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    Home » Chicken » Easy Homemade Chicken Nuggets

    Easy Homemade Chicken Nuggets

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    Easy homemade chicken nuggets from scratch is made with chicken breast and coated in a layer of panko breadcrumbs. They are perfectly golden and crisp on the outside, and juicy and tender inside. They are freezer-friendly too so double the batch and store any extras in the freezer for another day. This one is a crowd pleaser especially for the youngest mouths (super kid-friendly).

    Easy homemade chicken nuggets with chicken breast are golden and crisp on the outside and juicy and tender inside. They're freezer-friendly so make extra. | aheadofthyme.com

    What is in Homemade Chicken Nuggets?

    • chicken breasts - you will need 2 boneless and skinless chicken breasts, about 1 lb. each.
    • Italian seasoning - I use Italian seasoning on so many recipes because it's so versatile and contains a great blend of dried herbs and spices, including oregano, parsley, basil and thyme. To use dried herbs instead, add 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano, dried basil, and dried parsley.
    • garlic powder - I used garlic powder to makes things easier and because it doesn't add any texture, which I like. You can used minced garlic instead if you so prefer.
    • paprika
    • salt and pepper
    • panko breadcrumbs - for coating the chicken nuggets.
    • egg (optional) - this will create an even thicker coating.
    • vegetable oil - only if deep frying. You can also bake or air fry the nuggets instead.
    • cooking oil spray - helps the nuggets achieve a crispy and golden crust if baking or air frying.
    Easy homemade chicken nuggets with chicken breast are golden and crisp on the outside and juicy and tender inside. They're freezer-friendly so make extra. | aheadofthyme.com
    Easy homemade chicken nuggets with chicken breast are golden and crisp on the outside and juicy and tender inside. They're freezer-friendly so make extra. | aheadofthyme.com

    How to Make the Best Homemade Chicken Nuggets (Three Ways)

    1. Prepare the chicken. Cut chicken breasts into cubes and put in a food processor. Pulse on and off for a minute to get a thick consistency with small chunks, but not ground meat texture. Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.
    2. Shape the nuggets. Apply some water to your hands to prevent sticking and shape the chicken nuggets by hand into a rounded ⅕-inch long square or rectangle.
    3. Coat the nuggets. Coat the nuggets with breadcrumbs. You may need a bit more or less panko breadcrumbs depending on the size of the nuggets. For a thicker coating, dip in beaten egg first and then in the breadcrumbs.
    4. Freeze the nuggets. Place nuggets on a baking tray and leave in the freezer for at least 1 hour.
    5. Cook the nuggets. Cook the nuggets by deep frying, baking or in the air fryer.
    Easy homemade chicken nuggets with chicken breast are golden and crisp on the outside and juicy and tender inside. They're freezer-friendly so make extra. | aheadofthyme.com
    Easy homemade chicken nuggets with chicken breast are golden and crisp on the outside and juicy and tender inside. They're freezer-friendly so make extra. | aheadofthyme.com

    How to Deep-Fry Chicken Nuggets

    Preheat oil in a small cooking pot and deep fry the nuggets for about 8 minutes until golden, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F. The nuggets should be just submerged in oil. Turn the nuggets over occasionally to get an even golden crust on both sides. Transfer the nuggets onto a plate with a strainer and let cool for 3-5 minutes before serving.

    How to Bake Chicken Nuggets

    For a healthier option, bake the chicken nuggets (just like our baked crispy chicken tenders). To bake, place nuggets on a parchment-lined baking tray. Lightly spray the nuggets with cooking oil spray to achieve a crispy and golden crust. Bake at 375˚F for 15 minutes, turning them over halfway through.

    How to Air Fry Chicken Nuggets

    You can easily bake these nuggets in the air fryer as well (just like our air fryer breaded fried chicken wings). To air fry, lightly spray the nuggets with cooking oil spray and place 9 to 10 nuggets at a time in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350 F for 12 minutes. For extra crispy nuggets, cook for 3 more minutes. Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking.

    Easy homemade chicken nuggets with chicken breast are golden and crisp on the outside and juicy and tender inside. They're freezer-friendly so make extra. | aheadofthyme.com

    Tips for Making Homemade Nuggets

    • How to serve. Serve these nuggets with a side of BBQ sauce, homemade honey mustard, or ketchup.
    • Double the recipe. This recipe makes about 24 chicken nuggets (1.5-inches in length). They are super easy to eat so you may consider making a double or triple batch. Just stick the extras in the freezer and cook as desired.
    • How to store chicken nuggets. Place the frozen nuggets into an airtight container or freezer ziploc bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can cook directly from frozen with this recipe.
    Easy homemade chicken nuggets with chicken breast are golden and crisp on the outside and juicy and tender inside. They're freezer-friendly so make extra. | aheadofthyme.com
    Easy homemade chicken nuggets with chicken breast are golden and crisp on the outside and juicy and tender inside. They're freezer-friendly so make extra. | aheadofthyme.com

    More Easy Bites

    • Baked Mozzarella Sticks
    • Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
    • Baked Sweet Potato Wedges with Homemade Honey Mustard
    • How to Bake Turkey Meatballs
    • Baked Tuna "Crab" Cakes

    Did you make this recipe? I would greatly appreciate a comment and rating below, letting me know what you thought of the recipe. You can also snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

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    Easy homemade chicken nuggets with chicken breast are golden and crisp on the outside and juicy and tender inside. They're freezer-friendly so make extra. | aheadofthyme.com

    Easy Homemade Chicken Nuggets


    ★★★★★

    5 from 5 reviews

    • Author: Sam | Ahead of Thyme
    • Total Time: 1 hour 38 minutes
    • Yield: 24 nuggets
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    Easy homemade chicken nuggets with chicken breast are golden and crisp on the outside and juicy and tender inside. They're freezer-friendly so make extra.


    Ingredients

    • 3 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (about 1 lb.)
    • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1 + ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
    • 1 egg, beaten (optional)
    • 1 + ½ cup vegetable oil (only if deep frying)
    • cooking oil spray (if baking or air frying)

    Instructions

    1. Cut chicken breasts into cubes and put in a food processor. Pulse on and off for a minute to get a thick consistency with small chunks, but not ground meat texture.
    2. Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.
    3. Apply some water to your hands to prevent sticking and shape the chicken nuggets by hand into a rounded ⅕-inch long square or rectangle.
    4. Coat the nuggets with breadcrumbs. You may need a bit more or less panko breadcrumbs depending on the size of the nuggets. For a thicker coating, dip in beaten egg first and then in the breadcrumbs.
    5. Place nuggets on a baking tray and leave in the freezer for at least 1 hour.
    6. Cook the nuggets by deep frying, baking or in the air fryer.
      • To deep fry the nuggets: Preheat oil in a small cooking pot and deep fry the nuggets for about 8 minutes until golden, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F. The nuggets should be just submerged in oil. Turn the nuggets over occasionally to get an even golden crust on both sides. Transfer the nuggets onto a plate with a strainer and let cool for 3-5 minutes before serving.
      • To bake the nuggets: Transfer nuggets to a parchment-lined baking tray. Lightly spray the nuggets with cooking oil spray to achieve a crispy and golden crust. Bake at 375˚F for 15 minutes, turning them over halfway through.
      • To air fry the nuggets: Lightly spray the nuggets with cooking oil spray and place 9 to 10 nuggets at a time in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350 F for 12 minutes. For extra crispy nuggets, cook for 3 more minutes. Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking.

    Notes

    How to serve. Serve these nuggets with a side of BBQ sauce, homemade honey mustard, or ketchup.

    Double the recipe. This recipe makes about 24 chicken nuggets (1.5-inches in length). They are super easy to eat so you may consider making a double or triple batch. Just stick the extras in the freezer and cook as desired.

    How to store chicken nuggets. Place the frozen nuggets into an airtight container or freezer ziploc bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can cook directly from frozen with this recipe.

    • Prep Time: 30 minutes (+ 1 hour freezing time)
    • Cook Time: 8 minutes
    • Category: Chicken
    • Method: Air Fryer
    • Cuisine: American

    Keywords: chicken nuggets, chicken tenders, chicken bites, chicken breast nuggets, homemade chicken nuggets

    Did you make this recipe?

    I'd love to see! Tag me @aheadofthyme on Instagram.

    Easy homemade chicken nuggets with chicken breast are golden and crisp on the outside and juicy and tender inside. They're freezer-friendly so make extra. | aheadofthyme.com
    Easy Homemade Chicken Nuggets
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mama Maggie's Kitchen says

      July 17, 2020 at 8:14 pm

      Oh my word! I need this in my life. I have to rethink dinner tonight. lol. My son will love this.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Sam | Ahead of Thyme says

        July 18, 2020 at 2:57 pm

        Hahah yes! This is definitely a kid favourite recipe (and adults too!). Enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Amy Liu Dong says

      July 17, 2020 at 7:28 pm

      This is one of my kids favorite. I usually buy a chicken nuggets in the store so happy to know how to make it. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Sam | Ahead of Thyme says

        July 18, 2020 at 2:56 pm

        You are so welcome! So much healthier making your own too 🙂

        Reply
    3. Paula Montenegro says

      July 17, 2020 at 2:18 pm

      I love this recipe, so easy and crispy! Eating homemade nuggets is one of my favorite things. Thanks for sharing!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Sam | Ahead of Thyme says

        July 18, 2020 at 2:55 pm

        Thank you! So glad you liked the recipe! It's one of our favourites too.

        Reply
    4. Tatiana says

      July 17, 2020 at 11:42 am

      Great recipe, Sam! They were super easy to make and soooo delicious! I made the baked version, but will totally try the deep fried till the end of summer!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Sam | Ahead of Thyme says

        July 17, 2020 at 1:55 pm

        Thank you so much Tatiana! So glad you liked the recipe!

        Reply
    5. veenaazmanov says

      July 17, 2020 at 10:42 am

      My kids are excited to try your easy and their favorite food option Nuggets. Thanks for sharing your recipe and I better get going this weekend stocking some too.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Sam | Ahead of Thyme says

        July 17, 2020 at 1:55 pm

        Awesome! Keep me posted! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Carlee says

      July 15, 2020 at 2:17 pm

      This is officially my kid’s new fav recipe. I loved it too. Only regret is that I should have made a double batch because we finished them quickly.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Sam | Ahead of Thyme says

        July 16, 2020 at 1:04 pm

        That makes me so happy! So glad you all enjoyed the recipe!

        Reply

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