Homemade Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups of breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup of milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Steps and instructions

  1. Cut the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
  3. In another bowl, beat the eggs and milk together.
  4. Place the breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
  5. Dip each piece of chicken first in the flour mixture, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the breadcrumbs, making sure each piece is fully coated.
  6. Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
  7. Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces to the hot oil, working in batches if necessary. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Remove the chicken nuggets from the pan and drain on paper towels.
  9. Serve the chicken nuggets warm, with your choice of dipping sauces.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - used for chopping and preparing the chicken breasts
  • Knife - used for cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces
  • Medium bowls - used for mixing the flour mixture, egg mixture, and breadcrumbs
  • Whisk - used for beating the eggs and milk together
  • Large frying pan - used for frying the chicken nuggets
  • Tongs - used for flipping the chicken nuggets while frying
  • Paper towels - used for draining the fried chicken nuggets

Recipe variations

  • Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a crunchier crust.
  • Try using almond flour or cornmeal instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.
  • Add grated Parmesan cheese or dried herbs to the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor.
  • Experiment with different spices and seasonings to customize the flavor profile, such as smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning.
  • For a healthier alternative, bake the chicken nuggets in the oven instead of frying them. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the nuggets are cooked through and golden brown.
  • Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian or vegan version. Press and drain the tofu/tempeh, cut into nugget shapes, and follow the same breading and cooking process.

Recipe overview

These homemade Chicken Nuggets are a fun and easy meal that the whole family will love. Made with simple ingredients, these nuggets are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The recipe involves cutting chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, coating them in a flavorful mixture of flour and spices, then dipping them in beaten eggs and breadcrumbs for that perfect crunch. They're then fried till golden brown and served hot. Whether it's a quick dinner on a busy weeknight or a party snack, these chicken nuggets are always a hit!

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to cook the chicken nuggets?
    Cook the chicken nuggets for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
    Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly.
  3. Can I bake the chicken nuggets instead of frying them?
    Yes, you can bake the chicken nuggets instead of frying them. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the breaded chicken pieces on a greased baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the nuggets are crispy and cooked through, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
  4. What can I serve with chicken nuggets?
    Chicken nuggets go well with a variety of sides such as French fries, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
  5. Can I freeze the chicken nuggets?
    Yes, you can freeze the chicken nuggets. After cooking and cooling them, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting board - Used for cutting the chicken breasts into small pieces.
  • Knife - Needed to cut the chicken breasts and prepare other ingredients.
  • Bowls - Required for coating the chicken with flour, egg mixture, and breadcrumbs.
  • Frying pan - Used to fry the chicken nuggets.
  • Tongs - Helps in flipping and turning the chicken nuggets while frying.
  • Paper towels - Used to drain excess oil from the cooked chicken nuggets.

Origin stories

While the chicken nugget we know and love today was largely popularized by fast food chains, the concept of coating pieces of meat in breadcrumbs and frying them can be traced back to many different cultures. However, credit for the modern chicken nugget most often goes to Robert C. Baker, a food science professor at Cornell University. Baker published his chicken nugget recipe in the 1950s as an unpatented academic work, which allowed it to be freely used by others. He sought to make poultry more appealing and accessible to consumers, and his innovations led to the development of many popular chicken items, including chicken hot dogs and chicken nuggets. So next time you enjoy a crispy, golden nugget, remember to pay a small tribute to Professor Baker!

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.