The Perfect Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe for Crispy Bites

Have you ever craved crispy homemade chicken nuggets that put store-bought versions to shame?

Neighborhood kitchens buzz with excitement over these golden delights.

Tender chicken pieces coated in a perfectly seasoned breading promise pure comfort.

Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make this recipe a weeknight winner.

Kids and adults alike will devour these crunchy morsels with pure joy.

Minimal kitchen skills can create a crowd-pleasing dish that sparks smiles around the dinner table.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for guaranteed culinary success.

Must-Haves for Homemade Chicken Nuggets

• Chicken: Tender white meat perfect for crispy homemade nuggets, preferably boneless and skinless chicken breast for lean and uniform pieces.

• All-Purpose Flour, Salt, Paprika: First dry layer for creating a smooth base that helps other coatings stick, providing light seasoning and texture.

• Eggs, Milk: Create a sticky surface that helps breadcrumbs adhere perfectly, adding richness and helping create a golden exterior.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: Provide ultimate crispy texture with aromatic seasonings, offering a light and crunchy coating that browns beautifully.

• Vegetable Oil, Cooking Spray: Essential for frying and baking, ensuring even cooking and preventing sticking, with spray offering a lighter alternative for health-conscious cooking.

Chicken Nuggets Homemade Frying Steps

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Pieces

Grab your chicken and slice it into bite-sized chunks about an inch big.

Make sure your cutting board and knife are clean and ready for action.

Aim for uniform pieces so they cook evenly and look super appetizing.

Step 2: Create Breading Stations

• First Bowl: Flour Station
• Ingredients
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Paprika
• Second Bowl: Liquid Coating
• Ingredients
• Eggs
• Milk
• Third Bowl: Crunchy Exterior
• Ingredients
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper

Step 3: Coat Chicken Completely

Dive into your breading adventure with these steps:

First, roll each chicken piece in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

Next, dunk the floured chicken into the egg wash, ensuring full coverage.

Finally, roll the piece in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to create a perfect crunchy layer.

Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Method

Frying Option:

Heat oil to 350°F.

Carefully place nuggets in hot oil and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Remove and let drain on paper towels.

Oven Baking Option:

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Arrange nuggets on a greased baking sheet.

Lightly spray with oil and bake, flipping midway, until crispy and cooked through, around 20-25 minutes.

Air Fryer Option:

Set air fryer to 375°F.

Arrange nuggets in a single layer, spray with oil, and cook for 10-12 minutes.

Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.

Nugget Making Tips for Crispy Chicken Bites

• Cut chicken pieces uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent some nuggets from being undercooked or overcooked.
• Press breadcrumbs gently onto chicken to create a crispy, even coating that locks in moisture and provides perfect crunch.
• Use a cooking thermometer to maintain precise oil heat, preventing nuggets from becoming greasy or burning while achieving a golden exterior.
• Swap out spices in breadcrumb mixture to create different flavor profiles like adding smoked paprika, Italian herbs, or chili powder for variety.
• Cool leftover nuggets completely before refrigerating, and reheat in air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness instead of using microwave.

Homemade Chicken Nuggets Stored Right

• Store leftover chicken nuggets in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Place cooled nuggets in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Spread nuggets on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Use air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to restore original crispiness and prevent soggy texture.

Best Dips and Sides With Chicken Nuggets

• Pair with Cool Ranch Dip: Blend sour cream, ranch seasoning, and chopped chives for a tangy, creamy companion that cuts through the nuggets' richness.
• Serve with Crisp Apple Slaw: Julienne green apples, mix with light coleslaw dressing, and add a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a refreshing, crunchy side that balances the nuggets' warm, golden texture.
• Match with Craft Beer Highlight: Select a light wheat beer or pilsner that complements the nuggets' crispy breading without overpowering the delicate chicken flavor.
• Complement with Zesty Citrus Mocktail: Create a sparkling lemonade with muddled mint and a dash of ginger, offering a bright, effervescent drink that cleanses the palate between bites.

Homemade Chicken Nuggets Easy Versions

• Gluten-Free Nuggets: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version that maintains crispy texture.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds and use almond flour instead of traditional flour to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the nugget's classic crunch.
• Low-Sodium Variation: Eliminate added salt and replace with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning to enhance flavor without increasing sodium levels.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk in the egg wash, ensuring those with dairy restrictions can still enjoy homemade chicken nuggets.

FAQs

• Why use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs?

Panko creates a crispier, lighter coating that stays crunchy longer and provides a more delicate texture compared to traditional breadcrumbs.

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken breast or chicken thighs. Chicken breast will be leaner, while thighs offer more moisture and flavor.

• How do I ensure the breading sticks properly to the chicken?

Follow the three-step coating process carefully: first flour, then egg wash, and finally breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently to help them adhere, and let excess drip off between each coating.

• Is it necessary to use all three seasoning mixtures?

While each mixture adds flavor and helps with coating, you can simplify by adjusting seasonings. The key is creating a dry-wet-dry breading sequence for optimal crunch and flavor.

Homemade Chicken Nuggets That Even Adults Crave

• Quick Family Favorite: Whip up restaurant-quality chicken nuggets right in your kitchen with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.
• Versatile Cooking Options: Enjoy ultimate flexibility by choosing between frying, baking, or air frying based on your preferred cooking method and health preferences.
• Kid-Approved Meal: Create crispy, golden nuggets that children will devour, making mealtime stress-free and delightful for parents seeking crowd-pleasing dishes.
• Customizable Seasoning: Easily adjust spices and breading to match family tastes, transforming a simple recipe into a personalized culinary experience.

Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy golden homemade chicken nuggets bring restaurant-style comfort right to your kitchen table. Crunchy exterior and juicy interior make these nuggets an irresistible meal you’ll want to devour again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Coating Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) panko breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) milk

Seasonings:

• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• Oil for frying (if using frying method)

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Instructions

1. Transform plump chicken into bite-sized morsels by slicing into uniform 1-inch chunks, ensuring consistent cooking and texture.
2. Establish a three-tier coating strategy: First station with seasoned flour mixture incorporating salt and paprika for initial dry layer; second station featuring whisked eggs and milk to help breading adhere; third station combining crispy panko breadcrumbs enhanced with garlic powder and black pepper for ultimate crunch.
3. Execute precise coating technique: Thoroughly dredge chicken pieces through flour, meticulously shaking off excess; submerge completely in egg mixture ensuring comprehensive coverage; gently roll in seasoned breadcrumbs, applying gentle pressure to create a robust, even exterior.
4. Select preferred cooking method: For traditional frying, submerge nuggets in oil heated to 350°F, cooking until exterior achieves golden-brown perfection and interior reaches safe temperature; alternatively, opt for oven-baking by arranging on greased sheet, lightly misting with oil, and roasting at 400°F, rotating midway; for health-conscious preparation, utilize air fryer at 375°F, arranging in single layer and intermittently shaking to guarantee uniform crispiness.
5. Upon completion, allow nuggets brief resting period on absorbent surfaces to eliminate excess oil, ensuring maximum crispness and optimal serving temperature.

Notes

• Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking and consistent texture.
• Pat chicken dry before breading to help coating stick better and achieve crispier results.
• Add extra spices like cayenne or smoked paprika to breadcrumb mixture for bolder flavor profiles.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with almond or rice flour and using gluten-free breadcrumbs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (excluding 30 minutes for soaking)
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg