Golden Crunch: Crispy Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Golden, irresistible chicken nuggets with a perfectly crispy homemade chicken nuggets recipe that beats any drive-thru offering.

These little bites of pure delight pack a serious flavor punch every time.

Seasoned with a blend of secret spices, each nugget promises a satisfying crunch that’ll make your taste buds dance.

The coating is light, crisp, and wonderfully seasoned, creating a mouthwatering exterior that locks in all the juicy chicken goodness.

No processed ingredients or mystery meats here – just pure, delectable chicken prepared with love and care.

Grab your apron and get ready to become the neighborhood’s nugget master, serving up crispy, golden perfection that everyone will be talking about.

Dive into this simple recipe and turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Crispy Homemade Chicken Nuggets

• Flour: Creates a grippy first layer that helps other coatings stick perfectly and ensures extra crispiness.
• Eggs: Provides a smooth, clingy surface that helps breadcrumb mixture adhere beautifully to chicken pieces.
• Water: Thins egg mixture for smoother coating and helps create lighter texture.

• Breadcrumbs: Delivers golden-brown crunch and adds delightful texture to nuggets.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces rich, savory depth and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings aromatic herbs that elevate chicken's natural taste.
• Garlic Salt: Infuses bold, zesty flavor and provides balanced seasoning.

• Vegetable Oil: Enables deep-frying technique, creating evenly cooked, crispy exterior while maintaining tender chicken inside.

Tools for Crispy Homemade Chicken Nuggets

• Large cutting board: Sturdy surface for chopping chicken.
• Sharp knife: For cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• Three medium bowls: To separate flour, egg mixture, and breadcrumb coating.
• Whisk or fork: For beating eggs and mixing ingredients.
• Large frying pan: Deep enough for oil and frying nuggets.
• Thermometer: Helps monitor oil temperature for perfect frying.
• Tongs or slotted spoon: Safe tool for placing and removing nuggets from hot oil.
• Wire rack or paper towel-lined plate: For draining excess oil from fried nuggets.

Steps to Make Crispy Homemade Chicken Nuggets

• Chicken Preparation

Slice tender chicken into delightful bite-sized morsels, creating perfect little pieces for a crowd-pleasing meal.

• Flour Station

Create a cozy flour bed in a medium bowl, ready to embrace each chicken piece with a light, powdery coating.

• Egg Wash Magic

Whisk eggs with a splash of water, transforming the liquid into a silky, clingy mixture that helps seasonings stick like best friends.

• Crispy Coating Station

Blend breadcrumbs with Parmesan, herbs, and a sprinkle of garlic magic to craft an irresistible crunchy exterior.

• Oil Temperature Check

Heat oil in a spacious pan, watching for that perfect golden shimmer that signals cooking readiness.

• Nugget Transformation

Dance each chicken piece through flour, then egg wash, and finally roll in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, creating a flavor-packed armor.

• Frying Adventure

Gently lower nuggets into hot oil, letting them sizzle and turn a gorgeous golden brown for 3-4 minutes per side.

• Draining and Serving

Rest nuggets on a wire rack or paper towels to shed excess oil, then serve hot and watch smiles light up around the table.

Tips for the Crispiest Chicken Nuggets

• Crush extra crackers or cornflakes for an ultra-crispy exterior that adds unexpected crunch and texture to your nuggets.
• Experiment with different seasoning blends like ranch powder, BBQ spice mix, or smoked paprika to create unique flavor profiles that make these nuggets irresistible.
• Skip deep-frying and bake nuggets on a wire rack at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even golden-brown coloring and reduce oil consumption.
• Prepare a large batch of uncooked nuggets, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for quick weeknight meals that cook directly from frozen state.
• Whip up homemade sauces like honey mustard, spicy sriracha mayo, or tangy ranch to elevate these chicken nuggets from simple to spectacular with minimal extra effort.

How to Serve Chicken Nuggets at Home

• Dip into Dipping Sauces: Create a delightful flavor explosion by serving these crispy nuggets with classic ranch, tangy honey mustard, or zesty barbecue sauce for extra excitement.
• Pair with Fresh Sides: Complement the nuggets with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or golden french fries to balance the meal and add nutritional value.
• Kid-Friendly Plating: Arrange nuggets in fun shapes on the plate, use colorful small bowls for dipping sauces, and add some cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices to make mealtime playful and appealing.
• Customize with Sprinkles: Dust the finished nuggets with a light sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs like parsley to add a gourmet touch and enhance the overall flavor profile.

Keeping Crispy Chicken Nuggets Fresh

• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare extra chicken nuggets during your cooking session and freeze them for quick future meals. These homemade nuggets are perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked nuggets in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Always place a paper towel underneath to absorb excess moisture and maintain crispiness.
• Freeze for Later Enjoyment: Pack cooled nuggets in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention and easy reheating.
• Reheating Perfection: Revive frozen or refrigerated nuggets in an air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to restore their crispy exterior. Alternatively, use an oven at 350°F for 5-6 minutes, avoiding microwave reheating to prevent sogginess.

Golden Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy chicken nuggets combine golden-brown perfection with juicy, tender meat for a classic comfort meal. Home cooks can easily craft this crowd-pleasing dish that rivals restaurant versions with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

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Ingredients

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• 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps water
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• Oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Meticulously slice chicken breast into uniform, bite-sized pieces measuring 1-1.5 inches, ensuring consistent shape for even cooking.
2. Coating Station: Establish three separate bowls – first with flour, second with whisked eggs and water, third with seasoned breadcrumbs – positioned strategically for efficient dredging.
3. Initial Dredging: Completely encase each chicken morsel in flour, shaking off excess to create a delicate, even base layer that promotes optimal breading adhesion.
4. Egg Wash: Immerse flour-dusted chicken pieces into egg mixture, allowing gentle drainage to prevent excessive liquid buildup.
5. Breadcrumb Encrustation: Methodically roll egg-coated chicken through seasoned breadcrumbs, applying gentle pressure to ensure comprehensive, crisp exterior coverage.
6. Oil Preparation: Heat vegetable oil in heavy-bottomed skillet to precise 350°F, utilizing cooking thermometer for temperature accuracy.
7. Frying Process: Gently introduce chicken nuggets into hot oil, maintaining adequate spacing to prevent crowding and ensuring consistent golden-brown coloration.
8. Cooking Completion: Fry nuggets 3-4 minutes per side, rotating once to achieve crispy exterior and guarantee internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
9. Finishing Touch: Transfer crispy nuggets onto wire rack or paper towels, allowing excess oil to drain and coating to further crisp while resting briefly before serving.

Notes

• Precise Chicken Cutting: Create uniform 1-1.5 inch pieces for consistent cooking and even crispiness.
• Breading Station Setup: Arrange flour, egg wash, and seasoned breadcrumbs in separate bowls for smooth coating process.
• Temperature Control: Use cooking thermometer to maintain oil at exactly 350°F, preventing burnt exterior or undercooked center.
• Frying Technique: Avoid overcrowding pan, allowing each nugget space for proper golden-brown crispy exterior and even heat distribution.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg