Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Kid-Friendly: These nuggets are a hit among children, making mealtime enjoyable for the little ones.
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizing common pantry staples, this recipe is both convenient and budget-friendly.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the seasonings to suit your family’s taste preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform size for even cooking. Pat the pieces dry and lightly season with salt and pepper.
- Set Up Breading Station:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
- Bread the Chicken: Working in batches, dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture. For an extra crispy coating, repeat the process: dip again in egg and then in flour. Set the breaded pieces aside and let them rest for five minutes.
- Fry the Nuggets: In a large skillet, heat about an inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches, approximately three minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Baked Nuggets: For a healthier option, bake the breaded chicken pieces on a greased baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and crispy.
- Spicy Nuggets: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the flour mixture for a subtle kick.
- Cheesy Nuggets: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the flour mixture for added flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Arrange cooked nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat refrigerated or frozen nuggets in a 375°F (190°C) oven until warmed through and crispy.
FAQs
How can I ensure my chicken nuggets are crispy?
To achieve maximum crispiness, double-dip the chicken pieces in the egg and flour mixtures, and ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result.
What dipping sauces pair well with these nuggets?
Classic options include ketchup, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing.
Is it possible to make these nuggets gluten-free?
Absolutely, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for frying.
How do I prevent the breading from falling off during cooking?
Let the breaded chicken rest for about five minutes before frying to help the coating adhere better.
Can I air-fry these chicken nuggets?
Yes, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the nuggets for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
What sides complement homemade chicken nuggets?
Popular sides include French fries, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
How can I add more flavor to the breading?
Incorporate additional spices like paprika, onion powder, or dried herbs into the flour mixture to enhance the taste.
Are these nuggets suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, prepare and cook the nuggets ahead of time, then refrigerate or freeze them. Reheat as needed for quick meals.
Can I use an alternative to eggs for breading?
Buttermilk or a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of cornstarch can be used as an egg substitute for breading.
Conclusion
Making homemade chicken nuggets is a simple and rewarding way to enjoy a family favorite with control over the ingredients and flavors. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, these nuggets are sure to be a hit at your dining table.
Homemade Chicken Nuggets
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Homemade Chicken Nuggets are a healthier, family-friendly alternative to fast food, featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a golden, crispy crust. Perfect for kids and easy to customize, these nuggets are ideal for busy weeknights or fun family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces. Pat dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Set Up Breading Station:
- Mix flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
- Bread the Chicken:
- Dip chicken pieces into the egg mixture, let excess drip, and coat in the flour mixture.
- For an extra crispy coating, repeat the process of dipping in egg and flour. Let the breaded chicken rest for 5 minutes.
- Fry the Nuggets:
- Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken pieces in batches for 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Notes
- For baked nuggets, cook in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- For a spicy kick, add cayenne or paprika to the flour mixture.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
