Easy Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Here’s a recipe for homemade chicken nuggets that results in delicious, crispy bites, similar to what might be depicted in a Pinterest image:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Nuggets:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup regular breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for added flavor)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil or canola oil (enough for deep frying)

Optional for Baking:

• Cooking spray

For Serving:

• Your favorite dipping sauces (such as ketchup, ranch, or honey mustard)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Trim any excess fat from the chicken.
• Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes.

2. Set Up the Breading Station:

• In a shallow bowl, place the flour.
• In another bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
• In a third bowl, mix together panko, regular breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper).

3. Bread the Chicken:

• Lightly coat each chicken piece in flour, shaking off the excess.
• Dip the floured chicken into the egg, ensuring it’s fully coated.
• Roll the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

4. Cook the Chicken Nuggets:

Option 1: Frying

• Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot to 350-375°F.
• Fry the chicken in small batches for about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Option 2: Baking

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Place the breaded chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Lightly spray with cooking spray for crispiness.
• Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with dipping sauces in small bowls.
• Consider arranging the nuggets on a rustic wooden board with a few decorative kitchen items for visual appeal.

These chicken nuggets can be enjoyed fresh, and you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, use an oven preheated to 400°F for about 8-10 minutes, or an air fryer for 4-6 minutes until crispy.