Are your kids begging for chicken nuggets again? Or maybe you’re just craving that crispy, golden goodness yourself?
Well, I’ve got the perfect solution—Homemade Chicken Nuggets that are way better than anything from the drive-thru!
These Crispy Chicken Nuggets are super easy to make, and you’ll feel great knowing exactly what’s going into them. Plus, I’ll share some fun Serving Ideas and tips for using a Meat Thermometer to make sure they’re cooked just right.
Let’s get started—your family is going to love these!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces for nuggets)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch!)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but it adds such a nice flavor!)
- Cooking oil (for frying, or use your air fryer for a lighter option)
Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken: First, cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized nugget pieces. I like to pat them dry with a paper towel—it helps the coating stick better.
- Set Up Your Coating Station:
- Bowl 1: Mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Bowl 2: Crack and beat those eggs until they’re nice and smooth.
- Bowl 3: Combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese (if you’re using it—trust me, it’s worth it!).
- Coat the Nuggets:
- Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, then give it a little shake to get rid of the excess.
- Next, dunk it into the beaten eggs.
- Finally, coat it really well with the breadcrumb mixture. I like to press the crumbs on gently to make sure they stick.
- Cook the Nuggets:
- For Frying: Heat some oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the nuggets in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Don’t forget to use your Meat Thermometer to check that the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C)—safety first, honey!
- For Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the nuggets with a little cooking oil and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll come out just as crispy without all the oil!
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve up those Homemade Chicken Nuggets with your family’s favorite dipping sauces—honey mustard, BBQ, or ranch are always a hit.
- Pair them with some fries, a fresh salad, or even some veggie sticks for a meal everyone will love.
A Little Note from Me:
These Crispy Chicken Nuggets are such a hit in my house, and I love that they’re healthier than the store-bought kind. Plus, you can feel good about what you’re feeding your family! Using a Meat Thermometer is a game-changer—it takes the guesswork out of cooking and makes sure your chicken is perfectly done every time.
Serving Ideas:
- Serve them as the main dish with a side of dipping sauces.
- Pack them in lunchboxes with some fruit or veggies for a fun school lunch.
- Toss them into wraps or salads for a quick and easy dinner.
Final Words
If you want to take these nuggets to the next level, try marinating the chicken pieces in buttermilk for 1-2 hours before coating. It adds so much moisture and a little tangy flavor that’s just delicious!
There you go, friend—your new go-to Copycat Chicken Nuggets recipe! They’re crispy, golden, and absolutely irresistible. Let me know how your family likes them!