📖 Instructions

1. First, prepare the chicken by cutting the chicken breasts into roughly 1-inch cubes. Don't worry about perfect uniformity; slightly different sizes will add texture after they're cooked. Place the cubed chicken into a large mixing bowl.
2. Now, let's make the marinade! In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Seriously, don't skip the hot sauce – it adds so much flavor!
3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that every piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a large Ziploc bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will be. I usually let mine marinate overnight
4. When you're ready to cook, prepare the breading station. In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. The cornstarch is the secret ingredient that makes them extra crispy!
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, pressing it firmly to ensure it's fully coated. Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet while you prepare the oil.
6. Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to make sure the oil is at the correct temperature. If the oil isn't hot enough, the nuggets will be soggy; too hot, and they'll burn on the outside before they're cooked through.
7. Carefully add the breaded chicken to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the fryer. Fry for about 3-5 minutes per batch, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
8. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken nuggets from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Season immediately with a pinch of salt while they're still hot. And that's it, you're almost ready to eat!
9. Serve these Cajun chicken nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauces. They're fantastic with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or even a spicy aioli. Enjoy the little taste of Louisiana!