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Copycat Taco Bell Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Sometimes, the drive-thru line feels too long. Or you want to customize your nugget experience with a secret ingredient or two. Whatever the reason, recreating those crave-worthy Taco Bell Chicken Nuggets at home is possible. And guess what? It will probably be tastier, more affordable, and way more fun.

What Is Taco Bell Chicken Nugget?

Taco Bell has introduced a new menu item for 2024: Crispy Chicken Nuggets. The nuggets are produced from white flesh chicken marinated in hot jalapeño buttermilk, then breaded in a unique tortilla coating before being fried to a crispy finish. They have two dipping sauce options: a signature Bell sauce (made with tomatoes, red chiles, garlic, and onion) and a Jalapeño Honey Mustard (which combines sweet honey mustard with a kick of jalapeño).

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Coating:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a big bowl, mix together the buttermilk, olive oil, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and stir to coat evenly. To maximize taste, cover the bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight.
  2. Prepare the Coating: Mix the flour, cornstarch, paprika, onion and garlic powders, black pepper, and cayenne (if using) in a shallow dish. Beat the egg and milk together in a separate shallow bowl.
  3. Heat the Oil: Heat enough vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Dredge and Fry: Take the chicken pieces out of the marinade in batches and coat them equally with the flour mixture. For a thicker coating, dip them again in the flour mixture after dipping them in the wet mixture. Lower the breaded chicken pieces into the heated oil with caution. To ensure consistent cooking, fry in batches rather than packing the pot too full.
  5. Cook to Golden Brown: Fry the chicken nuggets for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Be sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Drain and Serve: After removing the nuggets from the oil using a slotted spoon, drain the excess oil off of them using paper towels. Enjoy it right away with your preferred dipping sauces after serving!

Tips:

  • Chicken Choice: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juicy nuggets.
  • Spice it Up: Want a spicier nugget? Increase the cayenne pepper in both the marinade and the coating.
  • Double Dip: For an extra crispy coating, double dip the chicken pieces in the wet mixture and then back into the flour mixture before frying.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Frying in batches ensures even cooking and prevents the oil temperature from dropping too much.
  • Oven-Baked Option: Would you prefer to bake? Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). After coating the chicken, arrange the nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown and cooked through.

What To Serve With

Dipping Duos:

  • Classic Sauce Trio: Recreate the iconic Taco Bell sauce trifecta with homemade versions. Whip a creamy ranch dressing, a tangy pico de gallo, and a spicy chipotle crema.
  • Sweet & Spicy: Offer a sweet and sour sauce alongside sriracha mayo for a fun twist. The lovely and sour will balance the taco bell chicken nugget’s heat, while the sriracha mayo adds a fiery kick.

Tex-Mex Fixings:

  • Mexican Rice: A fluffy Mexican rice is a staple at Taco Bell and easy to make at home. Season your rice with cumin, chili powder, and diced tomatoes for a flavorful base.
  • Black Beans: Add some fiber and protein to the side of the black beans. You can simply heat canned black beans with a touch of cumin and olive oil or get fancy and make a restaurant-style black bean salad with chopped tomatoes, corn, and cilantro.
  • Nacho Cheese Sauce: No Taco Bell feast is complete without that cheesy goodness. Make a quick cheese sauce with shredded cheddar cheese, milk, butter, and a touch of flour for dipping your taco bell chicken nuggets or fries.

Fresh And Light:

  • Shredded Lettuce and Diced Tomatoes: Keep things cool and crisp with a bed of shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes. This adds a refreshing element and complements the flavors of the taco bell chicken nuggets.
  • Guacamole: Fresh guacamole is always a crowd-pleaser. Serve it chunky or smooth, depending on your preference.
  • Fiesta Corn: A vibrant fiesta corn salad with black beans, corn, red onion, bell peppers, and a lime vinaigrette is a healthy and flavorful side dish.

Carb-Loaders (optional):

  • French Fries: Classic crinkle-cut fries are the ultimate partner for taco bell chicken nuggets. You can bake or deep-fry them at home for a satisfying side.
  • Mini Flour Tortillas: Channel your inner taco party with mini flour tortillas. Warm them up and let everyone create mini-nugget tacos with their favorite toppings.
  • Crispy Onion Rings: Add a side of crispy onion rings for indulgence. They pair perfectly with the dipping sauces and add a fun textural contrast.
  • Drinks: Recreate the Taco Bell experience with a pitcher of homemade fruit punch or your favorite icy beverage.

Health Benefits

Lean Protein Source:

  • Chicken is a good source of lean protein essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall body function. Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs ensures a high protein content with lower fat levels​.

Controlled Ingredients:

  • Tortilla Chips Coating: Crushed tortilla chips for the breading provide a unique flavor and can be a healthier alternative to traditional bread crumbs, especially if you choose whole grain or baked varieties.
  • Spices and Seasonings: Spices such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder not only add flavor but also have potential health benefits. Garlic powder can support immune function, and paprika contains antioxidants​​.

Healthy Marination:

  • Buttermilk and Jalapeños: Marinating chicken in buttermilk and jalapeño juice helps tenderize the meat and infuses it with flavor without adding excess calories. Buttermilk is also lower in fat as compared regular milk, and jalapeños contain capsaicin, which can boost metabolism and have anti-inflammatory properties.​ 

Final Thoughts

With this recipe, you can ditch the drive-thru line and create delicious, homemade Taco Bell-inspired Crispy Chicken Nuggets whenever the craving hits. Remember to whip up some tasty side dish options to complete your Taco Bell feast at home.

More Chicken Recipes:

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