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Skip the freezer aisle and make Homemade Chicken Nuggets right in your own kitchen! This easy chicken nuggets recipe creates juicy, tender nuggets with a crispy golden coating that both kids and adults love.
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Pin ItWhether you’re packing lunches, planning a quick weeknight dinner, or stocking your freezer with homemade convenience foods, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results using simple pantry ingredients.
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 enjoy some now and freeze some for 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.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make homemade chicken nuggets, you’ll be surprised by how easy they are. Unlike many frozen varieties, you control every ingredient, seasoning, and cooking method, making them a delicious option for busy families. Once you learn how to make chicken nuggets from scratch, you may never go back to the store-bought version again.
Table of Contents
- ❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- What Are Homemade Chicken Nuggets?
- Key Ingredients
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- Variations
- Tips for Best Results
- FAQs
- How to Make Homemade Chicken Nuggets
- Make Ahead
- Storage
- What to Serve with Homemade Chicken Nuggets
- If You Enjoyed Homemade Chicken Nuggets
- 📌 Save This Recipe
- Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- 🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Better flavor than most frozen chicken nuggets.
- Made with simple pantry staples.
- Perfect for kids and adults alike.
- Easy to freeze for quick meals later.
- Great for meal prep and lunchboxes.
- Cook them in the fryer, oven, air fryer, or on the stovetop.
- Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Customize the seasonings to suit your family’s tastes.
What Are Homemade Chicken Nuggets?
Homemade chicken nuggets are bite-sized pieces of seasoned chicken that are coated in breadcrumbs and cooked until perfectly crisp and golden. Unlike whole pieces of breaded chicken, this recipe starts by finely processing chicken breast with seasonings before shaping each nugget. That creates the soft, tender texture many people love in classic fast food-style nuggets while still using real, recognizable ingredients.
Making your own nuggets also means you can control the quality of the chicken, adjust the seasoning, and choose your favorite cooking method. They’re freezer-friendly, budget-friendly, and perfect for everything from family dinners to after-school snacks.
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.
Key Ingredients
NOTE: This section highlights ingredients used in the recipe. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.
Chicken breast
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the base of this recipe. Processing the chicken creates the signature tender nugget texture.
Seasonings
Onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and granulated sugar add plenty of flavor without overpowering the chicken.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch helps bind the chicken mixture together while keeping the nuggets tender.
Flour
A light coating of flour helps the egg stick evenly to each nugget.
Eggs
Eggs act as the glue that helps the breadcrumbs adhere.
Plain breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs create that crispy golden exterior everyone loves.
Vegetable oil
A neutral oil with a high smoke point fries the nuggets until they’re perfectly crisp.
Ingredients & Substitutions
NOTE: This section suggests substitutions. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.
- Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts create tender nuggets with a mild flavor. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or ground chicken may be used instead.
- Onion powder – Adds savory flavor throughout the chicken mixture.
- Garlic powder – Gives the nuggets a balanced garlic flavor. Garlic granules may be substituted.
- Black pepper – Adds mild warmth and depth. Reduce it slightly for a milder kid-friendly version.
- Paprika – Adds subtle flavor and color. Smoked paprika may be used for a deeper, smokier taste.
- Salt – Enhances the chicken and seasonings.
- Granulated sugar – Balances the savory flavors and helps with browning.
- Cornstarch – Helps bind the chicken mixture and keeps the nuggets tender. Potato starch may be substituted.
- Water – Adds moisture and helps the chicken mixture blend smoothly.
- All-purpose flour – Creates the first layer of the breading and helps the egg adhere. A measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend may be used.
- Eggs – Help the breadcrumbs stick to the nuggets.
- Plain breadcrumbs – Create the crispy outer coating. Panko breadcrumbs may be used for extra crunch, though the texture will be less like a classic fast-food-style nugget.
- Vegetable oil – Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying. Canola oil or peanut oil may also be used.
Variations
- Make them spicy – Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
- Add Parmesan – Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumbs for an extra savory coating.
- Italian-style nuggets – Season the breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning and a little extra garlic powder.
- Gluten-free version – Use your favorite gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Extra crunchy nuggets – Swap regular breadcrumbs for panko breadcrumbs for an even crispier coating.
- Kid-friendly seasoning – Reduce the black pepper and paprika for a milder flavor that’s perfect for little eaters.
Tips for Best Results
- Freeze the shaped nuggets before breading to help them hold their shape.
- Keep the oil around 350°F for the crispiest coating.
- Avoid overcrowding the fryer or pan, which lowers the oil temperature.
- Use a spider strainer or slotted spoon to safely remove the nuggets from the hot oil.
- Cook in batches for even browning.
- Let the cooked nuggets rest on a wire rack for a few minutes to help maintain their crisp coating.
- Always cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- 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.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
FAQs
Yes! Ground chicken is a great shortcut and eliminates the need to process the chicken in a food processor. The texture will be very similar.
Freezing helps the nuggets firm up so they’re easier to coat and less likely to fall apart during breading and frying.
Absolutely. Bake them at 400°F until they’re golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Lightly spraying them with cooking spray helps create a crispier exterior.
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for about 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your nuggets and your air fryer.
Yes. Both cooked and uncooked nuggets freeze very well for up to 3 months, making this an excellent freezer meal.
This usually happens if the chicken mixture hasn’t chilled long enough or if the oil isn’t hot enough. Freezing the shaped nuggets before breading helps them keep their shape while cooking.
Vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut oil, or another neutral oil with a high smoke point all work well.
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs produce nuggets that are slightly juicier and richer in flavor than chicken breasts.
These nuggets pair well with ketchup, honey mustard, ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, sweet and sour sauce, Chick-fil-A style sauce, and even homemade garlic aioli.
Because you’re making them from scratch, you control the ingredients, seasonings, and cooking method. Baking or air frying them can also reduce the amount of oil used while still delivering delicious results.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Nuggets
NOTE: This section includes a step-by-step guide. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.
Quick steps:
- Process the chicken with the seasonings, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
- Shape the mixture into nugget-sized rectangles.
- Freeze the nuggets for about 30 minutes to help them firm up.
- Coat each nugget in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
- Fry until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain briefly and serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
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Make Ahead
These homemade chicken nuggets are perfect for meal prep.
Shape and bread the nuggets up to one day ahead, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. You can also freeze the uncooked breaded nuggets on a baking sheet until firm before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Cook them straight from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Cooked nuggets also freeze beautifully, making them a convenient homemade alternative to frozen grocery store nuggets for quick lunches and busy weeknight dinners.
Storage
Allow the nuggets to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze cooked or uncooked nuggets for up to 3 months. If frying, allow them to cool completely. Next, for either method, 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. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for the crispiest results.
(Complete storage, reheating, and freezing instructions are included in the recipe card below.)
What to Serve with Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Homemade chicken nuggets pair well with all kinds of family-friendly side dishes. Whether you’re serving them for lunch, dinner, or game day, here are some delicious ideas:
- French fries or potato wedges
- Sweet potato fries
- Macaroni and cheese
- Coleslaw
- Fresh fruit
- Steamed broccoli
- Potato Salad
- Macaroni Salad
- Corn on the cob
- Baked beans
- Garden salad
- Homemade Potato Chips
- Crispy Herb Roasted Potatoes
- Pickles
- Mashed Potatoes with Homemade Gravy
Don’t forget plenty of dipping sauces! Ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, Thai peanut sauce, buffalo sauce, ketchup, and Chick-fil-A style sauce are all excellent choices.
If You Enjoyed Homemade Chicken Nuggets
If crispy chicken dinners are always a hit at your house, you’ll definitely want to try my Homemade Chicken Nuggets’ close cousin, Homemade Chicken Tenders. They’re made with whole strips of chicken instead of minced chicken, giving you the same crunchy coating with a heartier bite that’s perfect for dipping.
Looking for another fun family dinner? My Smash Burger Taco Recipe combines two comfort food favorites into one easy meal. They’re quick to make, incredibly satisfying, and always a conversation starter around the dinner table.
For another kid-approved favorite, give my Homemade Chicken Nuggets a break and try these Homemade Chicken Burgers with Bang Bang Sauce. The juicy chicken patties pair perfectly with the creamy, sweet-and-spicy sauce for an easy dinner everyone will love.
If you’re craving something cheesy and comforting, my Cheesy Crab Melt is a delicious change of pace. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights but feels special enough to serve for a casual weekend lunch or dinner.
Need another freezer-friendly meal for busy nights? My Homemade Pizza Dough is a staple recipe that makes pizza night easy and fun. Let everyone customize their own toppings for a meal the whole family can help make.
If your family enjoys restaurant-inspired recipes made at home, don’t miss my Copycat Arby’s Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches. They’re loaded with flavor, surprisingly easy to prepare, and a great way to recreate a fast-food favorite using simple ingredients.
Finally, if you’re looking for another easy chicken dinner that’s packed with flavor, my Crispy Chicken Snack Wraps are a fantastic option. It’s simple enough for even your busiest weeknights.
📌 Save This Recipe
This homemade chicken nuggets recipe is one you’ll want to keep on repeat. Save it to your favorite Pinterest board, bookmark it for later, or print a copy for your recipe binder so it’s always within easy reach when nugget cravings hit!
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Homemade Chicken Nuggets
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Equipment
Ingredients
For the nuggets
- 1 – 1¼ pounds chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated 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
- Add the chicken breasts to a food processor and process until finely minced.1 – 1¼ pounds chicken breast
- Add the onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, salt, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and water. Process until the mixture is smooth and well combined.1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, ¼ cup cornstarch, ¼ cup water
- Using about 1½ tablespoons of the mixture for each nugget, shape into small rectangles and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze for 30 minutes until firm.
- Heat the vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or heavy skillet.3 – 4 cups vegetable oil
- Coat each nugget in the flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumbs.1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 large eggs, 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- Fry in batches for 6 to 8 minutes, turning halfway through if needed, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined tray for a minute or two before serving.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
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.
🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy
If you enjoyed this recipe, here are a few more reader-favorite recipes from Love Bakes Good Cakes you may want to try next.
Can you bake these instead of fry them?
Could you bake them in the oven?
Well, I made some modifications- I had cooked a chicken already, so used that cooked meat. Also, included two cooked farm eggs that the toddler didn’t eat and substituted broth from the chicken for water. Omitted most of the spices. Used milk instead of wasting another egg for the coating process.. Huge batch! The picky toddler ate a LOT!
Thank you!!
So…you DIDN’T make this recipe. You made a hugely modified version of this recipe and made your own.
Hi Jamie, I’m about to make these except with gluten free ingredients. Do you know if instead of frying in oil I can use my air fryer? Thanks so much, this is the exact recipe I was looking for.
I just made these and my husband really liked them. Going to make some pattie size to make a nugget sandwich. I used ingredients I dried out of my garden. Thank you thank you
My family loved these nuggets. I doubled the batch and added them to their school lunches. It worked perfectly!
These were awesome! Makes me want to never buy pre-made nuggets again and was so easy. If only I can get my toddler to eat them now.
I made these a few minutes ago. My family and I love them. Thanks for posting this great recipe. No more foreign ingredient chicken nuggets. 🙂
Everyone enjoyed these! I used Sourdough breadcrumbs and it did not disappoint. My youngest son is a REALLY picky eater and he enjoyed this recipe. Thank you 🙂
Hey, thanks for this recipe!
I have an aging parent with issues getting certain foods soft enough for her to eat. She LOVED these!
Very good chicken nuggets recipe. I used seasoned bread crumbs and didn’t go off the 1.5 tbs and ended up with huge nuggets but they tasted great and were easy to make.