These homemade chicken nuggets deliver the perfect balance of juicy, tender centers and crispy golden exteriors that both kids and adults will love. Unlike store-bought versions, these nuggets are made with real ground chicken and simple ingredients, giving you complete control over what goes into this family-favorite dish while providing superior flavor and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Made with real, identifiable ingredients – no mystery meat or fillers
• The special “panade” technique ensures nuggets stay juicy inside and never dry out
• Baked, not fried, making them a healthier alternative to fast food versions
• Customizable to your family’s taste preferences and dietary needs
• Perfect for meal prep – freeze a batch for quick weeknight dinners
• Kid-approved while still satisfying adult palates

Ingredients

• Ground Chicken: The foundation of your nuggets. For the juiciest results, choose ground chicken that isn’t too lean – around 93% lean works perfectly.
• Milk: Helps create the panade that keeps your nuggets moist. Any milk works here – dairy or plant-based alternatives.
• Bread or Italian Breadcrumbs: Creates the panade base. A slice of soft white bread works best, but breadcrumbs are a convenient substitute.
• Garlic Salt: Provides seasoning throughout the nugget mixture. If you prefer less sodium, use garlic powder and add salt separately.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle spice that enhances the chicken flavor without making it too spicy for little ones.
• Egg: Acts as the binding agent for the breading. Makes sure those crunchy bits stick to your nuggets.
• Butter or Canola Oil Spray: Helps achieve that irresistible golden-brown exterior. Butter provides better color and flavor, but oil works for a lighter option.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates that signature crispy exterior that makes these nuggets so satisfying. Regular breadcrumbs work too but won’t be quite as crunchy.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory depth of flavor to the coating. Fresh grated offers the best flavor, but pre-grated works in a pinch.
• Dried Parsley: Adds color and a subtle herbaceous note to the breading mixture.

Variations

Italian-Style Nuggets

Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the breading mixture and serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping. You can also mix a little tomato paste into the chicken mixture for extra Italian flavor.

Spicy Buffalo Nuggets

Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture and brush the cooked nuggets with buffalo sauce before serving. Pair with blue cheese or ranch dressing for the complete buffalo experience.

Asian-Inspired Nuggets

Add grated ginger and a splash of soy sauce to the chicken mixture. Serve with sweet chili sauce or a homemade honey-soy dipping sauce for an Asian twist on this classic.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Panade

Start by creating the panade – the secret to juicy nuggets. Soak the bread in milk until it’s fully absorbed, then season with garlic salt and pepper. This moisture-rich mixture will keep your nuggets tender and prevent them from becoming dry and dense during baking.

Step 2: Form the Nuggets

Combine the ground chicken with the panade, being careful not to overmix as this can make the nuggets tough. Use a tablespoon to portion out the mixture and gently form into nugget shapes. Keep your hands slightly wet to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Bread and Bake

Dip each nugget in whisked egg, then thoroughly coat in the seasoned Panko and Parmesan mixture. Brush with melted butter before baking to achieve that perfect golden color. Halfway through baking, brush again with butter to ensure even browning and maximum crispiness.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Keep your hands slightly damp when forming the nuggets to prevent the mixture from sticking
• Don’t skip the panade! This bread-milk mixture is the key to juicy nuggets
• For extra flavor, let the chicken mixture rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before forming nuggets
• If some nuggets are browning faster than others, rearrange them on the baking sheet with darker ones in the center
• For extra crispy nuggets, place the baking sheet on the top rack of your oven for the last 2 minutes
• Let the nuggets rest for a few minutes after baking – this helps set the juices inside

How to Serve

Serve these golden nuggets with an array of dipping sauces – classic ketchup, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing are all excellent choices. For a complete meal, pair with homemade baked fries or sweet potato fries, a simple side salad, or steamed vegetables. These nuggets also make perfect protein additions to lunch boxes or can be served as appetizers at casual gatherings.

Make Ahead

These nuggets are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the chicken mixture and form the nuggets up to 24 hours in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bread and bake. For longer storage, freeze the uncooked, breaded nuggets on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag where they’ll keep for up to 3 months. To cook from frozen, add 5-7 minutes to the baking time. Cooked nuggets will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?

Yes! You can pulse chicken breast in a food processor until finely chopped or use a meat grinder. Just be careful not to over-process it into a paste. Add a little oil if the chicken seems too lean.

How do I keep the breading from falling off?

Make sure to thoroughly coat the nuggets in egg before breading, and allow them to sit for about 5 minutes after breading before baking. This helps the coating adhere better during cooking.

Can these nuggets be air-fried?

Absolutely! Air fry at 390°F for about 8-10 minutes total, flipping halfway through. You’ll still want to spray or brush with a little oil for golden results.

Are these nuggets gluten-free?

Not as written, but they can be easily adapted. Use gluten-free bread or breadcrumbs for the panade and gluten-free Panko for the coating. Always check your seasonings to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.

Conclusion

These homemade chicken nuggets prove that a family favorite can be both delicious and made with wholesome ingredients. With their perfect balance of juicy interior and crispy exterior, they’ll quickly become a regular request in your household. The simple preparation and make-ahead options make them practical for busy weeknights, while their superior flavor makes them special enough for any occasion. Give this recipe a try – your family will thank you!

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