If you’re someone who loves fast food but also enjoys cooking at home, this recipe is for you! Taco Bell is famous for its Mexican-inspired flavours, but what if we combine that bold taste with one of the world’s favourite snacks – chicken nuggets?
These Taco Bell–style chicken nuggets are crispy, juicy, and bursting with Mexican spice. Perfect for a quick dinner, party snack, or even a late-night craving, they’ll give you the same exciting flavor as Taco Bell, but fresher and homemade.
The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients – just simple pantry spices and chicken.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 500g boneless chicken breast (cut into nugget-sized cubes)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt thinned with water)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder (or taco seasoning mix)
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying (or use an air fryer)
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with buttermilk, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt.
- Let it rest for at least 30 minutes (overnight is even better).
2. Prepare the Coating
- In another bowl, mix flour, cornflakes/breadcrumbs, paprika, cumin, onion powder, and black pepper.
3. Coat the Nuggets
- Take each marinated chicken piece, roll it in the coating mix, and press gently so it sticks well.
- Repeat for all pieces.
4. Fry or Air Fry
- Heat oil in a pan and fry nuggets until golden brown (about 5–6 minutes).
- Or, for a healthier version, air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 12–15 minutes.
Why You’ll Love These Nuggets
- Crispy & Golden: Each nugget has a crunchy coating.
- Spicy Kick: Taco seasoning adds that Mexican-style punch.
- Easy to Make: No complicated steps – fry or air fry and enjoy!
- Better Than Fast Food: You know exactly what’s going in.
5. Serve with Taco Bell Vibes
- Pair them with spicy chipotle mayo, nacho cheese dip, or even wrap them in a tortilla with lettuce and salsa for a Taco Bell-style treat.
Serving Ideas
- Serve as a party appetizer with dipping sauces.
- Toss nuggets in hot sauce for a Mexican buffalo nugget version.
- Add to tacos, burritos, or nachos for a fun twist.
Final Thoughts
These Taco Bell–inspired chicken nuggets are not just nuggets they’re little bites of crunchy, spicy happiness. The Mexican spices give them a kick, and you can serve them in so many creative ways. Whether you fry them for extra crunch or air fry for a healthier snack, they’ll disappear in minutes.
So, next time you’re craving fast food, skip the drive-thru – bring Taco Bell flavours home with these crispy nuggets.
