CADE BENTLEY HAMPTON (Mount Juliet, Tennessee) and his sister love to visit and vacation with their Pop and Gran, SHERRY BOND HAMPTON (Caddo, Alabama). The Hampton kids come from a long line of Alabama fans, and these nuggets are perfect for tailgating or watching a weekend game with Gran and Pop. These homemade chicken nuggets were Cade’s dad’s and his Uncle Jamey’s favorites when they were little boys, and they still act like little boys when she makes them today. Cade adds, “We all love these nuggets and fight over the crumbs left on the paper towel when the plate is empty.”
Vegetable or peanut oil for frying
1 large egg, beaten
¾ teaspoon salt
½ cup water
½ cup all-purpose flour
3 chicken breasts (boned, skinned, and cut into small pieces)
1 Fill a large Dutch oven with approximately 3 inches of oil. Heat the oil to 350 degrees.
2 In a shallow bowl mix together the egg, salt, water, and flour. Dip the chicken pieces into the batter to fully coat.
3 Cook a few pieces at a time in the oil for approximately 3 minutes on each side. Remove from the grease and blot on paper towels before serving. Serve hot.
MAKES 3 TO 5 SERVINGS.