Crispy Golden Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe: Family Favorite

Crispy, golden homemade chicken nuggets can spark joy in any kitchen adventure.

nuggets crafted from scratch beat store-bought versions by miles.

Tender chicken pieces coated in a perfectly seasoned breading make everyone smile.

Kids absolutely adore these bite-sized delights that feel like a special treat.

Simple ingredients and smart techniques turn ordinary poultry into something magical.

Mixing herbs and spices creates a flavor profile that brings excitement to mealtime.

Jump into this delectable recipe and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Why Crispy Chicken Nuggets Make a Great Snack

• Customize Your Coating: Personalize the breading with your favorite spices and herbs, creating a unique flavor profile that suits your taste buds and makes each batch special.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, these homemade nuggets beat store-bought versions with their fresh ingredients and crispy texture.
• Master Kitchen Skills: Learn fundamental cooking techniques like breading and frying while preparing a dish that looks professionally made but is simple to create at home.
• Kid-Friendly Cooking: Engage children in the kitchen by letting them help coat chicken pieces, turning meal preparation into a fun, interactive experience that builds culinary confidence.

Ingredients for Crispy Chicken Nuggets

• Chicken Breasts: Fresh, boneless chicken cuts that provide the protein base for these crispy nuggets.

• Flour: A base coating that helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the nuggets.
• Eggs: A binding agent that helps the breadcrumb coating adhere to the chicken.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and crispy Japanese-style breadcrumbs that create a crunchy exterior.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Aromatic spices that add depth and savory notes to the breading.

• Cooking Oil: Used for frying the chicken nuggets to achieve a golden brown and crispy texture.
• Paper Towels: Helps drain excess oil from the fried nuggets, ensuring a less greasy result.

How to Prepare Crispy Chicken Nuggets

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Pieces

Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks and thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Create Breading Station

• First bowl: Flour seasoned with salt and pepper
• Second bowl: Whisked eggs
• Third bowl: Panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and onion powder

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Dredge each chicken piece through the seasoned flour, ensuring complete coverage.

Dip the floured chicken into the whisked eggs, allowing excess to drip off.

Roll the egg-coated piece in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help crumbs adhere.

Step 4: Fry the Nuggets

Heat vegetable or canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil.

Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Transfer fried nuggets to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Let nuggets rest for 2-3 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.

Tips for Crispy Chicken Nuggets

• Pat chicken pieces thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, guaranteeing maximum crispiness and preventing soggy breading.
• Dip chicken in flour first for better egg adherence, then egg for breadcrumb binding, creating a perfectly crispy exterior.
• Maintain medium heat around 350°F to prevent burning and ensure even, golden-brown nuggets without raw centers.
• Fry nuggets in small batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent pieces from sticking together, ensuring uniform crispiness.
• Experiment with different spices like paprika, cayenne, or Italian herbs in breadcrumb mixture to add unique flavor profiles to your nuggets.

Variations for Crispy Chicken Nuggets

• Gluten-Free Nuggets: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or rice flour, and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Baked Healthy Option: Skip frying and bake nuggets on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through for even crispiness.
• Keto-Friendly Coating: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or ground almonds, and use coconut flour instead of wheat flour to reduce carbohydrates.
• Spicy Southwest Nuggets: Add cayenne pepper and smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture for a zesty flavor profile with a mild kick.

Best Pairings for Crispy Chicken Nuggets

Create a zesty honey mustard by mixing Dijon mustard, honey, and a splash of mayo for tangy sweetness that complements the crispy chicken nuggets.

Opt for a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the fried nuggets and refresh your palate.

Serve with a fresh cucumber salad or coleslaw to add a cool, crunchy contrast to the hot, crispy nuggets and balance the meal’s textures.

Whip up a spicy sriracha ranch by blending ranch dressing with sriracha sauce for those who love a kick of heat alongside their golden-brown nuggets.

How to Store Crispy Chicken Nuggets

• Place cooled chicken nuggets in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Arrange nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Preheat oven to 375°F, spread nuggets on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through. Flip halfway to ensure even warming.
• Cook nuggets at 370°F for 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket midway to restore crispiness and distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• How do I ensure my chicken nuggets are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the nugget to guarantee food safety and prevent undercooked chicken.

• Can I make these nuggets healthier?

Bake the nuggets in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes instead of frying, which reduces oil content and creates a lighter version of the recipe.

• What's the best way to get extra crispy nuggets?

Double-coat the chicken by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps, which creates a thicker, crunchier exterior that stays crisp longer.

Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

Golden, crispy homemade chicken nuggets bring comfort straight from your kitchen to the dinner table. Perfectly seasoned and irresistibly crunchy, these nuggets offer a delightful meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts

Breading:

• 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (100 grams) panko breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Slice chicken breasts into uniform, bite-sized morsels, ensuring each piece is thoroughly patted dry to promote optimal crispiness.
2. Prepare three shallow dishes: first with seasoned flour mixture, second with whisked eggs, third with spiced panko breadcrumbs for a multi-layered coating technique.
3. Methodically dredge each chicken piece through flour, ensuring complete coverage and shaking off excess.
4. Submerge floured chicken into egg wash, allowing excess to drip off for even coating.
5. Roll egg-coated pieces through seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to create a thick, adherent crust.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F, maintaining consistent temperature for even browning.
7. Carefully place breaded nuggets into hot oil, cooking in small batches to prevent overcrowding and maintain crispness.
8. Fry each side for approximately 3-4 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
9. Transfer cooked nuggets onto paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and retain crunchiness.
10. Serve immediately with preferred dipping sauces, enjoying while nuggets are hot and crisp.

Notes

• Moisture Matters: Pat chicken pieces completely dry to ensure the breading sticks perfectly and creates an extra crispy exterior.
• Seasoning Boost: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the flour mixture for an unexpected flavor kick.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Swap wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the nuggets suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Temperature Control: Use a cooking thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and juicy nuggets every time.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg