Table of Contents
Introduction
Ah, ground chicken nuggets—the homemade twist on a fast-food classic that’s juicy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to whip up. If you’ve ever looked at a package of ground chicken and wondered, “Can I make nuggets with this?” the answer is a loud, crispy YES.
Hi, I’m Samuel, your friendly kitchen co-pilot here at Trips Recipes. When I started testing nugget recipes with ground chicken, I didn’t expect them to be this tender and tasty. They’re easy to make, quick to cook, and the perfect solution when you’re craving nuggets but want to skip the drive-thru.
Whether you’re feeding toddlers, teens, or a table full of hungry adults, these nuggets will vanish faster than you can say “What’s for dinner?”
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep it simple and pantry-friendly, but still delicious.
Shopping List:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: a splash of hot sauce or mustard for a little zing
Breadcrumbs and cheese work double duty here—flavor AND structure.
How to Make Ground Chicken Nuggets
Step 1: Mix It All Up
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, cheese, and seasonings. Use clean hands or a sturdy spatula to mix everything together until it’s fully blended and slightly sticky.
FAQ Insight: How to get ground chicken to stick together?
The egg and breadcrumbs are your glue! They bind the meat and add structure. If it’s too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs. Too dry? A splash of milk helps.
Step 2: Shape the Nuggets
Scoop out small portions (about 1½ tablespoons each) and shape them into nugget-sized ovals or rounds. Place them on a parchment-lined tray. You can also use a cookie scoop for uniform shapes and cleaner hands.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
You’ve got two great options here—bake or air fry. No frying pans full of oil required.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat to 400°F.
- Spray basket lightly with oil.
- Arrange nuggets in a single layer and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. They should be golden and slightly crisp.
Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. For extra crispiness, broil them for the last 1–2 minutes.
Tips & Tricks for Juicy Ground Chicken Nuggets
- Don’t Overmix: Too much mixing makes them tough. Just blend until combined.
- Chill Before Cooking: If the mix feels loose, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to firm it up.
- Cheese = Moisture: The cheese helps the nuggets stay juicy and flavorful—don’t skip it.
- Double the Batch: These freeze beautifully, cooked or uncooked. Perfect for future weeknights.
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FAQs About Ground Chicken Nuggets
Is ground chicken good for chicken nuggets?
Absolutely! Ground chicken makes for tender, juicy nuggets that hold flavor beautifully. It’s also more budget-friendly and accessible than whole chicken breasts. Plus, you control the seasoning and add-ins.
Are McDonald’s chicken nuggets ground chicken?
Sort of—but not exactly. McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets are made from a mix of white meat chicken that is ground and blended with seasonings and other ingredients to form the nugget shape. So yes, ground chicken is part of it—but it’s processed and shaped by machines, not like your homemade batch.
Are Chick-fil-A nuggets ground meat?
Nope! Chick-fil-A nuggets are made from whole, boneless chicken breast pieces. They’re marinated, breaded, and fried—not ground. Their texture is more like a chicken bite than a patty.
How to get ground chicken to stick together?
You’ll need a binder: egg for moisture and structure, and breadcrumbs or cheese to help absorb liquid and firm things up. Refrigerating the mixture for a bit before cooking also helps keep your nuggets from falling apart.
Let’s Wrap It Up (with Sauce on the Side)
There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a ground chicken nugget that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—especially when you know exactly what’s in it.
These nuggets are a weeknight MVP, lunchbox hero, and snack-time savior all rolled into one. They’re easy, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Pair them with sweet potato fries, fresh fruit, or a big ol’ pile of mac and cheese—whatever keeps your crew happy and full.
And hey, if you’re already dreaming of more easy chicken meals, try our Homemade Chicken Nuggets or chicken nuggets and fries next.
Trust me, once you make your nuggets with ground chicken, you may never go back to the freezer aisle again.