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Crispy homemade chicken nuggets with golden coating and ketchup

Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Crispy homemade chicken nuggets made with tender chicken, flavorful seasonings, and a golden breadcrumb coating. These easy nuggets can be deep fried, air fried, or baked, making them perfect for snacks, appetizers, lunchboxes, or family dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American, international
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 500 g 1.1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano optional
Breading Station
  • ½ cup 65 g all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1½ cups 90–100 g panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup 50 g regular breadcrumbs
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
For Frying
  • Vegetable sunflower, or canola oil for deep frying

Equipment

  • cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowls
  • 3 shallow breading dishes
  • Whisk or fork
  • - Measuring cups and spoons
  • Heavy-bottomed frying pan or deep pot
  • Tongs
  • Wire Rack
  • Baking tray (for oven method)
  • - Air fryer (optional)
  • Instant-read thermometer (optional)

Method
 

Step 1
  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano. Mix well and let rest for 10 minutes.
Step 2
  1. Prepare three shallow bowls. Place flour in the first bowl. Whisk together the eggs and milk in the second bowl. Combine the panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and paprika in the third bowl.
Step 3
  1. Coat each piece of chicken in flour, dip into the egg mixture, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly so the coating adheres well.
Step 4
  1. Arrange the coated nuggets on a tray and let them rest for 10–15 minutes. This helps the coating stay in place during cooking.
Deep Fry Method
  1. Heat oil to 175°C (350°F). Fry the nuggets in small batches for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.
Air Fryer Method
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Lightly spray the nuggets with oil and arrange them in a single layer. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and fully cooked.
Oven Method
  1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Place the nuggets on a parchment-lined baking tray or wire rack. Lightly spray with oil and bake for 18–22 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Step 5
  1. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces such as ketchup, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, garlic aioli, ranch, or sweet chili sauce.

Notes

  • Pat the chicken dry before breading for the crispiest coating.
  • Resting the breaded nuggets helps prevent the coating from falling off.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan, baking tray, or air fryer basket.
  • Cook in batches for even browning.
  • Always cook chicken to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
  • For extra crunch, use all panko breadcrumbs instead of a breadcrumb blend.