Best Ever Homemade Chicken Nuggets & A Crowd-Pleaser!
Homemade chicken nuggets: because sometimes, life hands you a picky toddler, and you need a win. My 3-year-old, the reigning champion of “Refuses to Eat Anything That Isn’t Beige,” actually eats these. He won’t touch McDonald’s nuggets, which, let’s face it, is either a glaring endorsement or a sign he’s too highbrow for Happy Meals. Either way, these nuggets? They’re the holy grail.
There’s some kind of witchcraft in this recipe. Perfectly crispy coating? Check. Juicy chicken? Double check. I don’t know if it’s the breadcrumbs, the love, or the fact that I threatened to withhold screen time, but these nuggets have become non-negotiable in my house.
These nuggets are a condiment’s best friend. Ketchup, honey mustard, barbecue sauce; they’re all invited to the party. My kid will drown them in ketchup like he’s being paid per squirt. Adults? You’ll get fancy and pair them with ranch or something artisanal, like you’re auditioning for a food blogger gig. Want to sneak in veggies? Sure, throw some carrot sticks on the plate and call it balance. You’re basically a nutritionist now.
Meal prep? Absolutely. Make a mountain of nuggets, freeze them, and pat yourself on the back for being the organized version of yourself you always promise to be. They reheat like a dream, still crispy and tender, which is more than I can say for most leftovers that turn into sad, soggy imposters.
Cooking with kids? Oh yeah, this recipe doubles as a parenting activity. My son loves it. By “loves,” I mean he gleefully turns my kitchen into a breadcrumb crime scene while dunking chicken into flour, egg, and crumbs. Is it messy? Absolutely. But it buys me 10 minutes of quiet, so I’m all in.
These nuggets aren’t just for toddlers, either. Bring them to a party, and suddenly you’re the MVP.
If you’re looking for homemade fried chippies too, check out this recipe here!
Cut the raw chicken in bite size pieces and season with salt, pepper and smoked paprika.
You’ll need three bowls – plain flour, egg and any breadcrumbs.
After the chicken bites are coated, throw them on the pan.
Cook until a nice golden colour forms.
Ingredients
Method
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces
- Season the chicken with salt, smoked paprika and black pepper
- Coat the chicken in plain flour
- Dip the chicken into the into the Egg Mixture
- Coat the chicken with breadcrumbs
- Melt butter and olive oil on medium high heat
- Place chicken into pan. Don't overcrowd the pan. You may need to do this in a few batches.
- Flip when golden on one side
- When golden on both sides, remove from pan and place on plate with a paper towel
FAQs: Chicken Nuggets Recipe
How do I store and reheat leftover chicken nuggets?
To store leftover chicken nuggets, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the nuggets on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This helps retain their crispy texture.
Can I freeze these chicken nuggets?
Absolutely! After cooking the chicken nuggets, let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the nuggets to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes.
Can I bake these chicken nuggets instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake these chicken nuggets for a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the coated chicken nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and lightly spray them with cooking oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through.
What dipping sauces go well with these chicken nuggets?
These chicken nuggets pair well with a variety of dipping sauces. Some popular options include ketchup, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, and sweet and sour sauce. Feel free to get creative and try different sauces to find your favourite combination!