Crispy Chicken Tots: A Fun and Delicious Recipe for the Whole Family
Chicken nuggets are a classic comfort food, but sometimes you want something a little more interesting. Enter: Chicken Tots! These bite-sized delights are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. They’re perfect as an appetizer, a snack, or even a fun dinner option for kids and adults alike. This recipe takes the familiar flavors of chicken nuggets and elevates them to a whole new level of deliciousness. We’ll guide you through each step, from preparing the chicken to achieving the perfect golden-brown crunch. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a tot-making haven!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tots Recipe
* **Kid-Friendly:** What kid (or adult!) can resist a crispy, bite-sized tot?
* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is surprisingly easy to follow.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add a pinch of chili powder for some heat, or some garlic powder for extra flavor.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Make a big batch and freeze them for a quick and easy snack or meal whenever you need it.
* **Versatile:** Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, in wraps, or even on top of salads.
* **Uses Simple Ingredients:** You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already.
* **Healthier Than Store-Bought:** You control the ingredients, so you can make them healthier than the processed versions you find in the freezer aisle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts:** Cut into small, bite-sized pieces (about 1/2 inch cubes).
* **1 cup mashed potatoes:** Cooked and mashed. Russet potatoes work best, but you can use any type you prefer. Make sure they’re cooled down before mixing.
* **1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese:** Adds flavor and helps bind the tots together. You can use other types of cheese as well, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
* **1/4 cup finely chopped onion:** Adds flavor and moisture.
* **1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley:** Adds a pop of freshness and color. You can substitute with dried parsley if needed (use about 1 tablespoon).
* **1 egg, lightly beaten:** Helps bind the ingredients together.
* **1 teaspoon garlic powder:** Adds a savory flavor.
* **1/2 teaspoon onion powder:** Enhances the onion flavor.
* **1/2 teaspoon paprika:** Adds color and a subtle smoky flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon salt:** Enhances the flavors.
* **1/4 teaspoon black pepper:** Adds a bit of spice.
* **1 cup panko breadcrumbs:** For coating the tots and creating a crispy texture. You can use regular breadcrumbs if you don’t have panko, but the texture won’t be as crispy.
* **1/4 cup all-purpose flour:** Helps the breadcrumbs stick to the tots.
* **Vegetable oil, for frying:** Or any other neutral oil with a high smoke point.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Large bowl:** For mixing the ingredients.
* **Small bowl:** For the egg wash.
* **Shallow dish:** For the flour.
* **Another shallow dish:** For the breadcrumbs.
* **Large skillet or pot:** For frying the tots.
* **Slotted spoon:** For removing the tots from the oil.
* **Paper towels:** For draining the excess oil.
* **Cookie sheet:** For placing the fried tots while you finish cooking the rest.
Step-by-Step Instructions
**1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:**
* In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, chopped onion, and chopped parsley.
* Add the beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
**2. Shape the Tots:**
* Take a tablespoon of the chicken mixture and roll it into a small, oval-shaped tot. You can make them larger or smaller depending on your preference.
* Place the shaped tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This also makes the breading process easier.
**3. Bread the Tots:**
* Place the flour in a shallow dish. In another shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
* One at a time, roll each tot in the flour, making sure it’s evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
* Next, dip the floured tot into the beaten egg, coating it completely.
* Finally, roll the egg-coated tot in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
* Place the breaded tot back on the baking sheet.
* Repeat the breading process with the remaining tots.
**4. Fry the Tots:**
* Pour enough vegetable oil into a large skillet or pot to reach a depth of about 1 inch.
* Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of 350°F (175°C). You can use a candy thermometer to check the temperature.
* Carefully add the breaded tots to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
* Fry the tots for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
* Remove the fried tots from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
**5. Serve and Enjoy:**
* Serve the chicken tots immediately while they are still hot and crispy.
* Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Tots
* **Don’t overcrowd the skillet:** Frying too many tots at once will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy, greasy tots. Fry them in batches instead.
* **Maintain the oil temperature:** Use a candy thermometer to ensure the oil stays at 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the tots will burn on the outside before the chicken is cooked through. If the oil is too cold, the tots will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
* **Use cold mashed potatoes:** Using cold mashed potatoes will help the tots hold their shape better. Warm mashed potatoes will make the mixture too soft and difficult to work with.
* **Dry the chicken well:** Pat the diced chicken dry with paper towels before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will help the tots crisp up better in the oil.
* **Don’t skip the flour coating:** The flour coating helps the egg wash and breadcrumbs adhere to the tots, creating a crispy crust.
* **Use panko breadcrumbs:** Panko breadcrumbs are larger and lighter than regular breadcrumbs, which results in a crispier texture.
* **Make sure the tots are cooked through:** The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
* **Reheat in the oven or air fryer:** To reheat leftover chicken tots, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
* **Get creative with the seasonings:** Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor of your chicken tots. Try adding some chili powder, cumin, or Italian seasoning.
* **Add vegetables:** You can add other finely chopped vegetables to the chicken mixture, such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers. This is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients.
Variations and Add-ins
* **Spicy Chicken Tots:** Add a pinch of chili powder or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Cheesy Chicken Tots:** Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack, for a different flavor profile.
* **BBQ Chicken Tots:** Mix in some barbecue sauce with the chicken mixture for a smoky and sweet flavor.
* **Buffalo Chicken Tots:** Toss the fried tots in buffalo wing sauce for a tangy and spicy treat. Serve with blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing.
* **Loaded Chicken Tots:** Top the fried tots with cheese, bacon, sour cream, and chives for a decadent appetizer.
* **Vegetarian “Chicken” Tots:** Substitute the chicken with cooked and mashed chickpeas or lentils for a vegetarian option. You can also use tofu crumbles.
* **Air Fryer Chicken Tots:** For a healthier option, you can air fry the tots instead of frying them in oil. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and air fry the tots for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
* **Sweet Potato Chicken Tots:** Replace half of the mashed potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and more nutritious tot.
* **Chicken and Broccoli Tots:** Add finely chopped steamed broccoli to the chicken mixture for added nutrients and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
* **Dipping Sauces:** Serve the chicken tots with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, sweet chili sauce, or sriracha mayo.
* **Side Dish:** Serve them as a side dish with burgers, sandwiches, or salads.
* **Appetizer:** Serve them as an appetizer at parties or gatherings.
* **Snack:** Enjoy them as a quick and easy snack any time of day.
* **In Wraps or Tacos:** Add them to wraps or tacos for a fun and flavorful meal.
* **On Top of Salads:** Use them as a topping for salads to add some protein and crunch.
Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover chicken tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezer:** To freeze the chicken tots, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for about 1-2 hours, or until they are solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 250-300 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients used)
* Protein: 15-20 grams
* Fat: 10-15 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.*
Conclusion
These crispy chicken tots are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a fun snack, a quick dinner, or a tasty appetizer, this recipe is sure to satisfy. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy these delicious bite-sized treats! They will disappear fast!