Homemade Chicken Nuggets

There’s something irresistibly comforting about Homemade Chicken Nuggets. I still remember the first time I made them for my family. It was a rainy afternoon, and the kids were feeling a bit cooped up. I decided to whip up a batch of these crispy delights, hoping to bring a little sunshine into our day. As the smell of frying chicken filled the kitchen, their eyes lit up with excitement, and I knew I was onto something special. These nuggets are not only fun to make, but they’re also an opportunity for family bonding in the kitchen!

Every time I prepare Homemade Chicken Nuggets, it feels like we’re creating a bit of magic together. The joy of dipping those tender pieces of chicken into flour, then into egg, and finally coating them with crunchy breadcrumbs is a hands-on experience that kids adore. It’s a simple recipe, yet it brings so much joy—and not just for the little ones. Watching their faces light up as they take that first bite is priceless. Trust me, once you’ve tasted these homemade nuggets, you’ll never look back at store-bought versions!

What Goes Into Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Creating perfect Homemade Chicken Nuggets relies on a few essential ingredients that work harmoniously to give you that crispy exterior and juicy interior. The star of the dish is, of course, the fresh chicken. Together with flour, salt, and black pepper, they create the foundation for flavor. The use of Panko breadcrumbs adds that distinctive crunch, making each bite satisfying. Let’s dive into what you’ll need for this delicious recipe!

• 1 pound chicken breast – The main ingredient, providing protein and flavor. Tender, juicy, and perfect for nugget-making.
• 1 1/2 cups flour – Essential for dredging and gives a nice coating. Helps the egg wash adhere better.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors of the chicken and other ingredients.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a subtle kick that complements the chicken.
• 1 1/2 cups milk – Used to create a wet batter. It helps in keeping the chicken moist.
• 1 egg – Binds the breading together and adds richness to the coating.
• 2 cups Panko bread crumbs – Optional, but highly recommended for that extra crunch and texture.

Putting Together Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s get cooking! Making Homemade Chicken Nuggets is straightforward and fun. Follow these detailed steps to achieve the perfect nugget every time.

1. Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. You want them to be uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Make sure your knife is sharp for clean cuts!
2. In a shallow dish, blend together the flour, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will serve as the first dredging step, providing a flavorful base for your nuggets.
3. In another small dish, add the milk and crack in the egg. Using a whisk or fork, beat the mixture until it’s well combined and uniform. This is your egg wash, which will help the breadcrumbs stick.
4. Next, place the Panko breadcrumbs into a separate shallow dish. If you’re not using Panko, you can simply use regular breadcrumbs instead.
5. Now, it’s time to coat your chicken! Take a piece of the cut chicken, dredge it into the seasoned flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
6. Dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, ensuring it’s completely covered, allowing the breadcrumbs to stick effectively.
7. After the egg wash, dredge the chicken again, this time in the Panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well. This step is crucial for that tantalizing crunch!
8. Once you’ve coated all the chicken pieces, arrange them on a wire rack. Let them rest for a couple of minutes; this helps the coating set and stick better.
9. In a frying pan, heat oil to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully place in several nuggets, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until they turn golden brown.
10. Once cooked, transfer the nuggets to a wire rack to drain any excess oil. This keeps them crispy and delicious!

Things Worth Knowing

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

Adaptability is key in the kitchen, and Homemade Chicken Nuggets offer plenty of opportunities to customize. Here are some ways you can make this recipe your own:

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for crispy results.
• Freezing: These nuggets freeze beautifully! Place uncooked nuggets on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready, fry directly from frozen.
• Pairing: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue, or ranch. They can elevate the nugget experience!
• Add spices: Experiment with spices in your flour mix. Paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne can give your nuggets a delightful kick.
• Use different meats: Try making these nuggets with turkey or even fish for a unique twist.

Great Combinations for Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Serving Homemade Chicken Nuggets opens up a world of delicious possibilities. Here are some great combinations and occasions where these nuggets shine:

• Dipping sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces such as sweet and sour, honey mustard, or a spicy sriracha mayo. Each sauce can change the flavor profile of your nuggets.
• Side dishes: Pair your nuggets with a fresh salad, crispy fries, or steamed veggies for a balanced meal.
• Occasions: These nuggets are perfect for lunchboxes, family dinners, or kid’s birthday parties. They’re a hit with all age groups!
• Game day snacks: Serve them at parties during games or movie nights for a crowd-pleasing treat.
• Seasonal pairings: In summer, serve with fresh corn on the cob; in fall, consider a pumpkin puree dip for a seasonal twist.

FAQ

Conclusion

Homemade Chicken Nuggets are a delightful dish that combines crispy texture with juicy flavor, making them a family favorite. They’re not just another meal; they are memories waiting to happen as you cook and enjoy them together. I encourage you to try making these nuggets; they might just become a staple in your kitchen!

Homemade Chicken Nuggets

The ultimate comfort food, Homemade Chicken Nuggets are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, these nuggets will satisfy your cravings. Try this recipe tonight for a delightful twist on a classic!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound chicken breast
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups Panko bread crumbs optional

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Frying pan
• Skillet
• Blender

Method

 

1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a shallow dish, blend together the flour, salt, and black pepper.
3. In another small dish, add milk and beat the egg into the milk until well combined.
4. Place the Panko bread crumbs into another shallow dish.
5. Dredge chicken into the seasoned flour, shake off excess flour, then dip chicken into the milk and egg wash.
6. Dredge chicken with Panko breadcrumbs.
7. Place chicken nuggets onto a wire rack and let rest for a couple of minutes before frying.
8. Heat oil to 350 degrees.
9. When the oil is hot, fry several pieces at once, do not overcrowd the pan.
10. Drain chicken nuggets on a wire rack.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Tip 2: Freeze uncooked nuggets on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for later use.
• Tip 3: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces for extra flavor.
• Tip 4: Add spices like paprika or garlic powder to the flour for a flavor boost.
• Tip 5: Experiment with different meats for unique nuggets.

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Meet Paige Wilson

I’m our photographer and stylist, so it’s my job to make our food look as sunny and delicious as it tastes. I’m obsessed with finding that perfect light. When I’m not behind the lens, I’m in the kitchen as the official “chief taster.” I work closely with Hailey and Brooke to cook, test, and refine the flavors for every single recipe until it’s just right.