How to Make the Best Homemade Chicken Nuggets: A Step-by-Step Guide

Welcome to my West Virginia Kitchen!  Are you craving crispy, juicy chicken nuggets that taste better than fast food?  Look no further!  My Homemade Chicken Nugget Recipe is perfect for satisfying your nugget cravings.  

Made with simple ingredients and easy steps, these nuggets will be a hit with both kids and adults.  Follow my guide for the best Homemade Chicken Nuggets and prepare for your nugget world to be changed forever.  I can't wait to share it with you so...

Let's Get Started!

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE:

• Crispy and Juicy:  Achieve the perfect balance of a crispy exterior and juicy interior.  
• Simple Ingredients:  Made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.  
• Kid-Friendly:  A hit with icky eaters and a great way to get kids involved in cooking. 
• Customizable:  Add your favorite spices and seasonings for a unique twist.  

INGREDEINTS:

For these Homemade Chicken Nuggets you will need to gather a few simple ingredients.  

• 4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, cubed
• 1 cup Bread Crumbs
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1/2 cup French Fried Onions, crushed
• 2 Eggs, beaten
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Paprika
• Salt and Pepper
• 3-4 Tbsp Oil
• 3 Tbsp Butter

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Chicken:  Start by cutting the chicken into nugget-sized pieces.  Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.  
2. Set Up the Breading Station:  In a shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.  In another bowl, beat the eggs.  In a third bowl, place the bread crumbs and crushed french fried onions.  
3. Bread the Chicken:  Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess.  Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.  Lastly, roll the chicken in the breadcrumbs and french fried onion mixture, pressing gently to ensure they adhere well.  For the best crust, place the breaded chicken into the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the breading to set.  This will help to keep the breading from falling off during the cooking process. 
4. Cook the Nuggets:  In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil/butter over medium-high heat.  Once the oil is hot, add the chicken nuggets in batches.  Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked though.  Remove the nuggets with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.  (SEE BELOW FOR OVEN AND AIR FRYER COOK OPTIONS)

Oven Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C.  
2. Place the nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping half way through, until golden brown and cooked through. 

Air Fryer Method:  

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/200°C.
2. Place the nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket.  
3. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.  

STEP-BY-STEP PHOTOGRAPHS:

TIPS AND TRICKS:

• Even Sizes:  Ensure chicken pieces are of uniform size for even cooking.  
• Marinate for Flavor:  For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for a few hours before breading.  
• Double Coating:  For an extra crispy exterior, double coat the nuggets by repeating the flour, egg, and breadcrumb steps. 
• Oil Temperature:  Maintain a consistent oil temperature for perfectly fried nuggets.

FAQs:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier nugget.  Just follow the same steps. 

Can I freeze the homemade chicken nuggets?

Absolutely!  After breading, place the nuggets on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.  Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.  Cook from frozen using the oven or air fryer method.  

What dipping sauces go well with these nuggets?

Classic choices include ketchup, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, and ranch dressing.  For a spicy kick, try sriracha mayo or buffalo sauce.  Personally, I love the signature sauce of a VERY popular chicken chain.  Here is my dupe recipe.  

Chicken Dipping Sauce:

2 Tbsp Mayo

2 Tbsp BBQ Sauce

2 Tbsp Yellow Mustard

2 Tbsp Honey

1 tsp Lemon Juice

Whisk till smooth

There you have it!  Your ultimate guide to making the Best Homemade Chicken Nuggets!  Whether you fry, bake, or air fry them, these nuggets are guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.  Try them out, share with friends, and let me know what you think in the comments below!  

And as always, 

Happy Eatin' Y'all!

~The Kitchen Wife~