Description
These Homemade Chicken Nuggets are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Made with simple ingredients and coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture, these homemade nuggets are much better than the store-bought version! Perfect for a quick dinner, game night snack, or a fun treat for kids. Dip them in your favorite sauce and enjoy!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Optional Dipping Sauces:
- Ketchup, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken breasts (or thighs) into bite-sized pieces, around 1 1/2-inch chunks.
-
Set Up Breading Station:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
- In a third shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), and dried oregano.
-
Bread the Chicken:
- Dredge each piece of chicken first in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess.
- Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s coated evenly.
- Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to help the crumbs stick.
-
Fry the Nuggets:
- Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You’ll know it’s hot enough when a breadcrumb dropped into the oil sizzles.
- Working in batches, fry the chicken nuggets for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet.
- Remove the nuggets from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
-
Serve:
- Serve your homemade chicken nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauces on the side.
Notes
- For a healthier option, you can bake the chicken nuggets. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- You can freeze uncooked breaded nuggets for up to 2 months. Just freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When ready to cook, fry or bake them directly from the freezer.
- Feel free to add other seasonings to the breadcrumbs, such as onion powder, Italian seasoning, or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes (depending on the size of the chicken pieces)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5-6 chicken nuggets
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg