Skip the drive-thru! These Homemade Chicken Nuggets are crispy on the outside, juicy and tender inside, and packed with delicious flavor. They’re easy to make with simple ingredients and are perfect for a family dinner, party, game day, or quick snack. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a homemade meal that can taste even better than takeout.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1½ cups breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
Optional Dipping Sauces
- Honey mustard
- Barbecue sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Sweet-and-sour sauce
- Ketchup
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized nugget pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels so the coating sticks properly.
2. Season the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl. Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly seasoned.
3. Set Up the Breading Station
Prepare three shallow bowls:
Bowl 1: flour mixed with a little salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Bowl 2: eggs whisked together with milk.
Bowl 3: breadcrumbs or panko mixed with a pinch of seasoning.
4. Coat the Nuggets
Take each chicken piece and coat it in the flour. Shake off the excess, dip it into the egg mixture, then press it firmly into the breadcrumbs.
Tip: Pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken helps create that extra-crispy crust.
5. Heat the Oil
Pour enough oil into a deep skillet or pot to comfortably fry the nuggets. Heat to approximately 350°F (175°C).
Be careful not to overcrowd the pan because adding too many nuggets at once can lower the oil temperature.
6. Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil. Fry in batches for about 3–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the coating is deeply golden and the chicken is cooked through.
For food safety, chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Drain
Transfer the finished nuggets to a wire rack or a paper-towel-lined plate. Allow excess oil to drain while you cook the remaining batches.
8. Serve
Serve the nuggets immediately while they’re hot and crispy. Add small bowls of your favorite dipping sauces on the side.
