Homemade Ground Chicken Nuggets Recipe: Easy and Tasty

Who doesn’t love chicken nuggets? Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and a timeless favorite for kids and adults alike. Skip the preservatives and mystery ingredients of store-bought nuggets by making your own at home. This Homemade Ground Chicken Nuggets Recipe is simple, healthy, and fun to prepare. Whether you’re cooking up snacks for kids or a quick meal for the family, these nuggets are sure to become a household favorite. Let’s dive into the details and discover how to make these irresistible bites.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making chicken nuggets at home is a game-changer. Here’s why:

  • Healthier Option: You control the ingredients, ensuring no preservatives or artificial fillers.

  • Customizable: Adjust the flavor, crispiness, or spice level to suit your taste.

  • Kid-Friendly: Shape them into fun designs to please even the pickiest eaters.

  • Budget-Friendly: Homemade nuggets are more economical than store-bought frozen options.


Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create delicious nuggets:

For the Nugget Mixture:

  • Ground chicken – 1 pound (fresh or thawed)

  • Onion powder – 1 teaspoon

  • Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon

  • Salt – ½ teaspoon

  • Black pepper – ½ teaspoon

  • Paprika – ½ teaspoon (optional for smoky flavor)

  • Egg – 1 large

  • Breadcrumbs – ½ cup (panko works great for texture)

For the Coating:

  • Flour – ½ cup

  • Eggs – 2 large (beaten)

  • Breadcrumbs – 1 cup (seasoned or plain, based on preference)

For Frying or Baking:

  • Oil – Used for frying (vegetable or canola oil is recommended).

  • Cooking spray – For baking


Equipment Needed

You don’t need specialized tools for this recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Mixing bowl for combining ingredients

  • Fork or spoon for mixing

  • Baking sheet for oven-baking

  • Non-stick skillet for frying

  • Tongs for flipping nuggets

  • Parchment paper to prevent sticking

Ground Chicken Nuggets

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Nugget Mixture

Combine ground chicken, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, paprika (if using), egg, and breadcrumbs in a large mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly until the ingredients are fully blended. The mixture should be tacky yet firm enough to hold its shape.

Step 2: Shape the Nuggets

Using your hands, scoop out small portions of the mixture and form them into nugget shapes. You can make round, oval, or fun shapes using cookie cutters. Place the shaped nuggets on a parchment-lined tray.

Step 3: Coat the Nuggets

Arrange a dredging station using three shallow bowls:

  1. Flour

  2. Beaten eggs

  3. Breadcrumbs

Dip each nugget into the flour, then the egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Ensure the coating is even for maximum crispiness.

Step 4: Cook the Nuggets

Frying:

Warm oil in a non-stick skillet on medium heat. Add nuggets to the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Move them to a plate with paper towels to drain the excess oil.

Baking:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated nuggets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway, until they are golden and crispy.

Air Fryer Option:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange nuggets in a single layer and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Ground Chicken Nuggets

Top Tips for Perfect Nuggets

To ensure your chicken nuggets turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips:

  1. Don’t Overmix the Mixture: Overmixing the chicken mixture can make the nuggets tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

  2. Keep Them Uniform: Shape the nuggets into uniform sizes for even cooking. For even portions, use a small ice cream scoop.

  3. Choose the Right Breadcrumbs: For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.

  4. Test Oil Temperature: If frying, ensure the oil is at the right temperature (350°F or 175°C). If the temperature is too high, they’ll burn; if it’s too low, they’ll soak up too much oil.

  5. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Whether frying or baking, give the nuggets space. Overcrowding can make them soggy instead of crispy.

  6. Flip for Even Cooking: When baking or air frying, flip the nuggets halfway through to ensure even browning.


How to Store and Freeze

Storing Leftover Nuggets

  • Refrigerate: Place cooked chicken nuggets in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispy texture.

  • Reheat Properly: To avoid soggy nuggets, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm them on a baking sheet for 10 minutes. Alternatively, cook in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes.

Freezing Chicken Nuggets

Homemade chicken nuggets freeze beautifully. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Freeze Uncooked Nuggets: Arrange uncooked nuggets on a baking sheet in a single layer. Place them in the freezer for 2-3 hours until solid.

  2. Transfer to a Freezer Bag: Once frozen, transfer the nuggets to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. Write the date on the package and freeze for up to 3 months.

  3. Cook From Frozen: Bake or fry nuggets directly from the freezer. Add 5-7 extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they cook through.

Ground Chicken Nuggets

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This Homemade Ground Chicken Nuggets Recipe offers the perfect blend of crispiness and juiciness. With no preservatives, endless customization options, and a straightforward process, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and time again. Plus, the nuggets freeze well, making them ideal for meal prep.


Conclusion

Making your own chicken nuggets at home is rewarding and delicious. This recipe is easy to follow, customizable to your taste, and loved by all ages. Say goodbye to store-bought options and hello to fresh, homemade goodness. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy these irresistible chicken nuggets with your family. Happy cooking!

 

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works just as well and offers a similar flavor and texture. It’s a great alternative if you prefer turkey or can’t find ground chicken.

For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs and lightly spray the nuggets with cooking spray before baking. If frying, ensure the oil is hot enough (about 350°F or 175°C) before adding the nuggets.

Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or rice flour.

The nuggets are cooked when their internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer. They should also be golden brown and firm to the touch.

You can mix shredded cheese, fresh herbs, or spices like chili powder, cumin, or Italian seasoning into the ground chicken mixture for added flavor.

if you’re looking for more dishes so, you can try this I really like it Crispy Baked Chicken Cutlet Recipes

Ground Chicken Nuggets

Ground Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Make easy and tasty homemade ground chicken nuggets with simple ingredients. Perfect for kids and customizable with baked or fried options.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Fork or spoon
  • Baking Sheet
  • Non-stick skillet
  • Tongs
  • Parchment paper

Ingredients
  

For the Nugget Mixture:

  • 1 pound ground chicken fresh or thawed
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika optional
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs panko recommended

For the Coating:

  • ½ cup flour
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs seasoned or plain

For Frying or Baking:

  • Oil for frying vegetable or canola oil
  • Cooking spray for baking

Instructions
 

  • Combine ground chicken, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, paprika, egg, and breadcrumbs in a mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.
  • Shape the mixture into nugget shapes (round, oval, or fun shapes using cookie cutters) and place them on a parchment-lined tray.
  • Prepare a dredging station with three bowls: flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Coat each nugget by dipping in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs.
  • Choose your cooking method:
  • Frying: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook nuggets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  • Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake nuggets for 20-25 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, flipping halfway through.
  • Air Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook nuggets for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
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