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Super Crispy, Juicy Homemade Chicken Nuggets (Baked or Air Fried)

A close-up pile of golden brown homemade chicken nuggets, with one nugget broken open showing juicy white meat inside.
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Make the best homemade chicken nuggets that are crispy on the outside and juicy inside. This recipe uses simple ingredients and avoids deep frying, making it a quick, healthy, and family-friendly weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup crushed corn flakes (optional, for extra crunch)
  • Cooking spray (for baking/air frying)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken pieces into a food processor and pulse until the chicken is coarsely ground or finely chopped. Do not over-process into a paste. Alternatively, finely chop the chicken by hand.
  2. Form the nuggets: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the ground chicken mixture and shape it into a small nugget shape. Place the formed nuggets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat until all chicken is used. Freeze the nuggets for 15 minutes to help them hold their shape.
  3. Set up the dredging stations: In one shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In a second shallow dish, whisk the eggs and water together. In a third shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and crushed corn flakes, if using.
  4. Coat the nuggets: Take the chilled nuggets and dredge them first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip them completely into the egg wash. Finally, press them firmly into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Place the coated nuggets back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Cook the nuggets (Baking Method): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the coated nuggets generously with cooking spray. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
  6. Cook the nuggets (Air Fryer Method): Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the coated nuggets with cooking spray. Cook in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
  7. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

  • For a healthier option, you can substitute ground chicken for the chicken breast pieces. Adjust cooking time slightly if using ground chicken.
  • To make these a great freezer meal, place the fully breaded, uncooked nuggets on a baking sheet and freeze solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the cooking time.
  • If you want a copycat version similar to fast food, use finely ground chicken breast for a uniform texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/homemade-chicken-nuggets/