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Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe for Everyone

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  • Author: simplemealsbykim
  • 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

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 large eggs

  • 2 tablespoons milk

  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • Cooking spray or oil (for frying or air frying)


Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken: Cut chicken breasts into small, nugget-sized pieces.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Choose your cooking method:

    Air Frying:

    • Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

    • Spray nuggets with cooking spray and place in a single layer.

    • Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

    Baking:

    • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

    • Place nuggets on a lined baking sheet and spray with cooking spray.

    • Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

    Frying:

    • Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.

    • Fry nuggets in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

    • Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.

  5. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch.


Notes

 

  • You can use chicken thighs for juicier nuggets.

  • Add a little cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix for a spicy kick.

  • 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