Chicken nuggets are a beloved snack and meal option for both kids and adults alike. While store-bought nuggets are convenient, making them at home allows you to control the ingredients and customise the flavours to your liking. Keep reading for a simple and delicious chicken nuggets recipe using easy-to-find nugget ingredients. Whether you're looking for quick appetisers, a kid-friendly meal, or a tasty snack, the best chicken nugget recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
- 1 lb boneless chicken chicken breasts or thighs (skinless)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil, for frying
Step-by-step instructions to create the best chicken nugget recipe
- Prepare the chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are of similar size for even cooking.
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper to taste, along with a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for added flavour. - Set Up a breading station: In three separate shallow bowls, place the all-purpose flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
Season the flour with additional garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for extra flavour. Mix well to combine the seasoning with each component of the breading station. - Bread the chicken: Coat each piece of chicken with the seasoned flour, making sure to remove any excess by shaking it off. Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is evenly coated. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the surface. Repeat the breading process for the remaining chicken pieces, placing them on a plate or baking sheet as you go.
- Fry the chicken nuggets: Heat some cooking oil in a skillet or frying pan until it reaches a medium-high temperature, but make sure it doesn't start smoking.
After the oil has reached the desired temperature, you should carefully and gradually add the chicken pieces that have been coated in breadcrumbs into the skillet. It is important to avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and properly. Fry the nuggets for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the cooked nuggets to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. - Serve and enjoy: Once cooked to give you crispy chicken nuggets, serve them hot with your favourite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing. Garnish the delicious chicken nuggets with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavour and presentation. Enjoy your homemade chicken nuggets as a snack, appetiser, or main course, paired with sides like fries, salad, or steamed vegetables.
For a healthier alternative to frying, you can also bake the chicken nuggets in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the breaded chicken pieces on a lined baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush the nuggets with cooking oil to help them crisp up in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through. This method reduces the amount of oil used while still achieving that satisfying crunch.
Flavour variations
Get creative with your chicken nuggets by experimenting with different seasonings and coatings. Add a kick of heat with some cayenne pepper or chilli powder, or try a Mediterranean twist with oregano, basil, and grated Parmesan cheese in the breadcrumb mixture. You can also mix in finely grated cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for an extra gooey and cheesy nugget experience.
Part of the fun of eating chicken nuggets is dipping them into your favourite sauces. Alongside classic ketchup and mustard, consider offering a range of homemade dipping sauces to elevate the flavour experience. Think tangy barbecue sauce, creamy honey mustard, zesty buffalo sauce, or a cooling tzatziki dip made with yoghurt, cucumber, and dill. These sauces add layers of flavour and can turn your chicken nuggets into a gourmet treat.
Kid-Friendly cooking activity
Making homemade chicken nuggets can also be a fun and educational activity for kids. Get them involved in the breading process, letting them dip and coat the chicken pieces in the flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. This hands-on experience not only teaches valuable cooking skills but also encourages kids to try new foods and flavours. Plus, when they've helped make the meal themselves, they're more likely to enjoy eating it!
Photo: Shutterstock
