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You control the quality when you make these Homemade Chicken Nuggets. This easy recipe tastes better than any store-bought bag on the market.

black metal basket filled with chicken nuggets

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Chicken Nuggets

One of the things I love the most about this recipe is controlling what goes into it and knowing exactly what my family is eating. Like most families, my kids love those bags of store-bought chicken nuggets. I hate feeling like I can do better, so I set out to make a better recipe that my family would enjoy.

One of the things I typically do is double the recipe so we can have some to enjoy now, and I can freeze some to enjoy later. Work smarter, not harder. I’m a big fan of having quick and easy meals on hand. Plus, my kids love being able to grab some nuggets for a quick lunch.

hand holding a single chicken nugget

What chicken nuggets are made of

For this recipe, freshly ground chicken breast meat is combined with spices, cornstarch, and water. The nuggets are then coated in flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs before being fried to golden perfection.

How to make Chicken Nuggets

  1. Place the chicken in the food processor and blend until the chicken is minced. Next, add the spices, cornstarch, and water. Process until combined.
  2. Using a 1-1/2tablespoon measure, shape the chicken mixture into a rectangular shape in your hand and place it on a tray with baking paper and freeze in the freezer for 30 minutes.
  3. Heat approximately 3-4 cups of vegetable oil in a frying pan or deep fryer.
  4. Dredge each nugget in the flour to cover, then into the egg, and finally, coat it in bread crumbs. 
  5. Fry the nuggets in batches, if necessary, in oil for about 6-8 minutes. 
  6. Remove to a paper towel-lined platter or tray briefly to absorb some of the excess oil before serving.

What to serve with Chicken Nuggets

As far as dipping sauces, we love Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce, Asian Dipping Sauce, or my Homemade Ranch Dressing. Sriracha or Sriracha mixed with mayo is always good. Mae Ploy Sweet Chili Sauce is another favorite. If we have leftover Tzatziki Sauce, we use that. Lately, I’ve been digging a chipotle mayo dip. Of course, the typical ketchup and BBQ sauce are always hits, too. Feel free to experiment and use whatever your family enjoys.

When it comes to side dishes, our family enjoys my Stovetop Creamy Mac and Cheese with a side of green peas. My 7 Layer Salad is another hit. Of course, the typical salads – Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad, or Coleslaw – are always good choices. My kids like my Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with Homemade Gravy.

Here are a few other favorites:

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preparing the chicken filling

Chicken Nuggets FAQs

➡️ How to freeze Homemade Chicken Nuggets?

After frying the chicken nuggets, allow them to cool completely. Next, freeze them in a single layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper until frozen through. Then, transfer them to a large freezer-safe ziptop bag or freezer-safe container.

➡️ How long are chicken nuggets good for?

FROZEN: Use them within three months.
REFRIGERATED: Use them within 2-3 days.

➡️ How do you reheat chicken nuggets?

This recipe is so easy to reheat! You can microwave them, air fry them, or bake them in the oven until heated through.

Recipe Tips

  • Feel free to make these nuggets in any shape you like.
  • It’s easy to change up the flavor by switching up the seasonings and spices.
  • This recipe is a great meal prep idea!
  • Want to make this recipe even quicker? You can use already ground chicken in place of the chicken breasts.
how to make chicken nuggets

Other recipes you may enjoy

looking down into a basket of homemade chicken nuggets
homemade chicken nuggets in basket
4.58 from 119 votes
Servings: 5 servings

Homemade Chicken Nuggets

By Jamie Sherman
You control the quality when you make these Homemade Chicken Nuggets. This easy recipe tastes better than any store-bought bag on the market.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 30 minutes

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We’ll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

Ingredients 

For the nuggets

  • 1 – 1 ¼ pounds chicken breast
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • ¼ cup water

For the breading

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs

For frying

  • 3 – 4 cups vegetable oil, or more as needed

Instructions 

  • Place the chicken in the food processor and blend until the chicken is minced. Next, add the spices, cornstarch, and water. Process until combined.
  • Using a 1-1/2 tablespoon measure, shape the chicken mixture into a rectangular shape in your hand and place it on a baking tray with parchment paper and freeze in the freezer for 30 minutes.
  •  Heat approximately 3-4 cups of vegetable oil in a frying pan or deep fryer.
  •  Dredge each nugget in the flour to cover, then into the egg, and finally, coat it in bread crumbs. 
  • Fry the nuggets in batches, if necessary, in oil for about 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown, flipping halfway through the cooking time, if necessary. 
  • Remove to a paper towel-lined platter or tray briefly to absorb some of the excess oil before serving.

Notes

  • Feel free to make these nuggets in any shape you like.
  • It’s easy to change up the flavor by switching up the seasonings and spices.
  • This recipe is a great meal prep idea!
  • Want to make this recipe even quicker? You can use already ground chicken in place of the chicken breasts.

Nutrition

Serving: 4nuggets, Calories: 367kcal, Carbohydrates: 43g, Protein: 32g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.02g, Cholesterol: 147mg, Sodium: 786mg, Potassium: 542mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 342IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 66mg, Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

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4.58 from 119 votes (113 ratings without comment)

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24 Comments

  1. Pako says:

    3 stars
    Love you recipes i wish you so much luck on your journey enjoy

    1. Jamie says:

      Thank you for the kind comment – and thank you for being a part of this journey!

  2. Kristy says:

    I had made these with ground pork and cut the salt to a pinch. When putting them into the freezer they smell great. Can hardly wait to finish the next step.

  3. YasToronto says:

    5 stars
    I made these with homemade fries. They were so good my daughter ignored the fries and asked for more nuggets. Thank you!!!

  4. Odessa says:

    5 stars
    Kids love them specially my youngest. It’s good to keep them in the freezer handy. I make 60 pcs of it and it will be gone in 3 days.

  5. Dale R says:

    Can I freeze these after they are battered???

    1. Jamie says:

      ✅ How to Freeze Battered Chicken Nuggets:

      Par-Freeze First:
      Arrange the battered nuggets in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
      Freeze for about 1-2 hours or until the batter is firm to the touch.
      Transfer to a Freezer Bag:
      Once firm, move them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
      Add a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking.

      📅 How Long to Freeze:

      They’ll stay good for about 2 to 3 months.

      🍳 Cooking from Frozen:

      Oven/Air Fryer: Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
      Deep Frying: You can fry straight from frozen, but lower the nuggets gently into the oil to avoid splattering.

  6. Bizmarkie says:

    I air fry them. They come out great. 4 minutes at 400 degrees and flip for 2- 3 mins❤️

  7. Michelle says:

    5 stars
    Excellent! I didn’t have onion powder, and they still turned out delicious. They taste just like storebought. My 3yo daughter loved them, and my very picky son was on the fence (which for him is a huge win). I will be making them again!
    My only suggestion is to do less pepper… I will probably do 1/4 tsp next time, and also give more info about what temp to fry them. I had to make an educated guess.
    Overall, LOVELY recipe.

  8. misty nance says:

    would love info on air fryer and baking as far as times and temperatures we don’t do fried so i’m hoping to figure it out the recipe is amazing! thank you

    1. Jamie says:

      I haven’t tried air frying these, but if I did, I would start with my temp at 375F and cook the nuggets for 6-8 minutes, flipping once about halfway through cooking. Depending on your air fryer, you may need to add more time.

      1. Nora Graves says:

        5 stars
        I did this! Air fried 375 for 8 minutes. I didn’t flip them because I forgot haha, but they turned out amazing! My two toddlers love them