The Crispiest Ground Chicken Nuggets Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Crispy ground chicken nuggets bring a delightful twist to your weeknight dinner lineup.

My kitchen adventures often lead to surprising culinary discoveries.

These bite-sized morsels pack serious flavor without complicated preparation steps.

You’ll love how simple ingredients combine into something magical.

Seasoned with herbs and spices, each nugget offers a perfectly crunchy exterior and tender interior.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction for anyone seeking a quick and tasty meal solution.

Trust me, these nuggets will become your new go-to comfort food that everyone around the table will devour.

Why Ground Chicken Nuggets Are Always a Hit

• Craft Customized Comfort: Personalize these ground chicken nuggets with your favorite herbs, spices, or cheese to match your family's taste preferences and make mealtime exciting.
• Master Quick Nutrition: Pack a protein-rich meal that's healthier than store-bought versions, loaded with lean ground chicken and whole wheat breadcrumbs for added nutrition and flavor.
• Flexible Cooking Options: Choose between oven-baking or air frying, giving you versatility to prepare these nuggets based on your kitchen equipment and cooking style.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Create a universally loved dish that appeals to children and adults alike, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.

Ingredients for Homemade Ground Chicken Nuggets

• Ground Chicken: The primary protein source that forms the base of these delicious nuggets.
• Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs: Provides structure and helps bind the chicken mixture together.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent to hold the chicken mixture together.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Oregano: A blend of spices that adds depth and flavor to the chicken nuggets.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces a savory and slightly nutty taste to the mixture.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy and crunchy exterior for the nuggets.
• Olive Oil: Helps with moisture and promotes golden browning during cooking.
• Milk: Optional ingredient to prevent the mixture from becoming too dry.
• Cooking Spray: Helps achieve extra crispiness when baking or air frying.

How to Cook Ground Chicken Nuggets Easily

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Surface

Preheat oven to 400F or air fryer to 360F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for oven method.

Ensure your cooking surface is ready for golden deliciousness.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Mixture

• Ground chicken
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Parmesan cheese
• Whole wheat breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Olive oil

Mix everything thoroughly until ingredients are completely blended.

Step 3: Adjust Moisture Level

If the mixture feels too dry, splash in a touch of milk to keep the nuggets tender and juicy.

Step 4: Shape Nugget Pieces

Use your hands or a spoon to form small, bite-sized nugget shapes.

Keep them relatively uniform for even cooking.

Step 5: Create Crispy Coating

Roll each nugget in panko breadcrumbs.

Press gently to ensure the crumbs stick securely to the surface.

Step 6: Prepare for Cooking

Place nuggets on the prepared baking sheet or in the air fryer basket.

Lightly spray with cooking spray or brush with olive oil to enhance crispiness.

Step 7: Oven Cooking Method

Bake for 18-20 minutes.

Flip the nuggets halfway through cooking to ensure even golden browning.

Step 8: Air Fryer Cooking Method

Cook for 10-12 minutes.

Shake the basket midway to guarantee all-around crispiness.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Allow nuggets to cool for a few minutes.

Pair with your favorite dipping sauce and savor the homemade goodness.

Tips for Juicy Ground Chicken Nuggets Every Time

• Add a splash of milk if the ground chicken mixture feels too dry, ensuring juicy and tender nuggets.
• Press panko crumbs gently onto nuggets for maximum crispiness and even coating.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 74C (165F) for safe consumption.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika to elevate taste.
• Prepare extra nuggets, freeze uncooked, and store in airtight containers for quick future meals.

Tasty Ground Chicken Nugget Variations

• Spicy Kick Variation: Replace paprika with cayenne pepper and add hot sauce to the mixture for a fiery chicken nugget experience.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Swap oregano with za'atar spice mix and add chopped fresh parsley for a Middle Eastern flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and replace wheat-based ingredients with gluten-free alternatives like rice flour for coating.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds, remove Parmesan cheese, and use extra egg and ground almond for binding to create a low-carb chicken nugget.

What to Serve With Ground Chicken Nuggets

• – Drizzle honey mustard sauce for a sweet-tangy kick that complements the savory ground chicken nuggets and adds a zesty flavor profile.
• – Create a cool, herbal ranch dipping sauce with fresh dill, buttermilk, and a hint of garlic to balance the nuggets' warm, crispy texture.
• – Whip up a creamy sriracha mayo by mixing mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, and a splash of lime juice for a spicy-creamy dipping experience that elevates the chicken nuggets.

Storing Ground Chicken Nuggets for Later

• Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place cooled nuggets on a baking sheet, freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat to 180C (350F). Arrange nuggets on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Set to 180C (350F), cook for 4-5 minutes. Shake basket midway to ensure even heating. Nuggets will crisp up beautifully without extra oil.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute and provides a similar texture and flavor profile for the nuggets.

• How do I ensure the nuggets stay moist?

Add a splash of milk to the mixture if it feels dry, and avoid overcooking. The egg and olive oil also help maintain moisture during cooking.

• Are these nuggets kid-friendly?

Absolutely! These nuggets are packed with mild seasonings and have a crispy exterior that most children enjoy. They’re also a healthier alternative to store-bought versions.

• Can I make these nuggets gluten-free?

Replace wheat breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour, and ensure your panko coating is gluten-free to create a celiac-friendly version.

Ground Chicken Nuggets Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy ground chicken nuggets bring restaurant-quality comfort straight to home kitchens with minimal effort. Perfectly seasoned and golden-brown, these nuggets offer a delightful protein-packed meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

Binding and Coating:

• 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk (optional, for moisture)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Cooking spray or additional olive oil (for baking or air frying)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 200C (400F) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet; for air fryer, set temperature to 180C (360F).
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground chicken with all seasonings, breadcrumbs, egg, and olive oil until uniformly combined.
3. If the mixture appears dry, incorporate a splash of milk to enhance moisture and binding.
4. Craft compact, uniform nugget shapes using hands or a spoon, ensuring consistent sizing for even cooking.
5. Gently roll each nugget in panko breadcrumbs, applying gentle pressure to ensure complete and firm coating.
6. Arrange nuggets on the prepared baking sheet or air fryer basket, maintaining slight separation between pieces.
7. Lightly mist with cooking spray or delicately brush with olive oil to promote golden, crispy exterior.
8. For oven method, roast 18-20 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee even browning and thorough internal cooking.
9. In air fryer, cook 10-12 minutes, pausing to shake basket and ensure uniform crispness.
10. Allow nuggets to rest briefly after cooking, then serve alongside preferred dipping condiment for optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Always use fresh ground chicken for the best flavor and texture, ensuring it’s not frozen or old.
• Adjust seasoning levels to personal taste, adding extra herbs or spices for more depth.
• Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) using a meat thermometer.
• For gluten-free version, substitute wheat breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 282 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 345 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg