Go Back
For delicious homemade chicken nuggets, you need these key items: - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko for extra crunch) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Oil for frying (vegetable or canola) These main ingredients create a tasty base. The chicken must be fresh to ensure a good texture. You can add a few optional ingredients to enhance the taste: - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) By adding fresh parsley, you add color and a hint of freshness. Feel free to experiment with other herbs, like basil or cilantro. Dipping sauces make your nuggets even better! Here are some suggestions: - Honey mustard - BBQ sauce - Ranch dressing - Ketchup These sauces pair well with the crispy chicken. Each adds a unique flavor that makes the meal fun. Try different sauces to find your favorite! For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions to make these tasty bites. Start by cutting 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Place these chicken pieces in a mixing bowl. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and paprika. Mix everything well to coat the chicken evenly. This step is crucial for flavor. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the spices soak in. Prepare three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, crack and whisk 2 large eggs. In the third bowl, combine 1 cup of breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper. This setup makes breading easy. You will easily coat the chicken pieces in a few steps. Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to cover the bottom, about ¼ inch deep. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of bread into it. If it sizzles and turns brown, you're good. Carefully add a few breaded chicken pieces to the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Transfer the cooked nuggets to a paper towel-lined plate. This step helps remove extra oil. Repeat the frying process until all the nuggets are cooked. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces, and enjoy! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To make your chicken nuggets crispy, use Panko breadcrumbs. They add a great crunch. Coat them twice for extra texture. After the first dip, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps the coating stick better. Heat your oil to the right temperature. If it's too cool, the nuggets will absorb oil and become soggy. Frying gives you that classic crunch. It cooks quickly and keeps the chicken juicy. If you want a healthier option, try baking. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the nuggets on a baking sheet. Lightly spray them with oil to help them crisp up. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Both methods work well, so choose what you prefer. One big mistake is overcrowding the pan. This lowers the oil temperature and makes soggy nuggets. Fry in small batches for the best results. Also, don’t skip marinating the chicken. It adds flavor and makes it tender. Lastly, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. A drop of bread should sizzle when the oil is ready. Follow these tips, and you'll have delicious nuggets every time! {{image_2}} You can make baked chicken nuggets for a healthier option. Instead of frying, you bake them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). After breading your chicken, place the nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray them lightly with cooking oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are golden and cooked. This method cuts down on oil and calories while keeping the flavor. Want some heat? Add spice to your chicken nuggets. Mix cayenne pepper or chili powder into your seasoning. You can also add chopped jalapeños to the breading. For a spicy dipping sauce, mix sriracha with mayonnaise or yogurt. This gives your nuggets a fun kick that spice lovers will enjoy. If you need gluten-free chicken nuggets, it’s easy! Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour. For breadcrumbs, use gluten-free options or crushed cornflakes. Follow the same steps in the Full Recipe, and you will have tasty gluten-free nuggets. Enjoy the crunch without worrying about gluten. Store leftover chicken nuggets in an airtight container. Let them cool to room temperature first. Place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb moisture. This helps keep the nuggets crispy. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat chicken nuggets, use an oven for the best texture. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread the nuggets on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes. This method makes them crispy again. You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 375°F and cook for about 5-7 minutes. For freezing, let the cooked nuggets cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen chicken nuggets can last up to three months. When ready to eat, bake them straight from the freezer. This keeps them crispy and delicious. For the full recipe, check out the earlier sections. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, thaw it first. Thawing helps the chicken cook evenly. You can leave it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave. Once thawed, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Follow the recipe just like you would with fresh chicken. To check if the chicken nuggets are done, look for a golden-brown color. They should feel firm to the touch. The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of a nugget. It should read 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one open. The meat should be white and juicy, not pink. You can serve chicken nuggets with many tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - French fries or sweet potato fries - Fresh veggie sticks like carrots and cucumbers - A side salad with a light dressing - Macaroni and cheese for a fun twist - Dipping sauces like honey mustard or BBQ For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe. Homemade chicken nuggets are easy and fun to make. You learned the main ingredients and some tasty dips. The step-by-step guide showed you how to prepare and fry. I shared tips for crispy nuggets and mistakes to watch for. You also explored great variations, storage tips, and answered common questions. Now you can enjoy homemade nuggets any time. I hope you feel ready to try this delicious recipe yourself!

Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Dive into the crispy delight of homemade herb-infused chicken nuggets! This easy recipe uses tender chicken pieces coated in a flavorful blend of seasonings, ensuring every bite is packed with taste. Perfect for a family snack or party appetizer, just follow our simple steps for crispy perfection. Ready to impress your friends and family?
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko for extra crunch)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the cut chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and paprika. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly seasoned. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.

    Set Up Breading Station: Prepare three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until well blended. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper.

      Bread the Chicken: Take each chicken piece, first dredging it in flour, shaking off excess. Then dip it in the beaten eggs, ensuring it is well coated. Finally, roll the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

        Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan, add enough oil to cover the bottom (about ¼ inch deep) and heat over medium-high heat until hot. You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread into it; if it sizzles and browns, it's ready.

          Fry the Nuggets: Carefully place a few breaded chicken pieces in the hot oil, making sure not to crowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked nuggets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

            Repeat: Continue frying the remaining pieces in batches, adding more oil if necessary, until all nuggets are cooked.

              Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 mins | 45 mins | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Arrange the chicken nuggets on a serving platter lined with parchment paper and serve them with small bowls of assorted sauces for a fun and interactive meal.