If you’ve ever longed for perfectly crispy, juicy chicken bites that melt in your mouth and make everyone ask for seconds, then this Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines simple pantry staples into a delightful comfort food that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside, all baked to golden perfection. Trust me, once you try these nuggets, you’ll never want store-bought again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first exciting step to creating these irresistible nuggets. Each one plays a vital role: from ensuring a juicy texture to achieving that perfect crunch and savory flavor that will have everyone at the table smiling.
- 1 lb. ground chicken: The lean protein base that’s mild in flavor and tender when cooked right.
- 3 Tablespoons milk: Moistens the bread for softness and juicy meat through the panade method.
- 1 slice bread (or 1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs): Adds texture and absorbs moisture for a tender bite.
- ¾ teaspoon garlic salt: Infuses subtle savory depth throughout the nuggets.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle kick to balance flavors.
- 1 egg (whisked): Acts as the adhesive for the crunchy breadcrumb coating.
- 3 Tablespoons melted butter (or canola oil spray): Encourages even browning and a luscious golden crust.
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs: Delivers that signature light, crispy texture everyone loves.
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated): Adds a subtle nutty richness to the coating.
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley: Brings a fresh herbaceous note and a pop of green to the coating.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Panade
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees. Then, soak your bread slice in the milk, letting it fully absorb the liquid for 2 to 3 minutes. This mixture, known as a panade, might sound fancy but it’s the secret to keeping your nuggets wonderfully moist and tender, not dry or dense like some store-bought versions.
Step 2: Mix the Meat and Panade
In a large bowl, combine the panade with garlic salt and black pepper. Add the ground chicken and gently mix everything with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this ensures your nuggets remain tender once baked.
Step 3: Shape Your Nuggets
Take a tablespoon-sized portion of the chicken mixture and form it into nugget shapes. It’s fun to shape them by hand, and this personalized touch makes the cooking experience even more rewarding. Set these aside on a clean plate as you prepare the coating.
Step 4: Prepare the Breading Mix
On a large plate, mix together the Panko breadcrumbs, finely grated Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley. This blend adds a beautiful crispy texture with layers of flavor that are impossible to resist.
Step 5: Coat the Nuggets
Brush each nugget generously with the whisked egg, making sure every side is coated. Then roll them one by one in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres completely. The egg is the magic glue that holds that crispy, golden crust in place.
Step 6: Butter Up and Bake
Arrange your breaded nuggets on a baking sheet. Brush the tops with half of your melted butter to encourage a gorgeous golden color as they bake. If you prefer a lighter option, a quick spray of canola oil works too, though the nuggets won’t be quite as golden. Place darker nuggets in the middle of the tray for even baking.
Step 7: Mid-Bake Butter Brush
After baking for 7 minutes, pull the nuggets out and brush both sides with the remaining melted butter. Put them back in the oven for another 8 minutes of baking. This second butter layer seals in the moisture and ups the crisp factor dramatically.
Step 8: Rest and Enjoy
Once baked, let your nuggets rest for a few minutes. This little pause lets all those delightful juices redistribute, so every bite is juicy and satisfying.
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dusting of extra Parmesan cheese right before serving can brighten up the plate and add fresh texture. A squeeze of lemon on the side can lift the flavors with a zesty twist.
Side Dishes
This Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe pairs beautifully with classic sides like crispy fries, creamy coleslaw, or even a fresh garden salad. For a fun twist, serve with sweet potato fries or a vibrant homemade dipping sauce to elevate the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your nuggets on a platter with small bowls of different dips such as honey mustard, spicy sriracha mayo, or tangy barbecue sauce for everyone to mix and match. You can also create mini nugget sliders with slider buns, lettuce, and tomato for a playful party snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though that’s rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a quick snack or lunch option the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the fully cooked nuggets on a baking tray in a single layer. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months without losing their crispiness or flavor.
Reheating
To reheat and maintain that crispy texture, pop the nuggets in a preheated 375-degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes rather than microwaving. This method ensures they stay golden and crunchy rather than soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! You can finely chop or pulse chicken breast in a food processor to create a similar ground texture. Just be careful not to overprocess, or it might become too mushy.
Can I make these nuggets gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the bread and breadcrumbs with gluten-free options. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients like the Parmesan cheese are also gluten-free.
What is the purpose of the panade?
The panade—bread soaked in milk—adds moisture and tenderness to the nuggets. It prevents them from drying out and makes every bite juicy instead of dense.
Can I fry these nuggets instead of baking?
While baking is healthier and easier, you can fry them in oil over medium heat for a few minutes each side until golden brown. Just keep an eye so they don’t burn.
How do I make these nuggets kid-friendly?
This recipe is naturally kid-approved thanks to its mild flavors and crispy texture. Pair with fun dipping sauces like ketchup or ranch to make mealtime more playful and enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe enough for anyone craving homemade comfort food with a golden, crispy crunch and juicy, flavorful center. It’s a simple, satisfying recipe that everyone in your family will love, and it’s so rewarding to make your own nuggets fresh from scratch. Grab these ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare for a food experience that just might become your new favorite weeknight dinner!
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Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 17 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These homemade chicken nuggets are crispy, juicy, and baked to golden perfection. Made with ground chicken, a flavorful panade, and a parmesan-panko crust, they offer a healthier alternative to fried nuggets without sacrificing taste or texture. Perfect for a family-friendly meal or snack, these nuggets are easy to prepare and bake in just over 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Panade and Chicken Mixture
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- 3 Tablespoons milk
- 1 slice bread (or 1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs)
- ¾ teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, whisked
For the Breading
- 3 Tablespoons melted butter (or canola oil spray)
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken nuggets.
- Make the Panade: Place the bread in a bowl and pour the milk over it, letting it soak for 2-3 minutes until absorbed. If using breadcrumbs instead of bread, add 1-2 extra tablespoons of milk. Add garlic salt and black pepper, then mix with your hands to form a panade, which ensures the nuggets stay juicy rather than dense.
- Mix Chicken and Panade: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with the prepared panade. Mix gently with your hands until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the nuggets. Scoop out tablespoons of the mixture and shape them into nugget forms; set these aside.
- Prepare Breading Mix: On a large plate, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley. This mixture will form the crispy coating.
- Coat Nuggets with Egg and Breading: Brush each side of the chicken nuggets with the whisked egg. Then transfer each nugget to the breading plate and coat thoroughly until fully covered. Place the breaded nuggets on a baking sheet.
- Apply Butter for Browning: Brush half of the melted butter over the top of the nuggets to help them develop a golden brown color during baking. For more even browning, place darker nuggets toward the center of the baking sheet and lighter ones toward the edges. Canola oil spray can be used as a substitute but will result in less golden nuggets.
- First Bake: Bake the nuggets in the preheated oven for 7 minutes to start cooking through.
- Second Butter Application and Bake: Remove the baking sheet and brush the nuggets on both sides with the remaining melted butter. Return the nuggets to the oven and bake for an additional 8 minutes to complete cooking and achieve a crispy crust.
- Rest and Serve: Take the nuggets out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, enhancing juiciness before serving.
Notes
- Using a panade made of bread soaked in milk helps keep the nuggets moist and tender.
- If substituting fresh bread with Italian breadcrumbs in the panade, add extra milk to compensate for liquid absorption.
- Brushing with melted butter enhances browning and flavor but can be substituted with canola oil spray for a lighter option.
- Do not overmix the chicken mixture to avoid dense, tough nuggets.
- You can tailor the seasoning by adjusting the garlic salt and pepper to taste.
