How to Make Perfect Chicken Nuggets at Home (Better Than Store-Bought!)

Ever wondered how to make those irresistible chicken nuggets that your kids (and let’s be honest, you too) absolutely love? Well I’ve got you covered! Today I’m sharing my ultimate guide to making chicken nuggets from scratch that are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and WAY better than anything you’ll find in the freezer section.

Why Make Homemade Chicken Nuggets?

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about why homemade nuggets are worth your time:

• You control the ingredients – no mystery meat or weird additives
• Better flavor – seriously, these taste AMAZING
• Healthier options – bake them instead of frying if you prefer
• Make-ahead friendly – freeze a batch for quick meals later
• Kid-approved – even picky eaters will gobble these up

I started making homemade chicken nuggets when my kids were begging for those store-bought bags. I wanted to give them something better, and let me tell you, once you try these recipes, you’ll never look back!

Three Delicious Ways to Make Chicken Nuggets

I’m going to share three different approaches to making chicken nuggets each with its own special qualities. Pick the one that sounds best to you or try all three!

Method 1: Classic Breaded Chicken Nuggets

This recipe uses pieces of chicken breast coated in a seasoned breading for a traditional nugget experience.

Ingredients

• 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut chicken breasts into 1½-inch pieces.
3. In a medium bowl, mix bread crumbs, Parmesan, basil, thyme, and salt together.
4. Dip chicken pieces into melted butter first, then coat with the bread crumb mixture.
5. Place coated nuggets on a lightly greased cookie sheet in a single layer.
6. Bake for about 20 minutes until browned and chicken is cooked through.

This method produces nuggets with a crispy coating and juicy center. My kids absolutely LOVE these!

Method 2: Ground Chicken Nuggets

This method uses ground chicken breast with spices mixed right in for flavor in every bite.

Ingredients:

For the nuggets:

• 1 – 1¼ pounds chicken breast
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup water

For the breading:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 3-4 cups vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Place chicken in a food processor and blend until minced.
2. Add spices, cornstarch, and water to the processor and blend until combined.
3. Shape the mixture into rectangular nuggets (about 1½ tablespoons each) and place on a parchment-lined baking tray.
4. Freeze for 30 minutes to firm up.
5. Heat oil in a frying pan or deep fryer.
6. Dredge each nugget in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
7. Fry nuggets for 6-8 minutes until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
8. Drain on paper towels before serving.

This method gives you that classic fast-food nugget texture that kids go crazy for!

Method 3: Double-Coated Flour Nuggets

This recipe creates super crispy nuggets with a double coating method.

Ingredients:

• 500g (1lb) chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized chunks
• 2 cups flour
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1½ tsp garlic powder
• 1½ tsp onion powder
• 1½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 3 eggs

Instructions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot.
2. Whisk together flour and spices in a shallow bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs.
4. Coat chicken first in the flour, then in the eggs, and finally in the flour again.
5. For an extra-crispy coating, repeat the breading step.
6. Fry the nuggets until golden brown and crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Drain on paper towels before serving.

Alternative Cooking Methods

Not everyone wants to deep fry their food (though let’s be real, it’s DELICIOUS). Here are some alternative cooking methods:

Air Fryer Method:

If you’re using an air fryer, coat the chicken in flour, egg, and then seasoned breadcrumbs (not flour for the final coat). Drizzle with a little olive oil or spray with cooking spray, then cook at 180°C/350°F for about 15 minutes until crisp and golden.

One reader commented: “I air fry them. They come out great. 4 minutes at 400 degrees and flip for 2-3 mins❤️”

Baking Method:

For a healthier option, coat the nuggets in seasoned bread crumbs instead of flour after the egg wash. Place on a wire rack and drizzle with oil. Bake at 220°C/430°F for 10-15 minutes until golden brown and tender.

Tips for the Best Chicken Nuggets

1. Seasoning is key – Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your family’s taste preferences.
2. Double-coating creates an extra-crispy exterior.
3. Freezing the shaped nuggets before breading helps them hold their shape.
4. Make a double batch and freeze some for later!
5. Let the nuggets rest on paper towels after cooking to absorb excess oil.

How to Freeze Homemade Chicken Nuggets

One of the best things about making your own nuggets is having a stash in the freezer for quick meals. Here’s how to freeze them properly:

Method 1: Freeze After Cooking

1. Allow the cooked nuggets to cool completely
2. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
3. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container
4. Use within 3 months

Method 2: Freeze Before Cooking

1. After breading the nuggets, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer
2. Freeze until solid
3. Transfer to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months
4. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time

Serving Suggestions

Chicken nuggets are great on their own, but they’re even better with dipping sauces and sides!

Dipping Sauce Ideas:

• Honey mustard sauce
• BBQ sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Ketchup
• Sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha mayo
• Chipotle mayo

Side Dish Suggestions:

• French fries or sweet potato fries
• Mac and cheese
• Coleslaw
• Potato salad
• Macaroni salad
• Green peas
• Mashed potatoes with gravy

Nutritional Information

For those watching their intake, here’s a general idea of what to expect (values will vary based on cooking method and exact ingredients):

Per Serving (approximately 4 nuggets):

• Calories: 300-370
• Protein: 19-32g
• Fat: 6-19g
• Carbohydrates: 15-43g

Common Questions About Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Q: How long do homemade chicken nuggets last?
A: In the refrigerator, they’ll last 2-3 days. In the freezer, they’re good for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I use ground chicken instead of processing chicken breasts myself?
A: Absolutely! Using pre-ground chicken will save you time and works great.

Q: How do I reheat chicken nuggets?
A: You can microwave them, air fry them, or bake them in the oven until heated through. The air fryer or oven will help them stay crispy!

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply substitute the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

Why My Family Loves These Nuggets

I gotta tell you, my kids used to beg for those store-bought nuggets, but ever since I started making these homemade versions, they don’t even ask for the frozen ones anymore! My 7-year-old says these are “a million times better than the dinosaur ones,” which is pretty much the highest praise possible from a kid.

Even my husband, who claims not to like “kid food,” will sneak these off the kids’ plates when he thinks I’m not looking. That’s how you know they’re good!

Final Thoughts

Making your own chicken nuggets might seem like a lot of work when you can just grab a bag from the freezer section, but trust me, the difference in taste and quality is HUGE. Plus, there’s something really satisfying about knowing exactly what’s in your family’s food.

Give one of these recipes a try this week, and I bet they’ll become a regular in your meal rotation. And don’t forget to make extra for the freezer – your future self will thank you on those busy weeknights!

Do you have a favorite way to make chicken nuggets? Or a special dipping sauce that takes them to the next level? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

Happy cooking!