Crispy & Golden Homemade Chicken Nuggets (Better Than the Drive-Thru!)

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy some proper comfort food? Ever wondered how to make homemade chicken nuggets even better than the ones from that famous drive-thru? These bad boys are crispy, golden, and seriously addictive.

Brief Overview

Homemade chicken nuggets are a beloved classic with roots in american fast food culture. this recipe is easy peasy, taking only about 50 minutes from start to finish.

It makes around four servings, enough for a family dinner or a cheeky snack.

Main Benefits

Honestly, the biggest win is knowing exactly what's in your food. plus, they're perfect for picky eaters or a quick weeknight meal.

What makes this recipe special? the perfect balance of crispy panko and juicy chicken.

Craving more crunch?

Time to Get Our Ingredients!

Right, let's gather what we need to make these crispy chicken nuggets recipe a reality. First, you'll need some decent chicken.

Grab some boneless, skinless chicken breasts – about 1.5 lbs should do. then, for the breading, we are going to need flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs.

You can even air fryer chicken nuggets homemade .

Tips Before We Begin

I always say that chicken must be cut it into 1-inch pieces. remember, chill time is key to get that breading to stick.

Also, if you want to make some homemade chicken nuggets air fryer ground chicken , this is the perfect time.

Setting Up for Success

Now, let’s get our breading station sorted. flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and your seasoned panko breaded chicken nuggets in the last one.

Honestly, preparing this right keeps things flowing. don't skip it!.

Let's Bread these Babies

Right, let's get our hands dirty! dredge each chicken piece in flour. then, dip it in the beaten eggs and finally, coat it thoroughly with the panko breadcrumb mixture.

A quick tip, is that use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165° f ( 74° c) , and use it.

Cooking Time

Carefully place the breaded chicken nuggets in the hot oil, and cook for 3- 4 minutes per side. do you prefer the crispiest chicken nuggets recipe ? don't overcrowd the pan, and then we go.

Serving is the Final Step

Remove the homemade chicken nuggets air fryer from the skillet and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil.

Serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauces. chicken nugget dipping sauce of your preference. i personally recomend honey mustard, sweet chili sauce, or a homemade ranch dressing.

Crispy & Golden Homemade Chicken Nuggets (Better Than the Drive-Thru!) Recipe Card

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Preparation time:35 Mins

Cooking time:20 Mins

Servings:4

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (5ml)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (2.5ml)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (5ml)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder (2.5ml)
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups (160g) panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup (60g) finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (5ml)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (2.5ml)
• ½ teaspoon salt (2.5ml)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (1.25ml)
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

• Cut the chicken into roughly 1-inch pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second, the beaten eggs. In the third, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly with the panko breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the breading adheres.
• Arrange the breaded nuggets on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (up to 30 minutes). This helps the breading stay put.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough that a breadcrumb dropped into it sizzles.
• Carefully place the breaded chicken nuggets in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Remove the nuggets from the skillet and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:475

Fat:25g

Fiber:1g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:American

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Homemade Chicken Nuggets Arsenal

Right then, let's get down to brass tacks. you want homemade chicken nuggets that'll knock the socks off the kids (and the adults, let's be honest).

So, what bits and bobs do you need? fear not, it's easier than you think!

Main Ingredients: The Chicken's the Star

• Chicken Breasts: 1.5 lbs (680g) . Boneless and skinless are your best bet, cut into roughly 1-inch pieces.
  • Quality Check: Go for chicken that's pink and plump. Nobody wants dodgy chicken!
• Seasoning (Chicken):
  • 1 tsp (5ml) kosher salt
  • ½ tsp (2.5ml) black pepper
  • 1 tsp (5ml) garlic powder
  • ½ tsp (2.5ml) onion powder

Homemade chicken nuggets air fryer are great too when in hurry.

Breading Station Essentials

• Flour: 1 cup (120g) all-purpose.
• Eggs: 2 large, beaten like they owe you money.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: 2 cups (160g) . Panko’s the secret to that proper crispy chicken nuggets recipe .
• Parmesan (Optional): ½ cup (60g) finely grated. Adds a bit of fancy, you know?
• Spices (Breading):
  • 1 tsp (5ml) smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp (2.5ml) dried thyme
  • ½ tsp (2.5ml) salt
  • ¼ tsp (1.25ml) black pepper

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up

Don't be shy with your seasonings. garlic and onion powder are staples. smoked paprika gives that lovely smoky flavour. fresh thyme works wonders too, if you have it.

For some extra kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper is chef's kiss .

Fancy a substitute? If you're out of thyme, a bit of dried oregano will do the trick. Just don't tell anyone I said that.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• 3 Shallow Bowls/Plates: For your breading station. Makes life easy, innit?
• Large Skillet/Frying Pan: For frying. Make sure it's big enough to hold the nuggets without overcrowding.
• Tongs: Essential for flipping and removing the homemade chicken nuggets .
• Wire Rack (Optional): For draining excess oil. Stops your nuggets from being soggy bottoms.
• Meat Thermometer: Makes sure your homemade chicken nuggets air fryer ground chicken achieve 165° F ( 74° C) internally for safety.

Honestly, you don't need fancy gadgets. A good frying pan and some elbow grease will do the trick.

There you go. Sorted. Now you're ready to whip up some truly belting homemade chicken nuggets !

Cracking on with Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Honestly, who doesn't love homemade chicken nuggets ? I mean, really? We are talking about some proper comfort food. None of that nasty processed stuff.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

First things first, let's get organised. essential mise en place is key here. chop up your 1.5 lbs (680g) of chicken breasts into roughly 1-inch pieces.

This helps for even cooking. get your three bowls ready for the breading station. it saves so much time! remember, safety first when you're handling raw chicken.

Wash your hands properly before and after. it's basic common sense, innit?

The Breading Bonanza: Step-by-Step

1. Chop chicken and season. Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon onion powder.
2. Breading station time. Get your flour in one bowl, your 2 beaten eggs in another, and your panko mixture in the last. For the panko mixture, combine 2 cups (160g) of panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup (60g) Parmesan, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
3. Bread the chicken. Dredge each piece in flour, then egg, then panko. Press it on gently to make sure it sticks.
4. Chill for 15- 30 minutes . It helps the breading stay put! Honestly, don't skip this.
5. Heat ½ cup (120ml) of vegetable oil in a pan. Medium heat is best. A breadcrumb should sizzle when dropped in.
6. Cook nuggets for 3- 4 minutes per side. They should be golden brown. Use a meat thermometer. The internal temp should reach 165° F ( 74° C) .
7. Drain on a wire rack. This makes them extra crispy.

Pro Tips for Epic Nuggets: Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Chilling the breaded nuggets is crucial. don't overcrowd the pan when you're frying. this helps keep the oil temp up, which means crispier nuggets.

A common mistake is not using a thermometer to check the internal temperature. this could give you food poisoning, nobody wants that.

You can prepare the breaded nuggets in advance. keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Great if you're busy, you know? for a healthy homemade nuggets , try baking them.

Air fryer chicken nuggets homemade are also a winner. simply spray the breaded nuggets with cooking spray and air fry at 400° f ( 200° c) for 10- 12 minutes , flipping halfway through.

These home made chicken nuggets air fryer are proper lush! remember the chicken nugget dipping sauce , there are many to choose from.

So go on and make those panko breaded chicken nuggets . they are a real treat. if you need a kid-friendly chicken recipes these will do the trick!.

This is an easy chicken nugget recipe .

Recipe Notes: Nailing Those Homemade Chicken Nuggets!

Right, so you're ready to tackle these amazing homemade chicken nuggets ? fantastic! honestly, these are way better than anything you'd get in a box or at the drive-thru.

These easy chicken nugget recipe will definitely impress the little one. here are a few extra tips to make sure your batch is absolutely spot on.

Serving 'Em Up Right

Think about plating and presentation, yeah? a bit of effort goes a long way. homemade chicken nuggets look mega cute in a little basket lined with greaseproof paper.

Now, don't forget the dips! ketchup is a classic, but why not whip up a quick honey mustard or even a tangy bbq sauce? and for sides? oven-baked chips, a simple salad or even some mac and cheese are winning combos.

For drinks, think lemonade or a bit of ginger beer. class!

Storing Your Nuggets Like a Pro

Got leftovers? no worries, mate. just let the cooked nuggets cool completely, then pop them into an airtight container. they'll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days .

Fancy prepping ahead? breaded, uncooked nuggets can also be frozen. lay them out on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.

You can freeze for up to 2 months . to reheat, stick them in the oven at 350° f ( 175° c) until heated through and crispy again or use the air fryer chicken nuggets homemade .

Mixing It Up: Variations Galore

Fancy a change? you got it! for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and panko breaded chicken nuggets . easy peasy! also, if you're trying to be good, use chicken breast.

You can also try the homemade chicken nuggets air fryer ground chicken variation.

Nutrition 101: Goodness in Every Bite

Okay, so i'm no nutritionist, but here's the lowdown. these healthy homemade nuggets have a good whack of protein from the chicken.

Making them at home means you control the ingredients, so you can avoid all the dodgy additives and extra salt you find in the shop-bought ones.

Winning! using chicken nuggets air fryer instead of frying cuts the fat, too.

So there you have it! with these tips, your crispy chicken nuggets recipe will be a total success. don't be afraid to experiment and make them your own.

Now, get in the kitchen and have a go! i'm sure they'll be ruddy brilliant.