Table of Contents
Introduction
Let’s talk about 3 ingredient chicken nuggets—because some days, even thinking about cooking feels like running a marathon in flip-flops. Between chasing deadlines, wrangling kids, or just dealing with life’s chaos, we all need that back-pocket recipe that’s easy, satisfying, and doesn’t ask for a million ingredients.
I’m Samuel, and in my kitchen (and virtual world), simplicity and flavor are best friends. I crafted this 3 ingredient chicken nugget recipe after countless moms told me, “I just want something fast my kids will eat without a fight!” Well, this is it—nuggets that are crispy, cheesy, and packed with real chicken. No mystery ingredients, no complicated steps—just delicious comfort on a plate.
Whether you’re making dinner in your PJs or prepping lunchboxes for picky eaters, these nuggets are here to save your day. Let’s dive in.
Ingredients You Will Need
Believe it or not, you only need three ingredients to make magic happen. If you’ve got these in your fridge or pantry, you’re halfway to dinner.
What to Grab:
- 1 can (10 oz) cooked chicken breast, drained and finely shredded You can also use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken—just make sure it’s shredded well.
- 1 large egg This binds everything together and helps hold the nuggets’ shape.
- ⅓ cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese Cheese adds flavor and helps crisp up the outside. Mozzarella makes them gooey; Parmesan gives a savory, nutty twist.
Optional but delightful: A pinch of garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning for an extra pop of flavor.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Chicken Nuggets
You don’t need a culinary degree or fancy gadgets. Just a bowl, a fork, and about 25 minutes from start to crispy perfection.
Step 1: Mix It All Together
In a medium-sized bowl, combine your shredded chicken, egg, and cheese. Use a fork or clean hands (yes, go ahead and get in there) to mix until it’s sticky and holds together. If it feels too wet, add a tiny bit more cheese. If it’s too dry, crack in a bit more egg white.
Step 2: Shape Those Nuggets
Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a nugget shape—oval, round, dinosaur, you name it. No one’s judging. Lay them out on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper.
Pro tip: A small cookie scoop makes uniform nuggets and keeps your hands clean.
Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method
Air Fryer Method (for maximum crunch):
- Preheat to 400°F.
- Lightly spray the basket with oil.
- Cook nuggets in a single layer for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy on the edges.
Oven Method (great for big batches):
- Preheat to 400°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. Broil for the last 1–2 minutes if you like them extra crispy.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how to get the best out of your nuggets and even switch things up a bit.
Pro Nugget Moves:
- Add Crunch: Roll the nuggets in crushed cornflakes or panko before baking if you want an extra crispy crust.
- Make Ahead: Form the nuggets and freeze them on a tray. Once frozen, store in a bag. Bake straight from frozen—add 3–5 extra minutes to cooking time.
- Low Carb Option: These are naturally low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free (as long as you don’t add breadcrumbs).
- Sneaky Veggie Tip: Add a tablespoon of finely grated zucchini or carrot to the mix for a little veggie boost.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair these with:
- Sweet potato fries
- A side salad
- Dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, sriracha mayo, or even Chick-fil-A sauce (we won’t tell)
For more Chicken Nugget methods, check out the following:
- Kirkland chicken nuggets
- Trader Joe’s chicken nuggets
- Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets
- Chicken Nuggets Deep Fryer
You can visit our Facebook Page for more choices: Trips Recipes
FAQs Answering Your Chicken Nugget Curiosities
How to make 3 ingredient chicken nuggets?
Easy as pie—or, well, nuggets. Mix shredded chicken, an egg, and cheese. Shape into nuggets and cook in the oven or air fryer until crispy and golden. You can dress them up or enjoy them plain. That’s it!
What holds chicken nuggets together?
The egg acts as the binder, and the cheese gives it a firm, sticky texture once it starts to melt. Together, they glue the chicken bits into that iconic nugget shape, so you don’t need any flour or breadcrumbs.
What does Chick-fil-A fry their chicken nuggets in?
According to Chick-fil-A’s official info, their nuggets are pressure-cooked in 100% refined peanut oil. It gives their chicken that signature golden crunch and flavor.
What ingredients do chicken nuggets have?
In traditional fast-food or frozen versions? You’re looking at chicken, flour or breading, oil, preservatives, and lots of mystery ingredients. But our 3 ingredient nuggets? Just real chicken, egg, and cheese. That’s it. Clean, simple, and satisfying.
Real Food, Real Fast
There’s something deeply satisfying about feeding your family a meal that’s both homemade and hassle-free. These 3 ingredient chicken nuggets are the kind of comfort food that keeps your sanity intact on a crazy Tuesday night or saves the day when lunchbox options run dry.
I created this recipe with busy lives in mind—something you can make with what’s in the fridge, that gets cheers instead of groans. So next time you’re tempted to grab that drive-thru bag, remember: three ingredients, one bowl, 25 minutes, and dinner is done.
Craving more quick dinner fixes? Check out 5-Ingredient Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake or our family favorite Homemade Air Fryer French Fries.