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Ultimate Crispy Homemade Chicken Nuggets (Quick & Easy)

A close-up of crispy, golden-brown homemade chicken nuggets piled on a white plate, with one nugget cut open showing the white chicken meat.
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Welcome! You can make irresistible, crispy homemade chicken nuggets that rival fast food quality right in your kitchen. This recipe uses a simple double-dip breading technique for maximum crunch and is perfect for a quick family-friendly weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil or avocado oil (for shallow frying)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl. If you prefer ground chicken nuggets, pulse the chicken breast in a food processor until coarsely ground, then form into small nugget shapes.
  2. Set up the breading stations: In one shallow dish, combine 1 cup flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. In a second shallow dish, whisk the eggs and water together. In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Dredge the chicken: Take a piece of chicken and coat it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture (Station 1). Shake off excess.
  4. Dip in egg: Dip the floured chicken piece into the egg wash (Station 2), letting excess drip off.
  5. Coat with panko: Press the chicken firmly into the panko breadcrumbs (Station 3) to ensure a thick, even coating. Place the coated nuggets on a clean plate.
  6. Cook the nuggets (Frying Method): Heat the oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F). Carefully place the nuggets in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F). Remove and drain on a wire rack set over paper towels.
  7. Cook the nuggets (Air Fryer Method): Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Lightly spray the coated nuggets with cooking spray. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
  8. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can substitute the buttermilk marinade for the egg wash. Soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for 30 minutes before starting the breading process.
  • To make these healthy chicken nuggets for kids, use whole wheat panko breadcrumbs for the coating.
  • These homemade chicken nuggets freeze well. After breading, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://frostedfancies.com/homemade-chicken-nuggets-quick-easy-recipe/