I don't think there's anyone who doesn't like crispy golden chicken nuggets. Especially when they're so easy to make from scratch, using the most easily available pantry ingredients. There's something magical about that crunchy coating of crispy chicken nuggets that have the most juicy and seasoned chicken center. I'm sure y'all can feel the taste just by talking about these chicken nuggets.
Ironically my kids thought their favorite chicken McNuggets are impossible to make at home. Until their mama made these with similar taste, flavor, and crunch. That too without preservatives and chemicals. Joke's on them haha!
If your kids love crunchy snacks, you'll also enjoy our Crispy Cheese Balls Recipe, another family favorite that's perfect for parties and after-school treats.
The Story Behind Easy Chicken Nuggets Recipe for Kids
My kids are absolutely crazy for McDonald's chicken McNuggets. It is literally a ritual to always order those whenever we are eating out. So, one day when they wanted to order these nuggets, I announced that I'll make them at home for them. And they went silent. May be because they were sure I'd not be able to replicate.
I used simple spices, mixed them with ground chicken, made a batter, and fried a batch of crispy chicken nuggets. Once my kids ate them, they said "Mama these are better than McDonald's!"
YLooking for more kid-friendly snack recipes? Browse our collection of easy homemade treats that children love. Perfect for kids.
That's when I knew my fellow mamas also deserve to know this recipe. So, here it is;
Ingredients
- 750 grams ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Wet ingredients
- Water + dry ingredients
- Vegetable oil for frying
Quick Facts About The Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 3-4 people
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best for: Snacks, parties, side dish
Step-By-Step Instructions
In the ground chicken add garlic powder, paprika powder, black pepper, salt and cornstarch.
Mix until it all comes together.
In a large bowl combine the flour, cornstarch, onion powder, garlic powder, salt , baking powder and paprika. Whisk until mixed.
Shape the chicken mixture into Nuggets shape.
Tip: After this step, keep the nuggets in refrigerator for 15-20 minutes so they don't fall apart in the hot oil.
Dredge each nugget into the dry batter and set on a tray.
In remaining dry batter add water to make wet batter whisk it until smooth.
Dip each nugget into wet batter and set on a tray.
In a large skillet add 2-3 inches of oil and heat to 350 degrees.
Carefully add a few of the nuggets to the hot oil and fry 3-4 minutes on each side until golden.
Set aside to drain and repeat with the rest of the nuggets.
Serve with a dip of your choice.
Tips for the Best Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Here are a few tips that I've learned over the time to perfect the art of making the best and crispy homemade chicken nuggets;
- Keep everything cold: You will always be able to make perfect chicken nuggets using the cold chicken mix. And by dipping the nuggets into cold batter. your nuggets will turn out to be super crispy.
- Never skip the resting step: Refrigerating chicken nuggets after shaping them will help them keep their shape and state perfect in hot oil.
- Fry in small batches: Avoid overcrowding the skillet when frying. Because too many nuggets can make the oil temperature drop rapidly. This will result in nuggets turning soggy and greasy instead of crispy and golden.
- Double coating can enhance the crunch: If you like thick coating then coat nuggets with batter then dry mi and then batter again and then fry for maximum crucnh.
Substitutions
- Ground chicken: You can replace ground chicken with ground Turkey or minced chicken breasts.
- Spices: This recipe gives you complete freedom to play with spices. You can use chili powder instead of paprika for high heat.
- All-purpose flour: This can be replaced with rice flour for an even crispier and gluten-free coating.
- Cooking method: You can prepare the same homemade crispy chicken McNuggets in an air fryer using the same recipe. Just spray some oil on the tray, place nuggets inside, and air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 12–15 minutes. Or you can even bake them for healthier version at 220°C (425°F) for 20–22 minutes.
f you enjoy lighter meals, explore our collection of healthier chicken recipes for easy family dinners and meal prep ideas.
Best Dips for Extra Crispy Homemade Chicken Nuggets
In my opinion, nuggets without dip are incomplete. Here are some ideas of the best dips that compliments with these crispy chicken nuggets perfectly;
- Classic ketchup
- Honey mustard
- Garlic mayo
- BBQ sauce
- Cheese sauce
Serving Ideas
- Classic Kid's Serving: Kids love their chicken McNuggets with fries and ketcup.
- Nuggets Wrap: Make a wrap using flatbread. Put your favorite veggies and sauces. Wrap it up and enjoy.
- Party Platter: Make snack board for your next party and include these crispy chicken nuggets along with some dips.
Complete your party menu with our Creamy Half Moon Pies, a sweet dessert that pairs perfectly with savory snacks.
Storage and Make Ahead
| Where to Store | For How Long | How to Store |
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | In an air tight container. Place a towel inside to absorb extra moisture. |
| Freezer (Cooked) | Up to 2 months | Once cooked nuggets are completely cooled, place them on a tray in a single layer and freeze. Once solid, transfer them toziplock bag. |
| Freezer (Uncooked) | Up to 3 months | Best make-ahead method for nuggets. After coating and shaping raw nuggets, freeze them on a tray. Once solid, transfer them to ziplock bag. |
Final Thoughts
If someone asks you how to make chicken nuggets at home, you should know what to tell them.
I love how this recipe lets you create delicious nuggets that too under 30 minutes. No special equipment, no expensive ingredients. Just use simple spices and techniques to prepare them. Make them in batches, eat some and store the rest for future.
FAQs
Yes! Finely mince boneless chicken breast in a food processor until it resembles ground meat. Avoid pulsing too long or it becomes a paste.
The most common reason is oil that wasn't hot enough. Always heat oil to 175°C (350°F) before frying, and fry in small batches to maintain the temperature.
Yes substitute the all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend. The cornstarch is already gluten-free and will still give you great crunch.
Cooked nuggets last up to 3 days in the fridge and up to 2 months in the freezer. Whereas uncooked nuggets can last up to 3 months in freezer.
They can be especially if you bake or air fry them instead of deep frying, and since you control every ingredient going in.
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