Who doesn’t love chicken nuggets? They’re everyone’s favorite bite-sized comfort food. But, let’s be honest, store-bought nuggets can sometimes leave you feeling a little… meh. That’s why these homemade chicken nuggets are a total game-changer! They’re crispy, golden perfection on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. Plus, you get to control what goes into them—yay for fewer preservatives! Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a fun meal for the kids, or something to satisfy your nugget cravings, this recipe is here to save the day. So grab your apron, and let’s make nuggets even better than your favorite fast-food spot!
Table of content
- About The Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips for Success
- Variations and Customizations
- Nutritional Information
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Recipe Card
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Comments & Reviews
- Social Sharing Options
About The Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Let’s take a second to appreciate the global love for chicken nuggets. These little bites of joy have a history that goes back to the 1950s when Robert C. Baker, a food scientist, first invented them at Cornell University. What’s amazing about homemade chicken nuggets is just how versatile and easy they are to whip up. If you’re entertaining friends, looking for something the kids will love, or just craving a nostalgic treat, these nuggets check all the boxes. Homemade also means total control—spice them up, tone them down, bake or fry them—your choice! Another great thing about them? They pair with so many dipping sauces, from ketchup and ranch to honey mustard and even buffalo sauce for those who love heat. The best part? Your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll have nuggets fresher, crispier, and tastier than the frozen stuff. Let’s get cooking!Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly crispy and golden every time
- Kid-approved and adult-loved snack
- Uses easy-to-find pantry ingredients
- Healthier than store-bought nuggets
- Customizable with your favorite flavors
- Works as a snack, appetizer, or meal
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Chicken Breast: The main star for that juicy bite. Swap for chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat.
- Breadcrumbs: For that crispy coating. Try panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch!
- Flour: Helps the coating stick.
- Eggs: Makes everything come together and stick well.
- Seasonings: Use salt, pepper, garlic powder. Want a kick? Add paprika or cayenne.
- Oil: For frying. Vegetable oil, canola, or peanut oil works great.
How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Prep the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into nugget-sized pieces—about 1-2 inches each. Make sure they’re as uniform as possible.
- Set Up Dredging Station: In one bowl, mix flour and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, add your breadcrumbs and seasonings.
- Coat the Nuggets: Dip each piece of chicken into the flour (shake excess off), then into the egg mix, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each piece is fully coated.
- Heat the Oil: Heat about an inch of oil in a frying pan over medium heat until it’s hot but not smoking.
- Cook: Fry the chicken nuggets in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain and Serve: Place cooked nuggets on paper towels to soak up excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce!
Expert Tips for Success
Use uniform chicken pieces for even cooking.
Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying—it’ll lower the temperature and make the nuggets soggy.
Using a meat thermometer? Cook nuggets to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Want to make them healthier? Try baking these nuggets at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Make-ahead tip: Bread the nuggets and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag and fry/bake when ready.
Variations and Customizations
There are so many ways to make these nuggets your own! Want a spicy twist? Add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix. For a cheesy version, mix some grated Parmesan into the breadcrumbs. Want to make them gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour. If you’re skipping oil, bake them in the oven or pop them into the air fryer for a healthier option!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of these nuggets contains roughly 300-350 calories, depending on the exact ingredients and cooking method. They’re loaded with protein thanks to the chicken, but also pack a bit of fat from the frying oil and breadcrumbs. For a lighter option, consider baking or air frying. Keep an eye on portion sizes and enjoy them with a side of veggies or salad to balance things out!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container and pop them into the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, skip the microwave if you want to keep them crispy. Instead, warm them in the oven at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes or until heated through. You can also use an air fryer—they’ll crisp right back up in no time!
Recipe Card of Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients list
- 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup butter melted
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Fire up your oven to a sizzling 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) to get started on this scrumptious journey.
- Slice your golden chicken breasts into bite-size 1.5-inch pieces. Mix bread crumbs, Parmesan, basil, thyme, and salt in a bowl. Now, immerse those chunks in buttery goodness.
- Dip each chicken piece in the inviting melted butter and roll them in the crumb mix. Arrange these coated delights on a greased baking sheet.
- Slide the nuggets into the preheated oven, set your timer for 20 minutes, and watch them bake to golden perfection.
Recipe Video
Notes
Nutrition
All Your Questions About This Recipe
Can I bake these nuggets instead of frying?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a crispier, healthier option.
Can I freeze these chicken nuggets?
Yes, after breading them, place them on a tray in the freezer until solid. Then, transfer them to a bag and store for up to 3 months.
What dipping sauces go best with these nuggets?
Classic pairings like ketchup, ranch, and honey mustard are always tasty. For a spicy kick, try buffalo or sriracha mayo!
Can I use ground chicken instead of chicken breast?
Yes, shape the ground chicken into small patties, coat them, and cook as directed—it works just as well!
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reads 165°F for safe eating.