Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Chicken Nuggets have been a favorite among families for decades due to their easy preparation and delicious taste. These homemade nuggets will bring back the nostalgia of your childhood and satisfy any craving you might have for this popular snack.

This recipe makes approximately 6 servings, so it's perfect for a family dinner or casual get-together with friends. The cooking time is around 35 minutes from start to finish, which includes 20 minutes of baking time at 400°F (approximately 198°C).

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken breast (or equivalent amount), cut into bite-sized pieces
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Cheese powder or paprika for dusting
• Baking soda, 1 teaspoon
• Peanut oil or vegetable oil for frying (optional)
• Garlic powder and onion powder, each 1 teaspoon
• Breadcrumbs (preferably panko breadcrumbs) - about a cup

Steps to Make Homemade Chicken Nuggets

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, mix the chicken pieces, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, salt, and cheese powder or paprika until all parts of the meat are well coated.

3. Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to the mixture. The purpose of adding baking soda is to help keep the nuggets crisp during frying or baking. Stir to combine.

4. Once combined, coat each piece of chicken in breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating. Dust generously with additional cheese powder if desired.

5. If you plan on deep-frying the chicken (instead of baking), heat enough oil in a large frying pan until it reaches about 350°F (177°C).

6. For baking, place the breaded chicken nuggets on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and thoroughly cooked through.

7. If you're deep-frying, carefully place coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry each batch of nuggets in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes per batch on medium heat until golden brown and crispy. Ensure not to overcook or undercook.

8. Once done, remove from the oil or baking sheet and let it cool slightly before serving hot off the oven.

Enjoy Your Homemade Chicken Nuggets!

Serve these chicken nuggets with a side of your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard. This recipe can also be served with fries for extra indulgence or simply accompanied by vegetables like carrots and celery sticks if you prefer to keep it healthier.

Tips and Tricks

• For an even crunchier texture: After baking, you may choose to place the baked chicken nuggets back into a 400°F oven for another 5 minutes. This will give them that extra layer of crispiness.
• Frozen Nuggets: Leftovers can be easily frozen and re-baked when needed. Just ensure they're well wrapped in aluminum foil or a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
• Variations: You could also try using different types of breadcrumbs, such as almond flour breadcrumbs for a nutty flavor, or adding other spices like cumin for an exotic twist.

Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting to experiment with your kitchen skills, making these homemade chicken nuggets is easy and rewarding. Not only do they taste great but they are also healthier than the store-bought alternatives as you control all of the ingredients used.