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Taco Bell Chicken Nuggets
Antonio Morelli

Taco Bell Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Bring Taco Bell’s crispy, zesty chicken nuggets home with this easy Taco Bell Chicken Nuggets Recipe 2025. Crunchy coating, juicy chicken, and bold Tex-Mex flavor—just like the fast-food favorite, but homemade!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 15–20 nuggets
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American, Fast Food Copycat, Tex-Mex Fusion
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into nugget chunks
  • 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1½ cups (150 g) breadcrumbs or panko
  • 2 cups oil for frying
Seasoning Mix (Taco Bell-Inspired):
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp cayenne (optional, for spice)

Equipment

  • Cutting board & knife
  • Mixing bowls (3)
  • Whisk/fork
  • Measuring spoons & cups
  • Frying pan / Air fryer / Oven
  • Wire rack
  • Slotted spoon or tongs
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Cut chicken into 1–1.5 inch chunks. Pat dry.
  2. Marinate with seasoning mix (add buttermilk or hot sauce for extra flavor). Rest 30 minutes.
  3. Prepare breading station: flour → eggs → breadcrumbs.
  4. Coat each chicken piece (flour → egg → breadcrumbs). Let rest 5 minutes.
Cook by choice:
  1. Fry in oil for at least 3 to 4 minutes.
  2. Air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes.
  3. Bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes.
  4. Rest nuggets on a wire rack 2–3 minutes.
  5. Serve hot with Taco Bell-inspired dipping sauces.

Notes

  • For extra crunch, double-coat nuggets by repeating the egg + breadcrumb step.
  • Season breadcrumbs as well as chicken for layered flavor.
  • Store in fridge for 2 days or freezer for 2 months. Reheat in oven/air fryer.
  • Pair with nacho cheese dip, chipotle mayo, or spicy ranch for that Taco Bell vibe.