If you’re searching for a snackable, crave-able meal that brings comfort food to a whole new level, look no further than Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets. These golden, crunchy bites deliver the perfect mashup of juicy chicken and bold BBQ chip flavor, all wrapped up in a crispy shell that rivals any fast-food nugget. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, hosting friends for game night, or just want to make weeknight dinner extra special, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This one-bowl-wonder relies on just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients that each play a starring role. The BBQ chips bring smoky-sweet punch, while the panko gives crunch. Seasonings enhance every bite, and you can whip the whole dish up with pantry basics!
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-size pieces for perfect nugget portions and tender results.
- BBQ-flavored potato chips: Crushed, these become the secret weapon for bold flavor and crave-worthy crunch.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Adds extra crispiness that balances wonderfully with the chips.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses a hint of smoky depth, complementing the chip coating.
- Garlic powder: Kicks up the savory notes and rounds out the flavor profile.
- Black pepper: For that subtle bite to keep things lively.
- Large eggs: Beaten eggs act as the glue to make all that coating stick.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base layer that ensures each nugget gets perfectly coated.
- Nonstick cooking spray: A light spritz guarantees beautiful browning and minimizes sticking.
- BBQ sauce: For dipping—because who can resist an extra hit of saucy flavor?
How to Make Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and give it a quick, even spray of nonstick cooking oil. This helps the Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets bake evenly and makes for super-easy cleanup later. A well-prepped pan is the first step to no-fuss nugget success!
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
Get three shallow bowls ready. In the first, put your flour; in the second, pour in those beautifully beaten eggs; and in the third, combine the crushed BBQ chips, panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. This assembly line makes the breading process smooth and mess-free, keeping the flour from clumping and the coating extra crunchy.
Step 3: Dredge and Coat the Chicken
Now the fun begins! Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour, shaking off any excess, then give it a cozy bath in the beaten eggs. Finally, press the chicken into the BBQ chip mixture, making sure each piece is fully coated. This triple-dip method helps every nugget come out perfectly crispy and packed with flavor.
Step 4: Arrange and Spray for Extra Crunch
Lay the coated nuggets in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, leaving just a little space between each for maximum crispiness. Give the tops a quick spray with nonstick cooking oil; this is your secret trick for achieving a golden, crunchy finish reminiscent of fried nuggets—without the oil splatter.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through. You’ll know your Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets are ready when they’re gorgeously golden and the chicken inside is cooked through. Don’t be surprised if everyone sneaks a nugget off the tray before you even get it to the table!
How to Serve Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets
Garnishes
Make your nuggets pop with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color, a dusting of extra smoked paprika, or even a quick squeeze of fresh lemon over the top. These little touches elevate the whole dish, making it as pretty as it is tasty.
Side Dishes
The possibilities are endless: classic French fries, sweet potato wedges, a crisp garden salad, or tangy coleslaw all pair beautifully with Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets. Add a ramekin of extra BBQ sauce on the side for full-on dipping bliss!
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the nugget box by serving these in mini baskets lined with wax paper, arranging them on skewers for a party platter, or piling them high on a platter for sharing. For a fun twist, try making mini nugget sliders with soft dinner rolls and crunchy pickles. This is a dish that’s as fun to serve as it is to eat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftovers (unlikely, but possible!), pop them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets will stay tasty and juicy for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or late-night snacks.
Freezing
Want to make a big batch ahead of time? Arrange cooled nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to two months, so you can have Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets ready to go whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat your nuggets in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5 to 8 minutes until heated through and crunchy. Skip the microwave—your nuggets deserve to stay nice and crisp!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs give an even juicier, more flavorful result, though you may need to trim excess fat and adjust cook times slightly. Just make sure the pieces are uniform so they bake evenly.
Are there other chip flavors I could try?
Definitely. While BBQ chips are classic, you can get creative with sour cream and onion, spicy jalapeño, or even salt and vinegar chips for a fun twist on Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets. Just stick to flavors you enjoy and don’t be afraid to experiment.
Can I make these gluten free?
You sure can! Swap in your favorite gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free chips. Double-check the chip bag to ensure it’s gluten free for total peace of mind.
What’s the best way to crush the chips?
The easiest method is to pour the chips into a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until you have fine crumbs—just be sure to avoid over-crushing so you keep some texture for crunch.
Can I make these nuggets in an air fryer?
Yes! Just preheat the air fryer to 375°F, arrange the nuggets in a single layer, and cook for 12 to 14 minutes, flipping halfway. They come out crispier than ever and it’s a fun, hands-off alternative to oven baking.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets enough—they’re fun, full of flavor, and guaranteed to disappear fast! If you love bold snacks and easy meals, this recipe is a must-try. Grab your chips and chicken, and let the nugget magic begin!
Print
Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Homemade BBQ Chip Chicken Nuggets are a perfect combination of crispy and flavorful. Made with crushed BBQ-flavored potato chips, these nuggets are a fun twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Nuggets:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups crushed BBQ-flavored potato chips
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- nonstick cooking spray
For Serving:
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat with nonstick spray.
- Prepare the Coating: Mix crushed BBQ chips, panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper in a shallow bowl.
- Set Up the Dredging Station: Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and the BBQ chip mixture in a third bowl.
- Dredge the Chicken: Coat chicken pieces in flour, then dip in eggs, and finally coat in the BBQ chip mixture.
- Bake: Arrange nuggets on the baking sheet, spray the tops with cooking spray, and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve: Serve hot with BBQ sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crunch, air-fry the nuggets at 375°F for 12 to 14 minutes.
- You can customize the flavor by using plain chips and adding more spices.
- Great for game day or family dinners.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking, Air-Frying Option
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6–8 nuggets
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
