray. Arrange the nuggets in one layer and spray their tops.
  9. Oven: bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes. Air fryer: cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes. Flip the nuggets halfway through.
  10. Cook until golden and 165°F (74°C) in the center.

The recipe makes 20 nuggets, or two servings of 10.