The Best Chicken Nugget Home Made Recipe
Tired of mystery meat shaped like dinosaurs? Seriously, making your own chicken nuggets at home is way easier than you think. And the payoff? A healthier, tastier treat the whole family will actually fight over.
Why Make Chicken Nugget Home Made Instead of Buying Them?
Let’s be honest, those store-bought nuggets? The ingredient lists read like a chemistry experiment gone wrong. Artificial flavors, preservatives you can’t pronounce, and fillers that… well, let’s just not think about what they are. When you’re in charge, you know exactly what’s going into those little golden bites. Plus, it’s a fun excuse to get the kids involved, right?
Homemade nuggets also mean you get to be the flavor boss. Want a little kick? Throw in some cayenne. Craving something savory? Up the garlic powder. The possibilities are endless, unlike those sad, bland excuses for chicken you find in the freezer aisle.
Essential Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Great nuggets start with great ingredients. Here’s the rundown:
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless is the way to go for easy prep.
- Breading: Panko breadcrumbs are the secret weapon for maximum crispiness.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika… plus anything else that makes your taste buds sing.
- Egg Wash: Gotta have that egg wash to help the breading stick.
- Oil: A neutral oil, like vegetable or canola, is perfect for frying.
Choosing the Right Chicken
Seriously, start with good chicken. Look for fresh breasts that aren’t all pale and sad-looking. Splurge on organic or free-range if you’re feeling fancy; the flavor is better. And don’t forget to trim off any extra fat or those weird little tendons before you start chopping.
A Simple Recipe for Chicken Nugget Home Made
Alright, let’s get cooking! This recipe is so simple, even I can’t mess it up. Get ready for some seriously addictive nuggets.
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut those chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about an inch or so.
- Season the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in a bowl with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, whatever spices you’re feeling.
- Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one piled high with panko breadcrumbs.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, making sure it’s completely covered.
- Cook the Nuggets: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the nuggets in batches until they’re golden brown and cooked through; about 5-7 minutes per batch should do it.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the cooked nuggets drain on a paper towel-lined plate to get rid of excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces and try not to eat them all yourself.
Achieving Extra Crispy Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Want nuggets that rival the best fast-food versions? (But, you know, without the mystery ingredients?) Here’s how:
- Double Breading: Dip ’em in the egg and breadcrumbs twice for a super-thick, super-crispy coating.
- Chill the Nuggets: Pop the breaded nuggets in the fridge for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the breading stick like glue and prevents it from falling off in the oil.
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Seriously, these are a game-changer. They’re bigger and lighter than regular breadcrumbs, which means maximum crispiness.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook those nuggets in batches, otherwise the oil temperature drops and you end up with soggy, sad nuggets. Nobody wants that.
Other Breading Options
Panko is awesome, but don’t be afraid to get creative! Crushed cornflakes or potato chips can add a fun twist and some extra flavor. Experiment and see what you like best.
Baking Chicken Nugget Home Made for a Healthier Option
Want to skip the frying altogether? No problem! Baking is a great way to make your nuggets a little healthier.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the breaded nuggets on top. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Baking slashes the fat content big time. You can still get a crispy texture by spraying the nuggets with a little cooking oil before they go in the oven. Plus, no splattering oil mess to clean up!
You can find more information about cooking methods on .
Dipping Sauce Pairings for Your Homemade Nuggets
Let’s be real, no nugget is complete without a killer dipping sauce. Here are some classics:
- Ketchup
- Mustard (Honey Mustard, Dijon Mustard)
- Barbecue Sauce
- Ranch Dressing
- Sweet and Sour Sauce
Get creative! Mix and match, or whip up your own homemade sauces for extra credit. A simple honey mustard or a tangy barbecue sauce can take your nugget game to the next level.
Questions about Chicken Nugget Home Made
Can I use ground chicken instead of chicken breast?
Sure! Just form the ground chicken mixture into nugget shapes before you bread and cook them.
How long do homemade chicken nuggets last in the refrigerator?
Cooked chicken nuggets will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. If they last that long!
Homemade chicken nuggets are a total win: delicious, healthier, and way more fun than anything you can buy in a bag. So, ditch the drive-thru and get cooking! And if you need even more inspiration, Google Search is always your friend.
Now you’ve got all the knowledge you need to make the best nuggets ever. Go forth and fry (or bake)! Your family will thank you.