Servings
Font
Back
0 from 132 votes

Homemade Chicken Nuggets

These homemade Chicken Nuggets are made with ground chicken and panko breadcrumbs. They can be oven baked,  fried, or cooked in the airfryer. Your kids will love to eat these and can even help you make them!

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings: 17 Nuggets
Calories: 85 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground chicken see notes
  • 3 Tablespoons milk
  • 1 slice bread or 1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • ¾ teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 egg whisked
  • 3 Tablespoons melted butter or canola oil spray
Breading
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese finely grated
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Add the bread to a bowl and pour the milk on top. Let it absorb for 2-3 minutes. (Note: If using breadcrumbs instead of bread, you my need to add 1-2 more tablespoons of milk.) Add the garlic salt and black pepper. Use your hands to combine. This is called a panade and it keeps the chicken nuggets juicy. (vs. hard and dense.)
  3. Add the ground chicken to a large bowl and add the panade. Use your hands to mix until just combined, don’t overmix. Take a tablespoon and scoop out the chicken. Form into nuggets and set aside.
  4. Combine the breading mix on a large plate and set aside.
  5. Brush each side of the nuggets with the whisked egg. Transfer them to the breading plate and generously coat each one until completely covered. Place on a baking sheet.
  6. Brush half of the melted butter on the top of the nuggets, this helps them turn a nice golden brown. You can also use canola oil spray but they won’t get quite as golden. If some nuggets are darker than others, place the darker ones in the middle of the baking sheet and the lighter ones along the edge.
  7. Bake for 7 minutes and remove from the oven.
  8. Brush each side with more melted butter and bake for 8 more minutes. (You can use canola oil spray if preferred but they won’t get quite as golden.)
  9. Remove and let them rest for a few minutes prior to serving.

Notes

  • You can make your own ground chicken by placing cubes of chicken breasts in a food processor and pulsing to the right consistency. (You’ll need about 2 small chicken breasts for a pound.) Boneless chicken thighs can also be used.
  • Crushed Cornflakes can be used instead of breadcrumbs if desired. They are more golden in color so the butter is not as necessary for color but can still be added for taste.
  • The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
  • Air Fryer Method:Brush the top and bottom of the nuggets with 3 TBS butter or spray with canola oil. Air fry at 400 degrees for 8 minutes. Flip them halfway through.
  • To Freeze:
  • If you plan on freezing, flash freeze the unbaked nuggets on a plate in the freezer for an hour, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
  • To Bake From Frozen:
  • Bake at 400 degrees for 15-18 minutes.
  • Nutritional information is an estimate and is per nugget. This recipe makes approximately 17 chicken nuggets.

Nutrition Information

Calories 85kcal (4%) Carbohydrates 4g (1%) Protein 6g (12%) Fat 5g (8%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Cholesterol 39mg (13%) Sodium 199mg (8%) Potassium 156mg (4%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 91IU (2%) Calcium 33mg (3%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 17Nuggets

Amount Per Serving

Calories 85

% Daily Value*

Calories 85kcal 4%
Carbohydrates 4g 1%
Protein 6g 12%
Fat 5g 8%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 39mg 13%
Sodium 199mg 8%
Potassium 156mg 3%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 91IU 2%
Calcium 33mg 3%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.