Description
Avoid recalled store-bought chicken nuggets with this easy homemade recipe. Crispy, juicy, and free from preservatives or contamination risks.
Ingredients
Chicken Base:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crispiness)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
Cooking Options:
- For frying: 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
- For baking: 2 tablespoons olive oil spray
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized nugget shapes.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
2️⃣ Set Up the Breading Station
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- In another bowl, beat eggs.
- In a third bowl, place breadcrumbs.
3️⃣ Coat the Chicken
- Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture → then into the beaten eggs → finally into the breadcrumbs.
- Press the breadcrumbs firmly to ensure even coating.
4️⃣ Choose Your Cooking Method
Option 1: Frying
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry nuggets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain on a paper towel.
Option 2: Baking
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place nuggets on a lined baking sheet and spray with olive oil.
- Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
Option 3: Air Frying
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray nuggets lightly with olive oil spray.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway.
🔥 Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Notes
✅ Best served fresh – The nuggets remain crispy right after cooking.
✅ To store: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
✅ To freeze: Freeze nuggets on a tray, then store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
✅ To reheat: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or air fry for 5 minutes at 375°F.
✅ Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
✅ For Extra Crispiness: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
✅ For Spicy Nuggets: Add hot sauce to the egg mixture before breading.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Frying, Baking, or Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 nuggets
- Calories: 320kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg