If you have ever craved that perfect crispy bite of chicken from a fast-food joint but wanted something healthier, tastier, and made with love right in your kitchen, this Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe is your new best friend. These nuggets are tender and juicy on the inside with just the right golden crust on the outside, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures that make each bite utterly addicting. Made from simple ingredients and without a hint of artificial anything, you’re about to discover how incredibly satisfying a homemade version of this classic snack can be.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these mouthwatering nuggets, and the best part is, everything serves a purpose to build the perfect flavor and texture. From the fresh chicken breasts to the subtle seasoning mix, each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting this homemade classic.
- 4 chicken breasts (about 2 pounds), cut into pieces: The star protein, providing tender and juicy bites.
- 1 yellow potato (about 4 ounces), peeled and roughly chopped: Adds moisture and a light, fluffy texture to the nuggets.
- ½ white onion (about 2 ounces), roughly chopped: Gives subtle sweetness and a savory base flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and roughly chopped: For aromatic depth and a little zing.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps bind the nuggets and gives them a light crisp exterior.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Works with cornstarch to hold the mixture together perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley: Brings in a touch of herbaceous freshness and a bit of color.
- 1½ teaspoons salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds the perfect hint of spicy warmth.
- 1 teaspoon paprika powder: Gives subtle smoky depth and a beautiful golden tint.
- 2 teaspoons olive oil, plus more as needed: For cooking and developing that irresistible crispy crust.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
First things first, place the chunks of chicken breast, yellow potato, onion, and garlic right into your food processor. Blend everything until it turns into a super smooth mixture with no lumps in sight, scraping down the sides occasionally. This step creates the ultra-tender base that makes these nuggets memorable, providing both flavor and a perfect bite.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Binders
Next, it’s time to boost the flavor and texture by adding cornstarch, all-purpose flour, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and paprika powder directly into the food processor with your chicken mixture. Pulse a few times until everything is well combined. These dry ingredients are what give your nuggets their structure and that unbeatable crispy finish when cooked.
Step 3: Shape the Nuggets
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Using a 1-inch cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out 10 to 12 small balls of your chicken mixture and place them into the skillet. Spray the back of a spoon with a bit of nonstick spray and gently press each ball down to shape it into the classic nugget form. This ensures even cooking and that delicious golden crust on all sides.
Step 4: Cook the Nuggets
Let the nuggets cook undisturbed for about 2 to 3 minutes so they form a golden-brown crust on the bottom. Then flip each nugget carefully and cook the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes or until the inside is fully cooked and the outside is crispy. Add more olive oil to the pan as needed when cooking the rest of the batch to keep that perfect golden finish.
Step 5: Repeat and Serve
Continue shaping and cooking the remaining chicken mixture in batches until all the nuggets are done. Serve them warm, ideally with a sprinkle of freshly minced parsley on top and alongside your favorite dipping sauces. This finishing touch elevates the nuggets and adds an inviting freshness that’s hard to resist.
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can take your nuggets from tasty to extraordinary. A sprinkling of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of green but also a subtle herbal brightness that pairs beautifully with the spices in the nuggets. For a little extra flair, try some finely grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of honey mustard on top before serving.
Side Dishes
These homemade chicken nuggets pair wonderfully with classic sides like crispy oven-baked fries, a fresh garden salad, or even creamy mashed potatoes. If you want to keep things lighter, carrot and celery sticks with ranch dip complement the nuggets perfectly and add a satisfying crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests or delight the kids? Serve your nuggets on a wooden platter surrounded by small bowls of different dipping sauces—think tangy BBQ, spicy sriracha mayo, or classic honey mustard. You can even turn them into nugget sliders with mini buns, pickles, and a touch of aioli for a fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing to maintain their crispiness as much as possible.
Freezing
If you want to keep your homemade chicken nuggets longer, freeze them on a baking sheet in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing much flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place the nuggets on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes. This method helps restore their crispiness better than microwaving, keeping your Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe tasting fresh and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs provide a bit more fat, which can make the nuggets even juicier. Adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
Is the potato really necessary in the recipe?
Yes, the potato adds moisture and helps bind the mixture, resulting in nuggets that are tender and not dry, so it’s a key ingredient for the texture.
Can I bake these nuggets instead of frying?
You can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a lighter version. They won’t be quite as crispy but still delicious.
What dipping sauces go best with this recipe?
Classic ketchup, honey mustard, ranch, BBQ sauce, or spicy mayo all complement the flavors beautifully. Don’t be afraid to mix and match to find your favorite!
Can I make the mixture ahead of time and cook later?
Yes, you can prepare the nugget mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and cooking. Just keep it tightly covered to maintain freshness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own version of a childhood favorite, and this Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe truly hits the spot. With each bite delivering tender chicken and a deliciously crispy crust, it’s a dish that feels comforting, fun, and just downright tasty. Give it a try and watch how quickly these nuggets become a beloved staple you’ll turn to again and again.
Print
Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Chicken Nuggets recipe creates tender, juicy nuggets with a crispy golden crust using fresh chicken breast blended with potato, onion, and aromatic seasonings. Pan-fried to perfection, these nuggets are a healthier alternative to store-bought varieties and perfect for a family-friendly meal or snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts (about 2 pounds), cut into pieces
- 1 yellow potato (about 4 ounces), peeled and roughly chopped
- ½ white onion (about 2 ounces), roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and roughly chopped
Binding & Seasoning
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon dried parsley
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika powder
- 2 teaspoons olive oil, plus more as needed for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a food processor, combine the chicken breast pieces, chopped potato, onion, and garlic. Blend until completely smooth with no large chunks. Scrape down the sides of the processor as needed to ensure an even texture.
- Add Seasonings and Binders: Add the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and paprika powder to the food processor. Pulse a few times until all ingredients are fully incorporated into the meat mixture.
- Shape the Nuggets: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Using a 1-inch cookie scoop or spoon, portion out 10–12 balls of the chicken mixture and place them in the pan. Spray the back of a spoon lightly with nonstick spray, then gently flatten each ball into a classic nugget shape.
- Cook the Nuggets: Let the nuggets cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to form a golden crust on the bottom. Flip each nugget and cook for another 2–3 minutes on the other side until fully cooked and crisp. Add more olive oil as needed between batches.
- Repeat and Serve: Continue cooking the remaining nuggets in batches, adding oil as necessary. Serve the warm chicken nuggets immediately, optionally garnished with freshly minced parsley and accompanied by ketchup or your preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- Make sure to fully cook the chicken nuggets to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Using potato in the mixture helps keep the nuggets moist and tender.
- Nonstick spray on the spoon prevents sticking while shaping the nuggets.
- You can customize the seasoning by adding garlic powder or cayenne pepper for extra flavor or heat.
- Leftover nuggets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or oven to retain crispiness.
