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The Ultimate Crispy & Juicy Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe

A stack of crispy, golden homemade chicken nuggets, with one broken open showing the juicy white meat inside.
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Learn the kitchen slang for making truly crispy and juicy homemade chicken nuggets. This recipe translates professional techniques into simple steps for a family favorite, with options for baking or air frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or ground chicken
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
  • Cooking spray or oil for baking/air frying

Instructions

  1. If using chicken breast, cut the chicken into uniform, bite-sized nugget shapes. If using ground chicken, form the mixture into nugget shapes and chill for 15 minutes to firm up.
  2. Set up a standard breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the 1/2 cup of flour seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. In the second dish, whisk the eggs with 1 tablespoon of water until combined. This is your binder.
  4. In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix well. This is your crispy coating.
  5. Dredge each chicken piece first in the seasoned flour (shake off excess), then dip it completely into the egg wash, and finally press it firmly into the panko mixture to coat thoroughly. Press the coating on so it sticks well.
  6. For the crispiest results: Place coated nuggets on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Spray the tops generously with cooking spray or brush lightly with oil.
  7. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). For air frying, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
  8. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. This is a great quick dinner idea.

Notes

  • To make these ground chicken nuggets, mix the ground chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper before forming the shapes.
  • For a copycat fast food flavor, add a tiny pinch of MSG to the breading mixture.
  • If you want to make ahead freezer chicken nuggets, freeze the breaded nuggets on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenslang.com/homemade-chicken-nuggets-crispy-juicy-recipe/