Easy Homemade Chicken Nuggets (Crispy and Kid-Approved!)

Looking for a healthy, budget-friendly meal your kids will love? These Easy Homemade Chicken Nuggets are the answer! Made with simple ingredients and packed with flavor, you can feel good knowing exactly what's in them, no mystery fillers, just wholesome goodness. Whether you're balancing multiple kids, a busy schedule, or just want something easy and yummy, these nuggets are a win for the whole family. Don't go get fast food, instead make these at home, they're so much better for you and your wallet!

Why You'll Love These Easy Homemade Chicken Nuggets

These homemade chicken nuggets were created due to the need for a healthier, cheaper alternative to fast food. As a mom juggling multiple kisses and a busy life, I wanted something quick, healthy, and simple that I could feel comfortable feeding my family. Unlike store bought or drive thru nuggets, these are made with real, wholesome ingredients you can actually pronounce. Plus, they are baked, not fried, making them a lighter option. These are great for weeknight dinners or a quick lunch.

These homemade chicken nuggets were inspired by my buttermilk chicken tender recipe on this site, and pairs well with this pilaf recipe. Try serving with my Copycat Chick-fil-A Sauce for dipping!

Ingredients for Crispy and Juicy Chicken Nuggets

The ingredients for these homemade chicken nuggets are simple and straightforward, nothing you can't pronounce or find in your kitchen. These nuggets are wholesome, clean, and easy to make, just the kind of meal you can feel great about serving to your family.

• Ground chicken breast (I use Perdue Ground Chicken)
• Italian breadcrumbs
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black Pepper

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Chicken Nuggets from Scratch (Step by Step)

The instructions for these baked chicken nuggets are super simple, perfect for busy moms. Here's a quick overview to get you started:

1. Step 1: Mix the ground chicken with breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices until well combined.

2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into nugget sized pieces

3. Step 3: Roll each nugget in breadcrumbs to coat.

4. Step 4: Bake in the oven until golden and fully cooked.

Hint: For extra crispy nuggets, give them a light spray of cooking oil before baking! This will give them that golden, crunchy texture without needing to fry them.

Substitutions for Homemade Baked Chicken Nuggets

If you need to make adjustments based on what you have on hand or dietary preferences, these nuggets are super flexible!

• Protein - instead of ground chicken you can use ground turkey.
• Breadcrumbs - use gluten free breadcrumbs instead of Italian and panko breadcrumbs to make this gluten free.
• Cayenne - add cayenne to give it a little heat!

Variations for Chicken Nuggets

These homemade chicken nuggets are versatile and easy to customize for your family's taste! You can play around with flavors, coatings, and even cooking methods to keep things fun and yummy!

• Add grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb mix for a cheesy twist.
• Season with taco seasoning for a zesty flavor.
• Try air frying them next time for an even crispier nugget.

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• parchment paper

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions

These nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Try air frying any leftovers you may have!

FAQs About Easy Homemade Chicken Nuggets

More Kid-Friendly Dinner Ideas

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

What to Serve with Chicken Nuggets

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Homemade Chicken Nuggets:

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Homemade Baked Chicken Nuggets

Hey mamas, if you’re juggling a busy schedule but want to serve something healthy that your kids will love, these homemade baked chicken nuggets are perfect! They’re made with real ingredients and are super budget-friendly. Here’s the updated recipe:

Course Appetizer, Dinner, Kid-friendly, lunch, Snack

Cuisine American, Comfort Food, Family-style, Healthy

Keyword Baked chicken nuggets, Budget-friendly meals, Easy weeknight meals, Gluten-free option, Healthy kids' meals, Quick family dinner

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 22 minutes minutes

Total Time 27 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Cost $10

Equipment

• mixing bowl
• baking sheet
• parchment papper

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless ground chicken breast
• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs divided
• ¼ cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Avocado oil cooking spray

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, half the Italian breadcrumbs, Panko breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
• Shape the chicken mixture into nugget-sized pieces.
• Place the remaining Italian breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. Roll each nugget in the breadcrumbs, making sure they are evenly coated.
• Arrange the nuggets on the prepared baking sheet and coat with avocado oil cooking spray.
• Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through spraying with cooking spray again, until golden brown and fully cooked.
• Serve with your favorite dipping sauces and watch your kids devour them!

Notes

These nuggets are simple to make, full of flavor, and much healthier than the processed versions you’d find at a fast food place. Plus, you know exactly what’s going into them! 💛