Name: Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-483762H34M30S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional); 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional); Vegetable oil (for frying); Ketchup, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard

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Let’s talk about homemade chicken nuggets—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and way better than anything you’ll find in a drive-thru. These little golden bites of chicken are simple to make and packed with flavor. Plus, you can skip the mystery ingredients and make them exactly how you like. You know those days when you just want something comforting and delicious, but you don’t want to order takeout? This recipe is your answer! Trust me, once you’ve made these, you’ll never go back to store-bought.

Imagine biting into a crispy, perfectly seasoned nugget and dipping it into your favorite sauce. The crunch is heavenly—and the best part? You can customize the seasonings to your taste. Whether you’re feeding the kids or making a batch for yourself, these nuggets will quickly become your new go-to recipe for a quick and satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Here’s why these chicken nuggets are an absolute game-changer:

Homemade Goodness: No more mystery ingredients! These nuggets are made with simple, fresh ingredients you can feel good about.
Crispy and Tender: The outside is perfectly crunchy, while the inside stays juicy and tender. It’s the perfect combination!
Customizable: Feel free to tweak the seasonings, use different breadcrumbs, or swap in your favorite dipping sauce. The possibilities are endless.

Quick and Easy: It takes just a few simple steps to make these nuggets, and you’ll have a meal ready in no time.
Family-Friendly: Kids love them! Serve them with a side of veggies or fries, and they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

Ingredients

To make these delicious chicken nuggets, you’ll need just a few pantry staples and fresh chicken:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Cut into bite-sized chunks for the perfect nugget size.
All-Purpose Flour: For dredging the chicken to give it that crispy coating.
Eggs: Helps the breading stick to the chicken and creates that golden crust.

Breadcrumbs: You can use regular or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a cheesy kick to the breadcrumbs and helps with browning.
Garlic Powder: For a savory, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken.

Onion Powder: Adds a subtle sweetness to the nuggets.
Paprika: A hint of smokiness and color.
Salt and Pepper: For basic seasoning that brings out all the flavors.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Making these homemade chicken nuggets is super straightforward. Let’s get started!

Preheat the Oven or Prepare Your Frying Pan

If you’re baking the nuggets, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you prefer to fry them, heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.

Prepare the Chicken

Cut your boneless, skinless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Make sure they’re roughly the same size so they cook evenly. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful nugget.

Set Up the Breading Station

Set up three shallow bowls for your breading station:

Flour: In the first bowl, add all-purpose flour and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Eggs: In the second bowl, crack two eggs and beat them lightly.
Breadcrumbs: In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Bread the Chicken

Now it’s time to coat the chicken:

Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly.
Dip it into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off.
Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.

Repeat for all the chicken pieces.

Cook the Nuggets

Baking Method:

If you’re baking the nuggets, arrange them in a single layer on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and cooked through.

Frying Method:

If you’re frying the nuggets, carefully add them to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve your homemade chicken nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauces. Ketchup, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch are always crowd-pleasers!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a general breakdown of the nutrition for one serving of Homemade Chicken Nuggets (approximately 4-5 nuggets):

Servings: 4 (about 4-5 nuggets per serving)

Calories per serving: 350 calories
Total Fat: 18g (28% DV)
Saturated Fat: 3g (15% DV)

Cholesterol: 120mg (40% DV)
Sodium: 400mg (17% DV)
Total Carbohydrates: 25g (8% DV)

Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% DV)
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 25g

Vitamin A: 2% DV
Vitamin C: 0% DV
Calcium: 6% DV

Iron: 10% DV

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes (baking) or 6-8 minutes (frying)

Total Time: 30-35 minutes

How to Serve Homemade Chicken Nuggets

These chicken nuggets are so versatile—you can serve them with a variety of sides and dips:

Vegetable Sides: Serve with some roasted veggies, like carrots, broccoli, or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.

Dipping Sauces: Try them with classic ketchup, creamy ranch, or honey mustard. The dipping options are endless!
Fries: Classic French fries or curly fries make a perfect pairing with these nuggets.
Salad: A light side salad or coleslaw will balance the richness of the nuggets.

Additional Tips

Make them Spicy: Add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture for a little heat.
Make Ahead: You can bread the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes for a quick meal on busy days.
Freezing Option: You can freeze the breaded nuggets before cooking. Just place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, bake or fry from frozen (they may take a few extra minutes).

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you juicier, more flavorful nuggets. Just make sure to trim off the fat and cut them into bite-sized pieces.

Q2: Can I make these nuggets gluten-free?

A2: Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You’ll still get a crispy result.

Q3: Can I bake these nuggets instead of frying them?

A3: Yes! Baking is a healthier option, and they still come out crispy and delicious. Just make sure to flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

A4: Store leftover chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispiness.

Q5: Can I freeze these nuggets?

A5: Yes! Freeze the breaded chicken nuggets on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Bake or fry from frozen when ready to eat.

Q6: How do I reheat chicken nuggets?

A6: Reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until they’re hot and crispy again. You can also microwave them, but they won’t be as crispy.

Q7: Can I make these nuggets spicy?

A7: Yes! Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick. You can also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce.

Q8: Can I use pre-seasoned breadcrumbs?

A8: Sure! If you prefer, you can use pre-seasoned breadcrumbs. Just be mindful of the salt content, as it might affect the overall flavor.

Q9: What should I serve these with?

A9: Chicken nuggets pair wonderfully with fries, roasted veggies, coleslaw, or a simple salad. And don’t forget the dipping sauces!

Q10: Can I double the recipe?

A10: Absolutely! Just make sure you have enough space in your frying pan or oven to cook the extra nuggets. You may need to cook them in batches.

Conclusion

These Homemade Chicken Nuggets are a total game-changer! Crispy, tender, and packed with flavor, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Plus, they’re quick, customizable, and healthier than the store-bought version. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just a quick weeknight dinner, these nuggets will hit the spot every time. Enjoy!