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Ultimate Crispy & Juicy Homemade Chicken Nuggets (Healthier Baking/Air Fryer Option Included)

A close-up of a pile of golden brown, crispy homemade chicken nuggets served on a white plate.
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Make delicious, crispy, and juicy homemade chicken nuggets from scratch. This recipe uses simple ingredients and provides options for baking or air frying for a healthier result that kids and adults will love.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: If using ground chicken, form into small nugget shapes. If using breast pieces, lightly pound them to an even thickness.
  2. Set up the breading station: Place the 1 cup flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a shallow dish and mix well. Place the 2 beaten eggs in a second shallow dish. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish.
  3. Dredge the chicken: Take each piece of chicken and dredge it first in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Finally, press firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to coat completely.
  4. Prepare for cooking: Arrange the coated nuggets in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets generously with cooking spray or oil.
  5. Cook the nuggets: For baking, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). For air frying, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  6. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For extra juicy chicken breast nuggets, you can briefly soak the cut pieces in buttermilk for 30 minutes before the dredging process.
  • To make these ground chicken nuggets, mix 1 lb of ground chicken with 1/4 cup breadcrumbs and seasonings before shaping.
  • These homemade chicken nuggets freeze well. Place cooked, cooled nuggets on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mistyplate.com/homemade-chicken-nuggets-recipe/