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Ultimate Crispy & Juicy Homemade Chicken Nuggets (Oven & Air Fryer Options)

A pile of golden brown, crispy homemade chicken nuggets on a white plate, one nugget broken open showing the white chicken interior.
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Create superior, crispy, and juicy homemade chicken nuggets using simple techniques. This reliable recipe works well for baking or air frying, offering a family-friendly alternative to fast food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
  • Cooking spray or oil for baking/air frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken pieces into a food processor and pulse until the chicken is coarsely ground. Do not over-process; you want texture, not paste.
  2. Shape the nuggets: Scoop the ground chicken mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Shape the mixture into small, uniform nugget shapes (about 1/2 inch thick). Freeze for 15 minutes to help them hold their shape during breading.
  3. Set up the dredging station: Prepare three shallow dishes. Place the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in the first dish and mix well. Place the beaten eggs in the second dish. Place the panko breadcrumbs in the third dish.
  4. Coat the nuggets: Working with one nugget at a time, dredge it first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip it completely into the egg mixture. Finally, press it firmly into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring full coverage. Place the coated nuggets back onto the parchment-lined sheet.
  5. Cook the nuggets (Oven Method): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with cooking spray or brush with oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
  6. Cook the nuggets (Air Fryer Method): Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket. Place the nuggets in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
  7. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For ground chicken nuggets, you can substitute chicken breast with ground chicken for a softer texture.
  • To make these freezer meal chicken nuggets, place the breaded, uncooked nuggets on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
  • For a copycat McDonald’s nuggets flavor profile, add a pinch of celery salt to the flour mixture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://alchemychef.com/homemade-chicken-nuggets-crispy-juicy-recipe/