Chicken Nuggets with Piattos

A fun twist on traditional chicken nuggets, cheesy and crunchy element Piattos-crusted chicken nuggets.

Piattos chicken nuggets are like regular chicken nuggets, but instead of using breadcrumbs for the crunchy coating, I use crushed Piattos, the cheesy and crunchy snack. So, you get the yummy taste of Piattos and the deliciousness of chicken nuggets! It's a fun and tasty twist on a classic snack that you should try!

Recipe Video:

Ingredients:

• 400g chicken breasts, (boneless, skinless)
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tbsp.prepared mustard
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 
• 1/2 tsp. ground pepper
• 1 pc. egg
• 1 pack piattos (cheese 85g)

Procedure:

1. Cut the chicken breasts or tenders into small, bite-sized pieces.
2. In a mixing bowl, transfer the chicken breast and add the garlic powder, salt, prepared mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside for 15 minutes.
3. Open a bag of Piattos, lay the bag on a flat surface and take a rolling pin and apply gentle pressure to the bag of Piattos. Roll the pin back and forth over the bag, pressing down to crush the Cheetos into smaller pieces.
4. Stop rolling once the Piattos have reached your desired level of crush. You can make them into a fine crumb-like texture or leave them slightly chunkier if you prefer more texture in your coating.
5. Carefully open the bag and pour the crushed Piattos into a shallow bowl or plate.
6. Beat an egg in the seasoned chicken breast until the chicken breast is fully coated.
7. Roll each chicken piece in the crushed Piattos mixture, pressing gently to adhere the Piattos chips to the chicken.
8. Place the coated chicken nugget on a plate or baking sheet. Repeat the process until all the chicken pieces are coated.
9. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about 2 inches of cooking oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated chicken nuggets into the pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Fry the nuggets for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. You may need to adjust the heat slightly to maintain an even frying temperature.
10. Once the nuggets are cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. If desired, you can transfer the cooked nuggets to a baking sheet and keep them warm in the preheated oven while you fry the remaining batches.

Serve the Piattos-coated chicken nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

What is chicken nuggets?

Chicken nuggets are a popular processed food product made from small pieces of chicken that have been battered, breaded, and then deep-fried or baked until they are crispy and golden brown. They are widely consumed around the world and are commonly found in fast-food restaurants and grocery stores and as a convenient frozen food option for home preparation.

The process of making chicken nuggets typically involves several steps. First, boneless and skinless chicken meat, usually sourced from chicken breasts or a combination of white and dark meat, is cut into small, bite-sized pieces. These chicken pieces are then seasoned with various spices and flavors to enhance their taste.

Next, the seasoned chicken pieces are coated in a breading mixture. The breading is typically made from a combination of flour, breadcrumbs, and a variety of seasonings to add texture and flavor. Some commercial chicken nuggets may also include additional ingredients, such as modified starches or preservatives, to improve their texture and shelf life.

After the chicken pieces are fully coated with the breading, they undergo cooking. The most common cooking methods are deep-frying or baking. Deep-frying gives the nuggets a crispy and crunchy outer layer, while baking is a healthier alternative that can still result in a delicious texture.

Chicken nuggets are often served as a fast-food item with dipping sauces, adding to their appeal as a quick and tasty snack or meal option. Popular dipping sauces include ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, and sweet and sour sauce, among others.

Homemade Chicken Nuggets vs Store-bought Chicken Nuggets

Homemade chicken nuggets and store-bought chicken nuggets have several differences in terms of ingredients, preparation, taste, and nutritional value. Let's compare them side by side:

Ingredients:

• Homemade chicken nuggets: When making chicken nuggets at home, you have control over the ingredients. You can use fresh chicken breast or chicken tenders, and choose higher-quality meat without added preservatives or artificial ingredients. Additionally, you can season the chicken and breading with natural spices and herbs to suit your taste preferences.
• Store-bought chicken nuggets: Commercially produced chicken nuggets often contain processed chicken meat, which may include various parts of the chicken, not just the breast. They may also contain fillers, additives, and preservatives to extend shelf life and improve texture.

Preparation:

• Homemade chicken nuggets: Making chicken nuggets at home allows you to customize the flavor, texture, and cooking method. You can choose to deep-fry or bake them, controlling the amount of oil used and achieving the desired level of crispiness.
• Store-bought chicken nuggets: Store-bought nuggets are usually pre-cooked and frozen, ready for reheating at home or in fast-food establishments. The cooking instructions are provided on the packaging, making them a convenient option.

Taste:

• Homemade chicken nuggets: With homemade nuggets, you can adjust the seasoning and breading to your liking, resulting in a more personalized and flavorful taste.
• Store-bought chicken nuggets: The taste of store-bought chicken nuggets may vary depending on the brand and the specific ingredients used. Some may have a more processed flavor due to additives and fillers.

Nutritional Value:

• Homemade chicken nuggets: By making chicken nuggets at home, you can control the amount of oil, salt, and other ingredients used, potentially making them a healthier option. You can also opt for whole-grain breadcrumbs or use alternative coatings for added nutrition.
• Store-bought chicken nuggets: Commercial chicken nuggets can be high in sodium, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives, which might not be as nutritious compared to homemade versions. However, some brands offer healthier alternatives with fewer additives and better-quality chicken.

Cost:

• Homemade chicken nuggets: Making chicken nuggets at home can be more cost-effective, especially when using simple ingredients and buying them in bulk.
• Store-bought chicken nuggets: Store-bought nuggets are more convenient but might be pricier due to the added processing and packaging costs.

Ultimately, the choice between homemade and store-bought chicken nuggets depends on individual preferences, dietary restrictions, and time constraints. Making them at home allows you to have more control over ingredients and customize the taste, but store-bought options can be convenient for a quick meal or snack. If health is a priority, homemade versions are generally the better option, as they offer healthier alternatives to many processed store-bought nuggets.

How to store chicken nuggets

To store homemade chicken nuggets properly and ensure they stay fresh and safe to eat, follow these steps:

1. Cool the nuggets: Allow the cooked homemade chicken nuggets to cool down to room temperature before storing them. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can lead to sogginess.

2. Transfer to an airtight container: Place the cooled chicken nuggets in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers with secure lids work well for this purpose. Make sure the container is clean and dry before adding the nuggets.

3. Layer with parchment paper: To prevent the chicken nuggets from sticking together, you can layer them with parchment paper or place them in a single layer.

4. Label and date: If you plan to store the nuggets for more than a day or two, it's essential to label the container with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of how long they've been in the refrigerator or freezer.

5. Refrigeration: If you intend to consume the chicken nuggets within a few days, store them in the refrigerator. They can typically stay fresh for 3 to 4 days when properly refrigerated.

6. Freezing (for longer storage): If you want to store the nuggets for an extended period, freezing is the best option. Place the airtight container in the freezer. Frozen homemade chicken nuggets can last for up to 1 to 2 months.

7. Thawing frozen nuggets: When you're ready to enjoy the frozen nuggets, you can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can reheat them directly from frozen in the oven until they are warmed through and crispy.

8. Reheating: To reheat homemade chicken nuggets, use the oven or toaster oven for best results. This will help retain their crispy texture. Preheat the oven to around 200°C (400°F) and place the nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes or until they are fully heated and crispy.

Remember to discard any homemade chicken nuggets that have been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent the risk of foodborne illness. Proper storage and handling ensure that you can enjoy your homemade chicken nuggets safely and maintain their delicious taste and texture.