Chicken nuggets are a beloved snack for all ages-crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and perfect for dipping. Making your own chicken nuggets at home is easier than you think, and you get to control the ingredients for a healthier, tastier result. Here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide to making chicken nuggets that will impress your family and friends!
Why Make Chicken Nuggets at Home?
– You know exactly what’s going into your nuggets-no mystery additives or preservatives.
– Homemade nuggets can be baked or pan-fried, avoiding the mess and extra fat of deep frying.
– You can customize the seasoning and breading to your taste.
– They’re freezer-friendly, so you can make a big batch and save some for later.
– Kids and adults alike love them!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Nuggets:
– 1 to 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or ground chicken
– 1 slice bread or 1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs (soaked in milk to keep nuggets juicy)
– 1 egg, whisked
– 3 tablespoons milk
– Garlic salt, black pepper, paprika (to taste)
For the Breading:
– 1 to 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
– ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but adds great flavor)
– 2 teaspoons dried parsley or other herbs
For Cooking:
– Cooking oil (avocado or canola oil preferred for frying)
– Butter (optional, for brushing if baking)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture
If using whole chicken breast, cut it into small chunks or grind it in a food processor until finely chopped. If you prefer ground chicken, you can skip this step.
Soak the bread in milk for a few minutes until soft. This “panade” helps keep the nuggets moist and tender. Mix the soaked bread with the chicken, garlic salt, black pepper, paprika, and the whisked egg. Combine gently-don’t overmix to keep the texture light.
2. Shape the Nuggets
Use your hands to scoop out small portions of the mixture and form them into nugget shapes, about 1 to 2 inches each. Place them on a plate or tray.
3. Prepare the Breading Station
On a large plate, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley. This mixture will give your nuggets a crispy, flavorful crust.
4. Bread the Nuggets
Dip each nugget first into the beaten egg, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. For an extra crispy crust, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb step once more.
5. Cook the Nuggets
Pan-Frying Method:
Heat about 1/4 cup of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot (a drop of water should sizzle), add the nuggets in batches without crowding the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
Baking Method:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the breaded nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush or spray lightly with melted butter or oil to help them brown. Bake for 7 minutes, flip and brush again, then bake for another 7-8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your homemade chicken nuggets warm with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ketchup, or BBQ sauce.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Nuggets
– Use Panko breadcrumbs for a light, crispy texture.
– Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying to ensure even cooking.
– Let the nuggets rest a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices.
– Double the recipe and freeze uncooked nuggets for quick meals later.
– Customize seasoning to your liking-try adding smoked paprika, cayenne, or Parmesan for extra flavor.
Making chicken nuggets at home is fun, rewarding, and healthier than store-bought versions. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a batch of crispy, juicy nuggets everyone will love!
Ready to try making your own chicken nuggets? What’s your favorite dipping sauce?