Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy Chicken Nuggets are a universally loved snack or meal, perfect for kids and adults alike. These golden, crunchy bites are made with tender chicken pieces coated in a seasoned breading and fried to perfection. Whether you’re serving them for a party, dinner, or quick snack, these homemade nuggets are flavorful, fun, and far better than any fast food option.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken breastssaltblack peppergarlic powderpaprikaall-purpose floureggsbreadcrumbs (panko or regular)oil for frying
directions
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
Dredge each chicken piece in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully place the breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding.
Fry until golden brown and fully cooked, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
Remove the nuggets and drain on paper towels.
Let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 4 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 15-20 minutesTotal time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
Add grated Parmesan to the breadcrumbs for a cheesy twist.
Use crushed cornflakes or pretzels for an extra crunchy coating.
Spice it up with cayenne pepper or chili flakes in the seasoning.
Air-fry the nuggets at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes for a lighter option.
storage/reheating
Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes or in an air fryer for 5 minutes to keep them crispy.Freeze cooked nuggets for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.
FAQs
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What’s the best chicken cut for nuggets?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, but thighs can also be used for a juicier result.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Do I need a thermometer for frying?
It’s helpful. Aim for an oil temperature of 350°F (175°C) for the perfect crisp.
Can I make these in advance?
You can bread the nuggets ahead and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before frying.
Are they freezer-friendly?
Yes, both raw (breaded) and cooked nuggets can be frozen.
What dipping sauces go well?
Classic choices include ketchup, honey mustard, BBQ, or ranch.
Why is my coating falling off?
Make sure the chicken is dry before breading and press the coating firmly.
How do I know they’re cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I use an air fryer?
Absolutely, it’s a great healthier option.
Conclusion
Crispy Chicken Nuggets are a crowd-pleasing favorite that brings comfort and crunch in every bite. With easy steps and versatile options, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether fried or baked, they deliver delicious results every time—sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
Print
Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe for Everyone
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying, Baking, Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These crispy chicken nuggets are golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. Made with simple ingredients and cooked to perfection, they’re great for a quick dinner, lunchbox favorite, or party snack. You can bake, fry, or air fry them—whatever suits you best!
Ingredients
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1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs
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2 tablespoons milk
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1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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Cooking spray or oil (for frying or air frying)
Instructions
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Prep the chicken: Cut chicken breasts into small, nugget-sized pieces.
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Set up breading stations: In one bowl, add flour. In a second bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. In a third bowl, mix panko, Parmesan (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Bread the nuggets: Dip each piece of chicken into flour, then the egg mixture, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly so the coating sticks well.
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Choose your cooking method:
Air Frying:
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Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
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Spray nuggets with cooking spray and place in a single layer.
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Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Baking:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Place nuggets on a lined baking sheet and spray with cooking spray.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Frying:
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Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
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Fry nuggets in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
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Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
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Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch.
Notes
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You can use chicken thighs for juicier nuggets.
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Add a little cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix for a spicy kick.
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Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for later.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
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