Addictive Sweet & Savory Garlic Soy Chicken Nuggets
Quick Garlic Soy Chicken Nuggets from Frozen Chicken Nuggets: Perfect for Kids!
Don’t let those frozen chicken nuggets languish in your freezer! Transform them into a delightful sweet and savory garlic soy chicken dish in minutes. It’s a quick and easy way to create a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish that both kids and adults will love.
Main Ingredients
- 20 frozen chicken nuggets
- 1 handful of nuts (your choice, e.g., walnuts, almonds, pine nuts)
Magic Sauce
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup)
- 3 Tbsp water
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine (like Mirin)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (freshly minced garlic adds more flavor!)
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup)
- 3 Tbsp water
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine (like Mirin)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (freshly minced garlic adds more flavor!)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, we’ll cook the chicken nuggets until golden and crispy. You can use an air fryer or a frying pan. If using an air fryer, follow the cooking time instructions on the nugget packaging to achieve maximum crispiness. If using a frying pan, cook over medium heat, flipping them occasionally until evenly golden brown.
Step 2
While the chicken nuggets are cooking, let’s prepare the magic sauce. In a bowl, combine 3 Tbsp of soy sauce for a deep umami flavor, 3 Tbsp of corn syrup for sweetness, and 3 Tbsp of water. Add 2 Tbsp of sugar to enhance the sweetness, 2 Tbsp of cooking wine (like Mirin) to remove any gamey odors and add complexity, and 1 Tbsp of minced garlic, the star of our aromatic sauce. Whisk everything together until well combined.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the nuts that will add a special touch to this dish. Use any nuts you have on hand (walnuts, almonds, peanuts, pine nuts, etc.). To enhance the crunchy texture, finely chop them using the side of a knife or on a cutting board. Pine nuts will add a wonderfully nutty aroma.
Step 4
Once the chicken nuggets are cooked to a golden perfection, drain any excess oil and set them aside near the cooking pan. We’ll be tossing them in the sauce shortly.
Step 5
Now, pour the prepared magic sauce into the pan. Get ready for that irresistible aroma to fill your kitchen!
Step 6
Once the sauce begins to bubble vigorously, stir it continuously with a spatula or spoon to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly. This simmering process concentrates the flavors.
Step 7
As the sauce starts to thicken, add the cooked chicken nuggets to the pan. Toss them quickly to ensure each nugget is evenly coated with the delicious garlic soy sauce. Coat them generously for maximum flavor.
Step 8
Continue to cook and toss until the nuggets have absorbed some of the sauce and the sauce has become glossy and slightly thickened, coating the nuggets beautifully. Turn off the heat. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the nuggets tough. The sauce should have a lovely sheen.
Step 9
Transfer the finished garlic soy chicken nuggets to a serving plate. Sprinkle the finely chopped nuts generously over the top. Congratulations, you’ve just created your own special garlic soy chicken nuggets! Enjoy them immediately while they are warm for the best taste and texture.
