Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Forget the drive-thru! These Homemade Chicken Nuggets are an absolute family favorite, so incredibly delicious that even the adults will find themselves hoarding them. Crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned, they redefine what a chicken nugget can be.

PIN THIS RECIPE FOR LATER!

Are you constantly searching for fresh, family-friendly dinner ideas that will please even the pickiest eaters? Look no further! Our homemade chicken nuggets are a game-changer for busy weeknights and a healthier alternative to store-bought options. While they are a guaranteed hit with kids, their superior flavor and perfect texture make them a staple that the whole family will genuinely love. In fact, you might find yourself reaching for more than your little ones!

Pair a fresh batch of these crispy nuggets with your favorite dipping sauces, such as a tangy Homemade Chick-fil-A Sauce or a zesty Comeback Sauce, and you’ll have a wholesome meal ready faster than you can get through a fast-food line. Plus, there’s immense satisfaction in knowing exactly what goes into the food you serve your loved ones, free from artificial ingredients and preservatives.

For more easy and delicious family meal inspiration, be sure to explore our other popular recipes like Creamy Mac and Cheese, Homemade Fish Sticks, or Crispy Ranch Chicken Sticks with Ranch BBQ Dipping Sauce. These dishes are perfect for making mealtime enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

Why Choose Homemade Chicken Nuggets?

The allure of homemade chicken nuggets extends far beyond their delicious taste. Making them from scratch allows you complete control over the quality of ingredients, ensuring a healthier meal for your family. Unlike many frozen or fast-food options that often contain fillers, artificial flavors, and excessive sodium, these homemade nuggets use simple, wholesome components. You can choose lean chicken, customize the seasoning to your preference, and adjust the cooking method for your desired crispiness without any guilt. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a classic comfort food while maintaining a nutritious diet.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Nuggets

Crafting the perfect chicken nugget starts with a thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that sought-after crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the foundational coating layer. The flour adheres to the chicken, creating a surface for the egg wash to stick to. It’s the first step in building that irresistible crust.
• Seasoned Salt: While regular salt works, seasoned salt adds an extra depth of flavor with herbs and spices already mixed in, elevating the taste of your nuggets. You can also create your own blend with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken: We recommend using chicken breasts, cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Chicken thighs can also be used for a slightly richer flavor and juicier texture, though cooking times might vary slightly.
• Large Eggs: The egg wash acts as the crucial binder, ensuring the breadcrumb mixture firmly adheres to the floured chicken. Whisking them well creates a smooth, consistent coating.
• Seasoned Breadcrumbs: These provide a flavorful and textured outer layer. If you only have plain breadcrumbs, you can easily season them with a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: The secret to truly crispy nuggets! Panko breadcrumbs are coarser and lighter than regular breadcrumbs, absorbing less oil and delivering an exceptional crunch that makes these nuggets stand out. A mix of both seasoned and Panko breadcrumbs offers the best of both worlds – flavor and superior crispiness.
• Garlic Powder: A must-have for boosting the overall savory profile. Garlic powder provides a warm, aromatic note that complements the chicken beautifully.
• Cayenne Pepper: Just a dash of cayenne pepper introduces a very subtle hint of warmth without making the nuggets spicy. It adds a pleasant complexity to the flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount to your preference or omit it entirely if you prefer no heat.
• Neutral Oil for Frying: Essential for achieving that golden-brown, crispy exterior. Opt for a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil. This ensures the nuggets fry evenly without imparting unwanted flavors.

How to Make Crispy Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Making your own chicken nuggets at home is a straightforward process that yields incredibly rewarding results. Follow these steps for perfectly golden and delicious nuggets every time:

1. Prepare the Flour Coating: In a large ziplock bag, combine the all-purpose flour, seasoned salt, and a generous amount of freshly ground pepper. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces to the bag. Seal the bag and shake vigorously until all the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the flour mixture. Make sure no pieces are sticking together, shaking off any excess flour.
2. Set Up the Egg Wash: In a shallow bowl, whisk two large eggs until well beaten. This creates a smooth consistency for dipping.
3. Create the Breadcrumb Mix: In a separate shallow bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.



4. Coat the Chicken: Working in small batches, take the floured chicken pieces and dip them into the whisked egg, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Allow any excess egg to drip off.
5. Bread the Nuggets: Immediately transfer the egg-coated chicken to the breadcrumb mixture. Press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumbs, turning to ensure all sides are completely covered. A good coating is key to a crispy nugget!
6. Repeat and Rest: Continue this process until all chicken pieces are coated. Place the coated nuggets on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet. This allows some of the moisture to equalize and helps the coating adhere better, contributing to crispiness.



7. Heat the Oil: Pour enough neutral oil into a large skillet to reach about 1-inch deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a tiny piece of breadcrumb; it should sizzle immediately.
8. Fry the Nuggets: Carefully add the coated chicken nuggets to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches for about 3-5 minutes per side, turning them a few times, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
9. Drain and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the golden-brown nuggets to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Continue frying the remaining batches. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces and sides!

Tips for the Best Homemade Chicken Nuggets

• Cut Uniformly: Ensure your chicken pieces are cut into roughly equal, bite-sized shapes. This promotes even cooking, preventing some nuggets from being undercooked while others dry out.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying too many nuggets at once will drop the oil temperature significantly, leading to soggy rather than crispy results. Fry in batches to maintain consistent oil heat.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep your oil around 350°F (175°C). Too cold, and the nuggets will absorb too much oil; too hot, and the outside will burn before the inside cooks through.
• Rest the Coated Chicken: After breading, letting the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes on a rack before frying helps the coating adhere better, reducing the chance of it falling off during cooking.
• Pat Chicken Dry: Before coating in flour, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can prevent the flour from sticking properly.
• Experiment with Seasonings: While seasoned salt and garlic powder are excellent, feel free to add other spices to your flour or breadcrumb mixture, such as paprika, onion powder, or a pinch of chili powder for a slight kick.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Homemade chicken nuggets are incredibly versatile! Serve them as a main course with classic sides like French fries, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. For a lighter meal, pair them with roasted vegetables or crunchy carrot and celery sticks. The possibilities for dipping sauces are endless: alongside our recommended Chick-fil-A or Comeback sauce, consider honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or even a sweet chili sauce.

Want to get creative? Try these variations:

• Spicy Kick: Increase the cayenne pepper in the breadcrumb mixture, or add a dash of hot sauce to the egg wash for fiery nuggets.
• Herb-Crusted: Mix finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary into the breadcrumb coating for an aromatic twist.
• Cheesy Nuggets: Grate a small amount of Parmesan cheese into your breadcrumb mixture for a savory, cheesy crust.
• Baked or Air-Fried Version: For a lighter option, bake your nuggets at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. Lightly spray with oil before baking/air frying for extra crispiness.

Storing and Reheating Homemade Chicken Nuggets

While these chicken nuggets are undeniably at their best enjoyed fresh out of the pan, leftovers can be stored and reheated. Place any cooled nuggets in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

For the best reheating results, preserving that desirable crispiness, an air fryer is your secret weapon. Preheat your air fryer to 350ºF (175°C) and cook the nuggets for 3-5 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through and crisp once more. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes. Be mindful that oven reheating might dry them out slightly compared to the air fryer method.

How to Freeze Homemade Chicken Nuggets for Later

One of the greatest benefits of making homemade chicken nuggets is the ability to freeze them for quick, future meals. This makes them perfect for meal prepping and ensures you always have a delicious, ready-to-cook option on hand.

To freeze cooked nuggets: prepare and cook the nuggets according to the recipe instructions. Allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze until the nuggets are completely solid (this prevents them from sticking together). Once frozen, transfer the nuggets to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen homemade chicken nuggets, there’s no need to thaw them! Cook them from frozen in a preheated oven at 400ºF (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, until they are hot, crispy, and cooked through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about making these delicious homemade chicken nuggets:

• Can I use ground chicken for this recipe?
  While technically possible, this recipe is specifically designed for bite-sized pieces of whole chicken breast or thigh. Ground chicken would result in a different texture, more akin to a chicken patty, and the cooking method would need significant adjustments.
• How can I make these gluten-free?
  To make these nuggets gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs (both seasoned and panko varieties are available).
• How do I know if the chicken nuggets are cooked through?
  The safest way to ensure your chicken nuggets are cooked through is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of a nugget; it should register 165°F (74°C). Visually, they should be golden brown on the outside, and the inside should be white and opaque with no pink.
• What type of oil is best for frying?
  For frying, it’s best to use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point. Good options include vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut oil, or avocado oil. These oils can withstand the higher temperatures required for frying without burning or imparting an off-flavor.
• Can I bake these instead of frying?
  Yes, you absolutely can! For a healthier alternative, bake them. After coating, place the nuggets on a greased baking sheet (or one lined with parchment paper). Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with cooking spray or a little oil. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.

More Irresistible Family-Friendly Chicken Recipes

If your family loves chicken, you’ll want to add these other fantastic recipes to your rotation. They are all designed to be delicious and appealing to diners of all ages:

• Teriyaki Chicken Bowls
• Poppy Seed Chicken
• Orange Chicken
• Huli Huli Chicken
• Chicken a la King
• Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

LOOKING FOR MORE FREE RECIPES?
Subscribe to my free recipe newsletter to get new family-friendly recipes delivered straight to your inbox each week! Find me sharing more culinary inspiration and family-friendly ideas on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.