Chicken nuggets are an all-time favorite for kids and families. Learn how to prepare homemade chicken nuggets from scratch. If you make a purchase using the affiliate links included, we may earn a commission.
Nuggets are my go-to. When I'm trying new fast food restaurants, they are a pretty safe bet. They are also a comfort food to me and something I crave for lunch and dinner.
This from-scratch chicken nugget recipe is one of the favorites that I make for my whole family of picky eaters all of the time.
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Recipe Ingredients:
For exact measurements visit the recipe below.
Usually, when I cook I don't measure. I just throw it in until it looks/smells right.
I have measured things out for you but feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking.
My family's seasoning staples are seasoning salt, lemon pepper, and garlic salt.
For my family of 6, I use 4 boneless chicken breast halves. This always leaves us plenty of leftovers for both mine and my husband's lunch the next day so I would say serves 7-8 people.
Instructions:
Cut the chicken breasts into 2-inch pieces.
I prefer to cut chicken when it is still slightly frozen because I think it cuts so much better.
In a medium-sized bowl combine the dry ingredients, flour, seasoning salt, lemon pepper, and garlic salt.
In a separate bowl combine the wet ingredients, milk, and egg.
This is how the dry and wet mix will look when combined.
Take the chicken chunks and dip them in the egg mixture.
Place the pieces in the dry mixture, and gently toss or stir to coat.
Add the coated chicken to a skillet with a little less than ½ inch of hot oil, on medium heat.
Watch the nuggets and turn them over in the oil when the first side is golden brown, and allow the other side to cook.
You will need to cook the nuggets in batches, so you don't overfill the frying pan.
I like to check the first couple by cutting them open with a knife and a fork so I know what their color will be when they are done. They should have an internal temperature of 165º F to be cooked thoroughly.
Line a bowl or plate with a paper towel and lay the finished nuggets on top. This will help soak up any excess oil.
Once cooled, you can eat them as is with a little bit of dipping sauce.
Make Boneless Chicken Wings:
The easiest way to add sauce is to throw your nuggets into a plastic container with a lid.
Pour in your favorite hot sauce, BBQ sauce, or dry rub. Secure the lid, and shake.
I like the flavor of Frank's Red Hot. It has a really good flavor and it isn't too hot for me.
We like to have rice with our tasty chicken nuggets because while we love to dip our nuggets in my homemade ranch dressing, we also love to mix ranch in with our rice.
MMMMMMM So delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I add different seasonings or swap others out??
Absolutely! Above I mentioned my family's favorites for chicken, but if you like paprika, and/or onion powder go for it.
If you prefer garlic powder over garlic salt, that is completely fine too.
How do you make crispy chicken nuggets?
If you like a crunchier nugget then breadcrumbs are a great option. You can use seasoned or panko breadcrumbs.
Swap out 2 cups of flour with 2 cups of bread crumbs. Keep 1 cup of flour to act as a binding agent in the breadcrumb mixture.
You can also not fry them. Baking them will keep that breading a bit more crunchy.
Can homemade nuggets be cooked in an oven?
Yes! Prepare them the same as above.
Preheat the oven to 400º F.
Place the nuggets on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through.
When baking I like to spritz them with melted butter.
Can they be cooked in an Air Fryer?
Yes! Prepare them the same as above.
Preheat the air fryer to 390º F for 4 minutes.
Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Bake for 7 minutes or until cooked through.
Can I freeze them for later?
Yes! Prepare them the same as above.
Before frying, place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with wax paper, or parchment paper. You don't want the pieces touching.
Place the baking sheet in the freezer.
Once the pieces are frozen, you can remove them from the sheet, and place them all in a freezer bag for future meals.
Cook them frozen so the breading doesn't get soggy, they will just take a little bit longer to cook.
What are good side dishes to have with them?
That is the great thing about delicious chicken nuggets, they go with everything! They can be as formal or informal as you like.
Some good options are a salad, potato wedges, potato chips, or something as simple as pickles.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Equipment
- 2 Mixing Bowls
- 1 Fry Pan
- Paper Towels
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds Chicken Breast
- 3 cups Flour
- 2 tbsp Seasoning Salt
- 2 tbsp Lemon Pepper
- 2 tbsp Garlic Salt
- 1 cup Milk
- Frying Oil
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into chunky/nugget size pieces.
- In a medium-sized bowl combine the dry ingredients, flour, seasoning salt, lemon pepper, and garlic salt.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl combine the wet ingredients, milk, and egg.
- Dip the chicken chunks into the wet mixture, and then the dry mixture. Gently toss or stir to coat.
- Add nuggets to a frying pan with a little less than ½ inch of oil, on medium heat.
- Watch the nuggets and turn them over in the oil when the first side is golden brown, and allow the other side to cook.
- Line a bowl or plate with a couple paper towels and lay the finished nuggets on top. This will help soak up any excess oil.
Notes
How do you like your chicken nuggets? Dry or covered in sauce?
Our Baking Essential List:
- For baking casseroles, we use Glass Baking Dishes. I especially like the dishes with lids so leftovers can be transferred straight to the fridge.
- Silicone Kitchenware is my favorite because they don't scratch my cookware and are super easy to clean!
- To prepare all of those ingredients a Glass Cutting Board is a must. We even keep ours on our counter at all times.
- This Knife Set will also become your favorite! They cut beautifully and with the hollow design of the knife, food doesn't stick to the blade.
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