Easy Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Introduction

Let’s be honest—Homemade Chicken Nuggets are the unsung heroes of weeknight dinners. Whether you’re juggling after-school activities, Zoom meetings, or just trying to keep picky eaters happy, these golden bites of joy are a lifesaver. And the best part? You can whip them up in under 35 minutes with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

I’m Samuel, your culinary companion on this flavorful journey. At Trips Recipes, I believe that food is more than just sustenance—it’s an experience that brings people together. These Homemade Chicken Nuggets are not just a meal; they’re a memory in the making.

Ingredients You Will Need

Chicken Nuggets ingredients — Crispy, Juicy, and Kid-Approved: Homemade Chicken Nuggets 5

For the Nuggets:

1 lb ground chicken (or finely chopped chicken breast)
1 slice of bread, torn into pieces
3 tablespoons milk
¾ teaspoon garlic salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
1 egg, whisked
3 tablespoons melted butter or canola oil spray

For the Breading:

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons dried parsley

How to Make Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Homemade Chicken Nuggets preparation — Crispy, Juicy, and Kid-Approved: Homemade Chicken Nuggets 6

Step 1: Prepare the Panade

In a small bowl, combine the torn bread and milk. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the bread absorbs the milk. Add garlic salt and black pepper, mixing until you have a paste-like consistency. This panade keeps the nuggets moist and tender.

Step 2: Mix the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with the panade. Mix gently until just combined; overmixing can make the nuggets tough.

Step 3: Shape the Nuggets

Using a tablespoon, scoop the mixture and form into nugget shapes. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Bread the Nuggets

In a shallow dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley. Brush each nugget with the whisked egg, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Return them to the baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the nuggets with melted butter or spray with canola oil. Bake for 7 minutes, flip the nuggets, brush or spray again, and bake for an additional 8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Alternative Cooking Methods:

Air Fryer: Brush nuggets with butter or spray with oil. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Skillet Frying: Heat 1 inch of oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry nuggets in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

Crispy, Juicy, and Kid-Approved: Homemade Chicken Nuggets 7

Tips & Tricks

Freezing for Later: Flash freeze uncooked nuggets on a baking sheet for an hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes.
Flavor Variations: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick. Or mix in some finely chopped herbs for a fresh twist.
Dipping Sauces: Pair with your favorite sauces like honey mustard, barbecue, or ranch.

For more Chicken Nugget methods, check out the following

You can visit our Facebook Page for more choices: Trips Recipes

These Homemade Chicken Nuggets are a game-changer for busy weeknights and picky eaters alike. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. Plus, making them from scratch means you know exactly what’s going into your food—no mystery ingredients here!

Ready to make your kitchen the most popular spot in the house? Give these nuggets a try and watch them disappear faster than you can say “What’s for dinner?”

FAQs About Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Is it cheaper to make your own chicken nuggets?

Yes—making your own chicken nuggets is generally cheaper than buying them from fast-food restaurants or grabbing frozen ones from the store. When you break down the cost of ingredients like ground chicken, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, you’ll often find that you’re paying less per serving, especially if you’re cooking for a family. Plus, you get the added bonus of knowing exactly what’s going into your food—no mystery fillers or preservatives.

What holds chicken nuggets together?

Great question! The key to keeping chicken nuggets from falling apart is a simple binding mixture. Typically, this includes an egg and some kind of starch or soaked bread (like a milk-soaked slice of sandwich bread). This combo acts like culinary glue, helping the ground chicken and seasonings hold their shape and stay moist during cooking.

What does Chick-fil-A fry their chicken nuggets in?

Chick-fil-A fries their famous nuggets in 100% refined peanut oil. This oil gives the chicken a crisp, golden texture and a slightly nutty flavor that fans can’t seem to get enough of. If you’re trying to recreate their nuggets at home and aren’t allergic, peanut oil is a great choice for that authentic taste.

What are the 8 ingredients in chicken nuggets?

If we’re talking about a simple homemade version, here’s a basic list of 8 common ingredients:
– Ground chicken (or chopped chicken breast)
– Bread (or breadcrumbs, for moisture)
– Milk (for soaking the bread)
– Egg (to bind everything)
– Garlic salt (or plain salt)
– Black pepper
– Panko breadcrumbs (for coating)
– Parmesan cheese (optional, but adds great flavor!)
Of course, variations exist, but this core list will get you delicious, golden-brown nuggets that rival any drive-thru offering.

Crispy, Juicy, and Kid-Approved: Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Table of Contents