Crispy Homemade Chicken Nuggets
There’s something irresistible about chicken nuggets. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making them for a quick lunch, a fun family dinner, or a party snack, homemade chicken nuggets always taste better than store-bought ones.
Equipment
- Cutting board & sharp knife
- Mixing Bowls
- Tongs
- Deep-frying pan or Dutch oven
- Baking Sheet & Wire Rack
- Whisk
- Meat thermometer (optional)
- Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Panko or regular
- ½ teaspoon paprika for extra flavor
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
For Frying (Optional)
- 1½ cups vegetable oil for deep frying
For Baking (Alternative)
- Cooking spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken (5 minutes)
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel—this helps the breading stick better.
- Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, then set aside.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station (5 minutes)
- In one bowl, add the flour.
- In a second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
- In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with paprika and onion powder.
- Pro Tip: Use one hand for dry ingredients and the other for wet to keep your fingers from getting clumpy!
Step 3: Coat the Chicken (5 minutes)
- Dip each piece of chicken into the flour, shaking off excess.
- Next, dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently so they stick.
- Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating!
Step 4: Cook the Nuggets
Option 1: Frying (10-12 minutes)
- Heat about 1½ inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat (around 350°F).
- Carefully add the nuggets in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Pro Tip: If you don’t have a thermometer, cut open a nugget to check—no pink means it’s done!
Option 2: Baking (15-18 minutes)
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the nuggets on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet.
- Lightly spray or brush them with olive oil for a crispy texture.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and fully cooked.
Option 3: Air Frying (12-14 minutes)
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange nuggets in a single layer in the basket (don’t overcrowd!).
- Air fry for 12-14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Pro Tip: For ultra-crispy nuggets, give them a light spray of cooking oil before air frying.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Let the nuggets cool slightly before serving (they’ll be super hot inside!).
- Serve with your favorite dips like ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch.
Notes
Estimated Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~300-350 kcal (baked) / ~400-450 kcal (fried)
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Fat: ~12-18g (higher for fried)
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sodium: ~600mg (varies based on seasoning and breading)
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.