Crispy Chicken Nuggets: Easy Homemade Recipe

Are you tired of buying expensive frozen crispy chicken nuggets from the store? Want to give your kids something tasty, healthy, and budget-friendly for their school lunch? You’re in the right place!

In this blog, I’ll show you how to make crispy chicken nuggets at home using just 1kg of chicken. These homemade crispy chicken nuggets are just what you need! Nuggets are so good, your kids won’t even know they’re homemade!

Chicken nuggets are a favorite snack for many, especially kids, when they come from a restaurant. But what if you could make those crispy, juicy nuggets at home without any fuss? In this article, we’ll share a fail-proof recipe for restaurant-style chicken nuggets that’s easy to follow and guaranteed to deliver delicious, restaurant-quality results. Whether you’re craving a quick meal or want to impress your family with homemade chicken nuggets, this recipe is for you!

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Chicken Bites (Nuggets)

• Made with simple ingredients
  
• Deliciously crunchy shell with moist and juicy meat inside.
  
• No fancy machines needed
  
• Save money make 50 nuggets with 1kg of chicken
  
• Perfect for school lunches, make once, use all month
  Super moist and flavorful (thanks to a secret ingredient combo)
  
• No brining or long prep times
  
• Crispy and golden every time
  
• Perfect for kids and adults alike
  
• Freezer-friendly!
  

How to Make Crispy Chicken Nuggets at Home

For the Chicken Mixture:

• 1 kg boneless chicken (washed and patted dry)
  
• 4 slices of bread (ground into crumbs)
  
• Salt to taste
  
• ½ tsp black pepper
  
• ½ tsp paprika (for mild flavor)
  
• ½ tsp garlic powder
  
• ½ tsp onion powder
  

For Coating:

• All-purpose flour (maida)
  
• 2 eggs (beaten with a little water)
  
• Homemade bread crumbs (toasted)
  

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Paste

• Cut chicken into small chunks.
  
• Use a food chopper to grind the chicken into a smooth paste.
  
• Grind the bread slices separately.
  

Step 2: Season and Combine the Chicken Nugget Mixture

• Add salt, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the bread crumbs.
  
• Mix the seasoned crumbs with the ground chicken.
  
• Mix well until smooth.
  

Step 3: Shape the Nuggets

• Lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking.
  
• Shape nuggets by hand or use cookie cutters for fun shapes.
  
• Freeze the shaped nuggets for 1–2 hours to make them firm.
  

How to Coat the Crunchy Chicken Nuggets

Step 1: Toast the Bread for Crumbs

• Toast fresh bread on a low flame to remove moisture.
  
• This creates perfect homemade breadcrumbs.
  

Step 2: Coat the  Crispy Nuggets

• Firstly, dip the nugget in flour.
  
• Then dip it in beaten egg.
  
• Finally, roll it in breadcrumbs.
  
• Now your nuggets are ready to freeze or fry!

Binding Mixture: The Secret to Juicy Chicken Nuggets!

Here’s a pro tip you’ll love! Try this optional binding mixture if you want your chicken nuggets to be extra moist and flavorful. It adds a soft, juicy texture to your nuggets that kids and adults will both enjoy. Give it a try, you’ll taste the difference!

• ½ cup buttermilk
  
• ½ cup mayonnaise
  

Pro Tip: The combo of mayo and buttermilk locks in moisture without brining the chicken!
Additional Option: Mix the Binding Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and mayonnaise until smooth.

 Coat the Chicken

• First, dip each chicken piece in the flour mixture (shake off the excess).
  
• Then, dip into the mayo mixture (again, shake off any extra).
  
• Finally, return to the flour mixture and coat well for that perfect crispy layer.

Can You Freeze These Chicken Nuggets?

Absolutely! Once cooled, place the nuggets in a freezer-safe bag and store them for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

To Store:

• Place coated nuggets in a zip-lock bag and store them in the freezer.
  
• They’ll stay good for up to a month.
  

To Fry:

• Heat oil on a medium flame.
  
• Fry nuggets until golden and crispy.
  
• Make sure they are cooked well from the inside.
  

Perfect for School Lunches

Preparing lunch every morning can be stressful, but not anymore! These crispy chicken nuggets are the perfect lunchbox solution for your kids.

Since this recipe makes around 50 nuggets, you can easily cover 16–17 school days in advance, saving you time, money, and effort!

These nuggets are not only kids’ favourites but also freezer-friendly, making them the ideal make-ahead meal for busy mornings. To make it more balanced, just add…

• 3 nuggets are enough for one lunchbox.
  
• You’ll get 16–17 days of lunch from just one batch.
  
• Add some fruit or veggies on the side and you’re done!
• Just add a handful of fruit slices or some chopped veggies, and your kid’s lunch is not only tasty but also fully nutritious.

Flavor Boost: Homemade Dipping Sauce

These nuggets are amazing, but this sweet and tangy dipping sauce takes them to the next level!

Dipping Sauce Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
  
• 2 tbsp barbecue sauce
  
• 1½ tbsp honey
  
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  
• 1 tsp white vinegar
  
• ½ tsp paprika
  
• Dash of black pepper
  

Mix everything until smooth. Adjust flavors to your liking!

 

Final Thoughts

These homemade chicken nuggets are not only budget-friendly but also healthier and tastier than store-bought ones. Your kids will love them, and you’ll save money and time.

So why wait? Try this easy crispy chicken nuggets recipe today, and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family!