Easy Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Chicken nuggets have been a favorite among kids and adults alike for years, thanks to their crispy exterior and juicy inside. Whether you’re craving fast food or want to enjoy a healthier version at home, these homemade chicken nuggets are the perfect choice.

This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 20 minutes of active cooking time with an additional 30 minutes for chilling and baking. The key ingredients needed include chicken breasts, all-purpose flour, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, paprika, and a little bit of oil for frying or air-frying.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
All-purpose flour (for dredging)
1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for coating
Salt and pepper to taste
Paprika for seasoning
A little bit of oil (for frying) or cooking spray (for air-frying)

Steps to Follow

Begin by preparing the coating. In a shallow dish, mix the flour with salt and pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and water until smooth. Next, in yet another bowl or container, combine breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes and paprika.
Cut each chicken breast into 4 equal pieces to get nugget-sized chunks. Coat the first piece of chicken by dipping it first in flour, then egg wash, and finally in breadcrumbs. Press down gently with your hands to ensure the coating adheres well. Repeat this process for all the chicken pieces.
Transfer coated chicken pieces into a dish or container and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period helps the coating adhere better before cooking.
Once chilled, heat some oil in a large frying pan over medium heat if you're going with that method. For air-frying, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C).
Fry the chicken nuggets until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Alternatively, place them in an air fryer basket and cook for approximately 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Remove from heat or air fryer when done. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce such as ketchup, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or a homemade honey mustard dip. Enjoy your delicious and crispy homemade chicken nuggets!

Tips for Better Results

To achieve the best results, make sure to use fresh ingredients. The freshness of the chicken breasts can greatly influence the taste and texture of the finished product. Also, if you like extra crispy nuggets, consider dipping them in beaten egg mixed with a pinch more salt before coating with breadcrumbs. Another tip is to keep your oil hot for consistent cooking without overcooking one side.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional value can vary depending on the specific ingredients and their quantities used. On average, each serving of these homemade chicken nuggets contains approximately 300 calories with fats contributing around 40% of its total caloric content.

Conclusion

Cooking chicken nuggets at home not only saves money but also allows you to control the ingredients more closely. With this simple recipe, you can enjoy a healthier and tastier version of everyone's favorite snack. Whether you're hosting friends or simply satisfying your own cravings, these homemade nuggets are sure to be a hit.

Try experimenting with different dipping sauces or adding additional spices like cayenne pepper or garlic powder for some extra flavor. Have fun cooking and enjoy delicious home-cooked chicken nuggets!