Homemade Fried Chicken Nuggets

The first time I made Homemade Fried Chicken Nuggets, it was a game-changer for my family. I remember the excited little faces gathered around the kitchen as the aroma of frying chicken wafted through the air. This was no ordinary meal; it felt like a special occasion, transforming a simple weekday dinner into something memorable. The kids were eager to help, dipping each piece of chicken into the egg mixture and then covering it with breadcrumbs. The joy on their faces as they tasted the crispy, golden nuggets was priceless. Not only were these nuggets delicious, but they also became our go-to recipe for family gatherings, school lunches, or just a cozy night in. Who knew that making such a beloved dish could be so simple and satisfying? The secret lies in using quality ingredients and a little love in every step of the process. Trust me, once you try making Homemade Fried Chicken Nuggets, you won’t want to buy store-bought again!

What’s In This Homemade Fried Chicken Nuggets

When it comes to Homemade Fried Chicken Nuggets, the ingredients are simple yet impactful. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect nugget, from the breading’s crunch to the juicy interior of the chicken. Let’s dive into the key players of this dish:

• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show, providing a tender and moist bite that holds up well during frying.
• 1 large egg: Acts as a binding agent for the breadcrumbs, ensuring they stick well to the chicken.
• 1 tablespoon milk: Adds moisture to the egg mixture, creating a richer flavor.
• 1 tablespoon honey: A touch of sweetness that balances the savory notes in the dish.
• 1 cup breadcrumbs: Coating that gives the nuggets their signature crunch.
• 2 tablespoons seasoned salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile, making each bite delicious.
• ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper: A classic seasoning that adds a mild heat.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a savory depth that complements the chicken.
• 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning: Provides a delightful herbal note.
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds freshness and color to the dish.
• 1½ cups canola oil: Essential for frying, giving the nuggets their golden-brown color and crispiness.

Cooking Method for Homemade Fried Chicken Nuggets

Cooking Homemade Fried Chicken Nuggets is an enjoyable and straightforward process. Follow these steps to create perfectly crispy and delicious nuggets:

1. Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise and then cut into chunks, approximately 1½x1½x½ inch. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking times.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and honey until well combined.
3. In a second bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, seasoned salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and dried parsley.
4. Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Place the breaded chicken bites on a plate until all are finished.
5. Pour the canola oil into a large skillet to a depth of 1 inch. Heat oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
6. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces in small batches. Cook for three minutes without overcrowding the skillet.
7. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional two minutes, ensuring the nuggets are golden brown and no longer pink inside.
8. Use tongs to remove the chicken from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
9. Serve the nuggets immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy the crispy, juicy goodness!

Recipe Notes about Homemade Fried Chicken Nuggets

Here are some tips to ensure your Homemade Fried Chicken Nuggets turn out perfectly every time:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked, breaded nuggets on a baking sheet then transfer to a bag once frozen. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the frying time.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair these nuggets with dipping sauces like barbecue, ranch, or honey mustard for a delightful meal.
• Baking Alternative: For a healthier option, bake the breaded nuggets on a baking sheet at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Air Fryer Option: Cook the breaded nuggets in an air fryer at 380°F for 7 minutes, flip, and cook for another 7 minutes for a crispy finish.

Serving Ideas for Homemade Fried Chicken Nuggets

When it comes to serving Homemade Fried Chicken Nuggets, the options are endless. Here are some creative ideas to enjoy this dish:

• Classic Dinners: Serve with mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese for a delightful family dinner.
• Kid-Friendly Lunches: Pack them in lunchboxes with fruit and veggies for a balanced meal.
• Party Platter: Create a fun appetizer platter with various dipping sauces and sides like celery sticks and carrot sticks.
• Game Day Treat: Perfect for game nights or watching movies. Set up a nugget bar with your favorite sauces, toppings, and sides.
• Seasonal Pairings: Enjoy them during summer picnics with fresh salads or fall gatherings with hearty sides.
• Late Night Snack: Serve as a midnight snack with hot sauce or spicy ketchup for an extra kick.

FAQ

Conclusion

Homemade Fried Chicken Nuggets are an irresistible treat that brings joy to every meal. The combination of crispy breading and tender chicken makes them a favorite for both kids and adults. I encourage you to try making these nuggets at home; they’re not just easy, but they also allow for creativity and personalization. Once you experience the deliciousness of your homemade version, you’ll never look back!

Homemade Fried Chicken Nuggets

The ultimate comfort food, Homemade Fried Chicken Nuggets are crispy, juicy, and perfect for any occasion. With a golden-brown crust and tender chicken inside, these nuggets are a fantastic easy weeknight dinner that your family will love. Make them tonight and watch everyone ask for more!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizers, Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 breasts Boneless Skinless Chicken
• 1 large Egg
• 1 tablespoon Milk
• 1 tablespoon Honey
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons Seasoned Salt
• ¾ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1½ teaspoons Italian Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley
• 1½ cups Canola Oil for frying

Equipment

• Skillet
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Frying pan

Method

 

1. Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise and then cut into chunks, approximately 1½x1½x½ inch. Try to keep the pieces a similar size to ensure even cooking times.
2. In a small bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and honey together.
3. In a second small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, seasoned salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and dried parsley.
4. Dip each chicken piece in the egg mixture, then the breadcrumb mixture. Place the breaded chicken bites on a plate until all are finished.
5. Pour canola oil into a large skillet to a depth of 1 inch. Heat oil over medium-high heat.
6. When the oil is hot, cook the chicken in small batches for three minutes. Do not crowd the pan.
7. Flip the chicken over and cook for an additional two minutes, checking that the chicken is no longer pink inside.
8. Remove chicken with tongs and place on a plate lined with paper towel to drain.
9. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• Tip 1: Use a large skillet pan with deep enough sides to contain 1 inch of frying oil. A Dutch Oven works well here.
• Tip 2: Pat chicken breasts dry with a paper towel–this will help the breading adhere and stick while frying.
• Tip 3: Do not overcrowd the pan while frying. This could lead to soggy breading. I fried the chicken bites in 3 batches total. Let the oil come back to temperature between batches.
• Tip 4: Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
• Tip 5: The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Tip 6: For baking, place the breaded nuggets on a sheet pan, brush with oil, and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20 minutes.
• Tip 7: For air frying, place breaded nuggets in a 380°F Air Fryer. Cook for 7 minutes, flip, and cook for 7 more minutes.

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Meet Jenna Miller

I’m the one who brought this group together. I’ve always believed that food tastes better when it’s shared, and I wanted to create a space that felt as warm and sunny as our home state. I’m usually the one writing our posts and helping Brooke develop our main course recipes. My favorite days are when we’re all in the kitchen together, music on, cooking up our next idea.