Description
Enjoy crispy and tender Homemade Chicken Nuggets that are easy to prepare, healthier than store-bought, and perfect for family dinners or quick snacks. Made with simple ingredients and customizable seasonings, these nuggets can be baked or pan-fried for a golden crunch everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Breading
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Cooking
- Olive oil or cooking spray, as needed for frying or baking
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into evenly sized bite-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking and perfect nugget portions.
- Set Up Your Breading Stations: In three separate bowls, place the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper, beat the eggs, and combine the breadcrumbs with paprika and garlic powder (and any additional seasoning of choice).
- Coat the Chicken Pieces: Dredge each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere.
- Cook to Golden Perfection: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat or preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cook nuggets in the skillet for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, or bake on a lined tray for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the nuggets to rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in the juices before serving hot and crispy.
Notes
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Press breading firmly onto chicken to keep it intact and crunchy.
- Do not overcrowd the pan or baking tray to avoid steaming; keep nuggets crispy.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness compared to regular crumbs.
- Let coated nuggets rest 5 minutes before cooking to set the breading.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (about 5-6 nuggets)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg