Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Skip the frozen nuggets and make these crispy homemade chicken nuggets from scratch! Made with simple ingredients like ground chicken, breadcrumbs, milk, and seasonings, these nuggets are tender on the inside, golden brown on the outside, and perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce. Whether you’re serving them for lunch, dinner, meal prep, or an after-school snack, this easy chicken nugget recipe is a family favorite.
These homemade chicken nuggets are made with ground chicken, which creates a soft, tender texture while still getting that delicious crispy coating. Best of all, they come together with pantry staples.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Crispy outside and tender inside
- Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
- Perfect for meal prep
- Great alternative to store-bought nuggets
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 4 tablespoons fresh breadcrumbs or 1 slice white bread
- 4 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1 large egg, lightly whisked
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Flour for dredging
- Oil for frying
- Favorite dipping sauce for serving
How to Make Homemade Chicken Nuggets
- In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 2–3 minutes to soften.
- Add the ground chicken, egg, celery salt, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Scoop the mixture into portions using about 1 heaping tablespoon for each nugget and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Gently shape each portion into a nugget shape. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until chilled.
- Place flour in a shallow bowl and season lightly with additional salt and pepper.
- Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Dredge each chilled nugget in the seasoned flour, coating all sides.
- Fry the nuggets in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Tips for the Best Chicken Nuggets
- Chill the nuggets before dredging to help them hold their shape.
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized nuggets.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying.
- Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serve with ketchup, ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Storage
Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to help maintain their crispy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze homemade chicken nuggets?
Yes! Freeze cooked nuggets in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?
Yes. Pulse chicken breast in a food processor until finely ground before mixing with the other ingredients.
Are homemade chicken nuggets healthier than frozen nuggets?
Making chicken nuggets at home allows you to control the ingredients and avoid many preservatives found in some store-bought options.
Make Ahead Instructions
These homemade chicken nuggets are perfect for making ahead of time.
Refrigerate Before Cooking
- Prepare the chicken mixture and shape into nuggets.
- Place nuggets on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before dredging in flour and frying.
Freeze Before Cooking
- Shape the nuggets and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
To cook from frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, dredge in flour, and fry as directed.
Freeze After Cooking
- Allow cooked nuggets to cool completely.
- Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions
Air Fryer
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Refrigerated nuggets: Heat for 3–5 minutes.
- Frozen cooked nuggets: Heat for 6–8 minutes.
- Cook until hot and crispy.
Oven
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Place nuggets on a baking sheet.
- Refrigerated nuggets: Bake 8–10 minutes.
- Frozen cooked nuggets: Bake 12–15 minutes.
- Turn halfway through heating.
Skillet
- Add a small amount of oil to a skillet over medium heat.
- Heat nuggets for 2–3 minutes per side until warmed through.
Microwave
- Heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
- While quick, this method will soften the crispy coating.
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If you enjoy these homemade chicken nuggets, be sure to try my Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Recipe. Marinated in buttermilk and coated in a flavorful seasoned breading, these crispy chicken tenders are golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for family dinners, game days, or dipping in your favorite sauces.
Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 4 tablespoons fresh breadcrumbs or 1 slice white bread
- 4 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1 large egg lightly whisked
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Flour for dredging
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for a few minutes to soften.
- Add the chicken and egg, along with the celery salt, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined.
- Scoop the mixture into small portions, about 1 heaping tablespoon each, onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Gently shape into nugget forms and refrigerate until chilled.
- Place flour in a shallow bowl and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Dredge each nugget in the seasoned flour.
- Fry in batches until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through 165°F.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
