Savor the irresistible crunch and flavor of Homemade Chicken Nuggets, crafted from tender chicken and perfectly seasoned for a crispy outside and juicy inside. Perfect for snacking or a full meal with sides like pasta, veggies, or fries, these nuggets are deliciously versatile!
In a tray, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, mixed Italian herbs, and salt. Mix well and set aside. (You can omit the Italian herbs if preferred.)
Crack open the eggs into a bowl, beat them well, and keep them aside.
In a separate bowl, add minced chicken, onion, ginger, garlic, black pepper powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and panko breadcrumb. Mix everything until well combined.
Take a small portion of the seasoned chicken mixture and shape it into a nugget.
Dip the shaped nugget into the beaten egg, then coat it in the flour mixture. Ensure to shake off the excess flour. Repeat this process for all the chicken mixture.
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken nuggets one at a time, taking care not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry the nuggets until both sides turn golden in color.
Once fried to a golden hue, remove the chicken nuggets from the oil.
To Serve
Savor these Homemade Chicken Nuggets with dips like ketchup and mayonnaise, or your favorite sauces. Perfect as an appetizer or paired with sides like Mac n Cheese, roasted veggies, baked potatoes, and more.
Notes
Here are some key tips for perfect Homemade Chicken Nuggets:
Chicken Choice: Ground or minced chicken, particularly from thighs, yields the juiciest texture. While store-bought minced chicken is convenient, fresh grounding of boneless, skinless thighs and breasts in a food processor is recommended for a healthier, preservative-free option.
Using Chicken Breast: Chicken breast is a great alternative for this recipe. For nuggets made with breast pieces, cut them into small, bite-sized chunks. Season the pieces directly, dip in egg, coat with flour, and fry as per the instructions for tasty results
Breading Ratio: Achieve a crispy exterior by using a 1:¼ ratio of all-purpose flour to cornstarch, mixed with seasonings. This balance is crucial for the ideal texture..
Seasoning Flexibility: Basic pantry spices are used for flavoring. A small amount of cayenne pepper adds a gentle heat, but it's optional. Italian mixed herbs also enhance the taste but can be omitted if preferred.
Frying Temperature: Oil temperature is vital. Heat it to a medium range (350°F to 375°F) for frying. Nuggets should cook for 4-5 minutes until golden.
Extra Crispiness: For added crunch, mix panko breadcrumbs with the chicken or add them to the flour mixture. A ¼ cup of Parmesan in the flour can also mimic the crispiness of Chicken Parmesan.
Egg Alternative: If avoiding eggs, buttermilk makes a great substitute for dipping the chicken before breading.