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Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Maya Miles

Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Skip the frozen nuggets and make these Homemade Chicken Nuggets in 20 Minutes instead. They are crispy, golden, and packed with real chicken flavor. Fresh ground chicken keeps every bite juicy, while a light breadcrumb coating creates the perfect crunch. Whether you serve them for lunch, dinner, or an afternoon snack, these homemade nuggets are easy to make and always disappear fast
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 Person
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1¾ teaspoons salt
  • 1 pinch sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable canola, or avocado oil, for frying
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Extra salt for seasoning after frying
Optional Dipping Sauces
  • Ketchup
  • Honey mustard
  • Barbecue sauce
  • Ranch dressing
  • Spicy mayo

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Cut it into 1-inch pieces before adding it to a food processor.
Step 2: Make the Ground Chicken
  1. Pulse the chicken until it looks like coarse ground meat. Do not over-process it into a paste, or the nuggets will become dense.
Step 3: Season
  1. Transfer the chicken to a mixing bowl. Add garlic powder, salt, sugar, and onion powder. Mix gently until the seasonings are evenly combined.
Step 4: Prepare the Coating
  1. Beat the egg in a small bowl. Place the breadcrumbs on a separate plate.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
  1. Pour about 3 inches of oil into a heavy pot or Dutch oven. Heat it to 350°F to 360°F.
Step 6: Shape the Nuggets
  1. Scoop small portions of the chicken mixture and gently form nugget shapes. Avoid pressing the meat too tightly to keep the nuggets tender.
Step 7: Coat
  1. Dip each nugget into the beaten egg, then coat it evenly with breadcrumbs.
Step 8: Fry
  1. Carefully place the nuggets into the hot oil in small batches. Fry for about 4 to 5 minutes, turning once, until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 9: Drain
  1. Transfer the cooked nuggets to a wire rack or a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
Step 10: Serve
  1. Sprinkle with a little salt and black pepper. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, fries, fresh vegetables, or a simple salad.

Notes

Recipe Notes

  • Freshly ground chicken creates the softest texture.
  • Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
  • Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady.
  • Always cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Let the nuggets rest for 2 minutes before serving.