Homemade Chicken Nuggets

User Reviews

5

10 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    15 mins

  • Cook Time

    20 mins

  • Total Time

    35 mins

  • Servings

    6 people (about 40 nuggets total)

  • Calories

    76 kcal

  • Course

    Lunch, Dinner

  • Cuisine

    American

Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Homemade Chicken Nuggets are made by coating bite-sized pieces of chicken breast or tenderloins in a seasoned flour mixture, dipped in a buttermilk and egg wash, then breaded with panko breadcrumbs. Fried in hot oil until golden brown and crispy, the nuggets offer a crunchy exterior with juicy, tender chicken inside. This preparation creates a classic fried nugget similar to fast-food versions but with control over seasoning and ingredients.

Description

This recipe involves cutting boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenderloins into small pieces. These pieces are coated first in a seasoned flour blend containing baking soda, onion and garlic powders, salt, and pepper. After the flour, the pieces are dipped in a buttermilk and egg mixture before being dredged in panko breadcrumbs for a crispy texture once fried.

The coated chicken pieces are fried in peanut or vegetable oil heated to 350°F until the nuggets develop a deep golden crust, usually around 2-3 minutes with turning. After frying, they are drained on paper towels and kept warm in a low oven until all batches are cooked.

This method results in crisp exterior nuggets that remain juicy inside. The seasoning in the flour adds subtle flavor to balance the breading. Homemade nuggets can be served with dipping sauces or alongside fries or salads, making them a versatile option for meals or snacks.

Because the amount of oil absorbed varies by batch, nutritional estimates should be considered approximate. Proper oil temperature control helps prevent excessive oil absorption and ensures even cooking.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 lbs. chicken breasts cut into small pieces, boneless, skinless, or chicken tenderloins
  • 2 large egg
  • ¾ cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 4 cups peanut oil for frying, or vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. In a large Ziploc bag or bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk. Place Panko breadcrumbs in a separate shallow bowl.
  2. Add the chicken pieces to the bag with the seasoned flour. Seal and toss to coat each piece in the seasoned flour. Working in batches, dip the chicken pieces in the egg mixture and then dredge in the breadcrumbs. Let the chicken rest on a wire rack for a few minutes while you heat the oil.
  3. In a large cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven, heat the oil to 350°F. Working in batches, fry the chicken until deep golden brown, about 2-3 minutes total (flipping halfway through). Transfer to a paper towel-lined tray and sprinkle with a little more salt.
  4. Keep the chicken nuggets warm in a 200°F oven while you finish frying the remaining pieces.

Notes

  • Oil absorption varies with frying conditions; nutrition estimates are approximate.
  • Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to achieve crisp coating without excessive oiliness.
  • Use panko breadcrumbs for a light, crunchy texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
  • Keep cooked nuggets warm in a 200°F oven while frying remaining batches to serve all hot together.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1chicken nugget Calories 76kcal (4%) Carbohydrates 5g (2%) Protein 6g (12%) Fat 4g (6%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Trans Fat 1g (50%) Cholesterol 19mg (6%) Sodium 105mg (4%) Potassium 99mg (2%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 15IU (0%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 12mg (1%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6people (about 40 nuggets total)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 76 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1chicken nugget
Calories 76kcal 4%
Carbohydrates 5g 2%
Protein 6g 12%
Fat 4g 6%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 19mg 6%
Sodium 105mg 4%
Potassium 99mg 2%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 15IU 0%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 12mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%

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

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