Description
Crispy homemade chicken nuggets have totally changed my weeknight dinner game. Tender chicken pieces coated in a perfectly seasoned breading make these nuggets way better than anything from the freezer section.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Coating Ingredients:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
Seasoning Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare three shallow dishes: Mix ½ cup all-purpose flour with salt and pepper in the first bowl.
- Whisk 2 large eggs with 1 tablespoon milk in the second bowl until thoroughly combined.
- Combine 1 cup breadcrumbs with ½ teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon paprika in the third bowl.
- Cut 1 pound boneless chicken breasts into 1.5-inch uniform pieces.
- Dredge each chicken piece first in seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip floured chicken into egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Roll coated chicken in seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help crumbs adhere completely.
- For pan frying, heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place breaded nuggets into hot oil, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain cooked nuggets on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Alternatively, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, turning midway through cooking.
- For air frying, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
- Serve immediately with preferred dipping sauce like ranch or honey mustard.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally for safe consumption.
- Experiment with different spices in the breadcrumb mixture to create unique flavor profiles like adding dried herbs or cayenne pepper.
- For a gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or almond flour, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds.
- Freeze uncooked breaded nuggets on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for quick weeknight meals that can be cooked directly from frozen.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg