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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.
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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.
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
- 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 1-1/2tablespoon 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.
- 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.
- 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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- Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Homemade Potato Chips
- Pistachio Salad
- Crispy Herb Roasted Potatoes
- Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Chicken Nuggets FAQs
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.
FROZEN: Use them within three months.
REFRIGERATED: Use them within 2-3 days.
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.
Other recipes you may enjoy
Homemade Chicken Nuggets
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Equipment
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.1 – 1 1/4 pounds chicken breast, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/4 cup water
- 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.3 – 4 cups vegetable oil
- Dredge each nugget in the flour to cover, then into the egg, and finally, coat it in bread crumbs.1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 large eggs, 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 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
🥡 STORAGE
- Refrigerator: Store fully cooked chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Cool completely: Let nuggets cool before storing to prevent excess moisture and sogginess.
- Separate layers: Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to help maintain texture.
♨️ REHEATING
- Air fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 4-6 minutes from refrigerated or 8-10 minutes from frozen, flipping halfway through.
- Oven: Reheat at 400°F for 10-15 minutes until hot and crisp. Add a few extra minutes if reheating from frozen.
- Skillet: Warm in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 4-6 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Texture will be softer.
❄️ FREEZING
- Cooked nuggets: Cool completely, then flash-freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 3 months.
- Uncooked nuggets: Bread nuggets, place on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze up to 3 months.
- From frozen: Cook directly from frozen using an air fryer or oven, adding 2-4 extra minutes to cook time. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.
💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS
- Do not overcrowd: Leave space between nuggets so air can circulate and crisp the coating.
- Light oil spray: Spray nuggets lightly with cooking spray before air frying or baking for extra crispiness.
- Flip halfway: Turning nuggets during cooking ensures even browning.
- Use a thermometer: Chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Wire rack: Rest nuggets on a wire rack rather than stacking them to keep the coating crisp.
🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS
- Air fryer: Preheat to 375°F. Cook in a single layer for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Oven: Preheat to 400°F. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-18 minutes, turning halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Deep fry: Heat oil to 350°F. Fry in batches for 4-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Pan-fry: Cook in ½ inch of oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked.
♻️ LEFTOVERS
- Wraps or salads: Chop and add to wraps, salads, or grain bowls.
- Nugget parmesan: Top with marinara and mozzarella, then broil until bubbly.
- Snack plates: Serve cold or reheated with dipping sauces for easy lunches.
- Freezer meal: Freeze extras for quick kid-friendly dinners later.
📝 NOTES
- Cooking times may vary depending on nugget size. Smaller nuggets cook faster, so check early to avoid overcooking.
- Great for meal prep. Make a batch ahead for easy lunches or quick dinners.
- Food safety: Always cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Shortcut option: Use ground chicken in place of chicken breasts to save time.
- Shape flexibility: Form nuggets into any size or shape you prefer.
- Freezer-friendly: Homemade nuggets freeze well and reheat especially crisp in the air fryer.
- Flavor variations: Adjust seasonings and spices to easily change the flavor profile.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Would love to see your advice on how to air fry the homemade chicken nuggets.
You can find air fryer directions in the ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS section. on the recipe card. Hope this helps!
Can you bake them?
Yes! The instructions should be in the recipe card under alternative cooking methods.