Hey there my friend. You know those crispy, juicy chicken nuggets you love? The ones that make you want to grab one more, even when you’re full? Well, guess what? You can make them at home—better than any fast food joint.
And the best part? My special technique will give you that crunchy coating without needing a deep fryer. Let me show you how.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Baking sheet or frying pan
- Parchment paper (if baking)
- Cooling rack (optional but helps with crispiness)
Important Info
- Servings: 20 nuggets
- Estimated Cost: About $8 to $10 for a full batch
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories per Serving: About 180 per 5 nuggets
- Cook Method: Frying or Baking
- Season: Perfect all year round
- Courses: Snack, Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Diets: Not suitable for vegan, vegetarian, or dairy-free diets
How to Make Chicken Nuggets
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder (for a light coating)
- Oil for frying (or cooking spray if baking)
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | Chicken thighs for more juiciness |
| All-purpose flour | Cornstarch for a crispier coating |
| Breadcrumbs | Crushed cornflakes for extra crunch |
| Milk | Buttermilk for a richer flavor |
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken. Cut the chicken into nugget-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix well.
- Set up your coating station. In one bowl, mix the flour with baking powder. In another bowl, whisk the eggs with milk. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
- Coat the chicken. Dip each piece of chicken into the flour, then into the egg mixture, and finally into the breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to make sure they stick.
- Fry or bake.
- For frying: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the nuggets for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- For baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place nuggets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spray with oil and bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Cool and serve. Let the nuggets rest on a cooling rack for a minute to keep them crispy. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Helpful Tips
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Double-coat the nuggets for a thicker, crispier crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying, or the nuggets won’t crisp up.
- If baking, place the nuggets on a wire rack for even crispiness.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat.
What to Serve with Chicken Nuggets
These nuggets go well with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with ketchup, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
I like to serve them in a basket with parchment paper, just like at a restaurant. If you want to make them fancy, put them on a plate with dipping sauce in a small bowl.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
Chicken nuggets are perfect for lunchboxes, parties, and game nights. They’re also great for picnics since they taste good even when cold.
Storage
Short-term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If you’re serving them within 2 hours, leave them uncovered to keep them crispy.
- After that, move them to the fridge.
Refrigeration
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Freezing
- Freeze uncooked nuggets for up to 3 months in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag.
- To cook, fry or bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will make the nuggets juicier. Just trim off any excess fat before cutting them into pieces.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 15-18 minutes. Use a wire rack for best results.
How do I keep the nuggets crispy after cooking?
Let them cool on a wire rack instead of a plate. If you stack them while they’re hot, they’ll get soggy.
Can I make these nuggets gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. Cornstarch works well as a flour substitute.
Can kids help with this recipe?
Yes, kids can help with dipping the nuggets into the coating. Just make sure an adult handles the frying or baking.
