- Cuisine American
- Course Main
- Prep 20 min
- Cook 15 min
- Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb organic chicken breast, diced into 1-inch nuggets
- 1/2 cup dill pickle brine (from a jar of naturally fermented pickles)
- 1 cup organic full-fat yogurt
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups organic panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp avocado oil (for the coating)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp organic avocado oil (for searing)
Clean swaps
How we upgrade the restaurant version with better ingredients.
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Shop the clean pantry
Reorder the shelf-stable staples for this recipe.
What you'll need
- Cast iron skillet — Sears better than any non-stick; naturally non-stick once seasoned.
- Enameled Dutch oven — For braises, roasts, and one-pot mains.
- Instant-read thermometer — The only reliable way to nail doneness without guessing.
Instructions
- Place the diced chicken in a bowl with the pickle brine, toss to coat, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours).
- Drain the chicken, then toss it in a mixture of the yogurt, lemon zest, and lemon juice until coated.
- In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle 2 tbsp of avocado oil into the breadcrumb mixture and toss to ensure even distribution.
- Remove chicken from the yogurt, shake off excess liquid, and press each piece firmly into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
- Heat 2 tbsp of avocado oil in a heavy-bottom skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the nuggets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Drain on a wire rack to maintain crispiness before serving.
FAQ
Why use yogurt in the coating?
Yogurt helps create a crispy exterior while providing probiotics for digestion.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs will make them suitable for gluten avoidance diets.
How can I store these nuggets?
Store in an airtight container and consume within 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
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