Homemade Chicken Nuggets

You control the quality when you make these Homemade Chicken Nuggets. This easy recipe tastes better than any store-bought bag on the market.

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Chicken Nuggets

One of the things I love the most about this recipe is controlling what goes into it and knowing exactly what my family is eating. Like most families, my kids love those bags of store-bought chicken nuggets. I hate feeling like I can do better, so I set out to make a better recipe that my family would enjoy.

One of the things I typically do is double the recipe so we can have some to enjoy now, and I can freeze some to enjoy later. Work smarter, not harder. I’m a big fan of having quick and easy meals on hand. Plus, my kids love being able to grab some nuggets for a quick lunch.

What chicken nuggets are made of

For this recipe, freshly ground chicken breast meat is combined with spices, cornstarch, and water. The nuggets are then coated in flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs before being fried to golden perfection.

How to make Chicken Nuggets

Place the chicken in the food processor and blend until the chicken is minced. Next, add the spices, cornstarch, and water. Process until combined.
Using a 1-½ tablespoon measure, shape the chicken mixture into a rectangular shape in your hand and place it on a tray with baking paper and freeze in the freezer for 30 minutes.
Heat approximately 3-4 cups of vegetable oil in a frying pan or deep fryer.
Dredge each nugget in the flour to cover, then into the egg, and finally, coat it in bread crumbs.
Fry the nuggets in batches, if necessary, in oil for about 6-8 minutes.
Remove to a paper towel-lined platter or tray briefly to absorb some of the excess oil before serving.

What to serve with Chicken Nuggets

As far as dipping sauces, we love Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce, Asian Dipping Sauce, or my Homemade Ranch Dressing. Sriracha or Sriracha mixed with mayo is always good. Mae Ploy Sweet Chili Sauce is another favorite. If we have leftover Tzatziki Sauce, we use that. Lately, I’ve been digging a chipotle mayo dip. Of course, the typical ketchup and BBQ sauce are always hits, too. Feel free to experiment and use whatever your family enjoys.

When it comes to side dishes, our family enjoys my Stovetop Creamy Mac and Cheese with a side of green peas. My 7 Layer Salad is another hit. Of course, the typical salads – Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad, or Coleslaw – are always good choices. My kids like my Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with Homemade Gravy.

Here are a few other favorites:

Chicken Nuggets FAQs

How to freeze Homemade Chicken Nuggets?

After frying the chicken nuggets, allow them to cool completely. Next, freeze them in a single layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper until frozen through. Then, transfer them to a large freezer-safe ziptop bag or freezer-safe container.

How long are chicken nuggets good for?

FROZEN: Use them within three months.
REFRIGERATED: Use them within 2-3 days.

How do you reheat chicken nuggets?

This recipe is so easy to reheat! You can microwave them, air fry them, or bake them in the oven until heated through.

Recipe Tips

Feel free to make these nuggets in any shape you like.
It’s easy to change up the flavor by switching up the seasonings and spices.
This recipe is a great meal prep idea!
Want to make this recipe even quicker? You can use already ground chicken in place of the chicken breasts.

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looking down into a basket of homemade chicken nuggets

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