Golden, crispy, and incredibly tasty, Homemade Chicken Nuggets are the ultimate comfort food that everybody—kids and grown-ups alike—can’t resist. There’s something extra satisfying about making chicken nuggets from scratch in your own kitchen: you can genuinely taste the freshness and customize seasonings to suit your family’s cravings. The contrast between the juicy, flavorful chicken inside and the crunchy coating is pure joy in every bite. Whether you’re serving them as a weeknight dinner, party snack, or lunchbox hero, these Homemade Chicken Nuggets will quickly become a most-requested favorite in your home.

Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All it takes is a handful of pantry staples to create mouthwateringly crunchy nuggets. Each ingredient plays a starring role, contributing richness, tenderness, and that all-important crunch that sets these Homemade Chicken Nuggets apart from anything you can buy frozen.

Chicken Breasts: Fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts are juicy, tender, and soak up all the tasty flavors from the marinade.
Buttermilk: This secret weapon helps tenderize the chicken and infuses every piece with subtle tang and moisture.
Salt: Brings out the natural flavors of the chicken and ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick of warmth without overwhelming the tastebuds.
Garlic Powder: Every bite gets a burst of savory depth thanks to this pantry staple.
Paprika: Lends a subtle smoky flavor and a gorgeous golden hue to your nuggets.
All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of that irresistible crispy crust by creating a sticky surface for the breadcrumbs to cling to.
Bread Crumbs or Panko: These give the nuggets their ultimate crunch—panko makes them extra crispy, while regular crumbs offer classic appeal.
Eggs: Help bind the coating so nothing falls off during frying.
Vegetable Oil: Choose a neutral, high-heat oil to perfectly crisp up your nuggets without overpowering their flavor.

How to Make Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by giving your chicken some extra love! In a big bowl, toss the chicken breast pieces with buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir thoroughly so every piece is coated, then cover and let those flavors infuse in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (overnight makes the chicken even more tender and flavorful). This buttermilk soak is truly what sets Homemade Chicken Nuggets apart from the rest.

Step 2: Set Up a Breading Station

When you’re ready to start cooking, create your breading station: three shallow bowls—one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs or panko. This three-step coating process locks in moisture and gives you that signature crispy texture that makes Homemade Chicken Nuggets so crave-worthy.

Step 3: Bread the Nuggets

Remove each chicken piece from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Dredge it first in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally roll it generously in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to stick. This coating method ensures a thick, crunchy layer that’ll stay put when frying—and yes, this is a fun job for little kitchen helpers!

Step 4: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Pour vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven (aim for about 2 to 3 inches deep), and heat it up to 350°F. Working in batches, carefully lower the breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry for 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re perfectly golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the nuggets to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain off any extra oil for the crispiest Homemade Chicken Nuggets.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Once all the nuggets are fried and still warm, it’s time to enjoy! Pile them onto a big platter and serve with your favorite dips. Watch as they disappear in a flash—these Homemade Chicken Nuggets have a way of bringing smiles to every table.

How to Serve Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, a pinch of flaky sea salt, or a dusting of smoked paprika makes a beautiful and flavor-packed finish for your nuggets. For a fun twist, try a little grated Parmesan or a squeeze of fresh lemon over the top just before serving—these little extras really make Homemade Chicken Nuggets stand out!

Side Dishes

Classic pairings like crispy French fries, creamy coleslaw, or a bright green salad always hit the spot. You might also love a simple side of roasted veggies, corn on the cob, or tangy pickle chips. And don’t forget plenty of dipping sauces: honey mustard, ranch, barbecue, or a spicy sriracha aioli all turn Homemade Chicken Nuggets into a really special meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or game nights, arrange the nuggets on a board with little cups of dips, fresh veggies, and fruit skewers for easy snacking. Skewer the nuggets onto mini sticks or layer them in lettuce cups for a lighter bite. You can even pack them into wraps or sliders for a fun twist on sandwiches—your imagination is the limit with Homemade Chicken Nuggets.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Homemade Chicken Nuggets (lucky you!), let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for lunchboxes or quick, easy snacks throughout the week.

Freezing

These nuggets were made for make-ahead meals! Arrange the cooked, cooled Homemade Chicken Nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container—this keeps them from sticking together. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and are so handy for last-minute dinners.

Reheating

To recapture that freshly-fried crunch, reheat your nuggets in a hot oven (400°F for 10-12 minutes) or in the air fryer until piping hot and crispy. Skip the microwave if you can—it tends to make the coating soggy. Your Homemade Chicken Nuggets will taste just as irresistible as the day you made them!

FAQs

Can I make Homemade Chicken Nuggets gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free alternatives. There are lots of tasty gluten-free panko options out there that crisp up beautifully, so nobody has to miss out on this family favorite.

Is there a baked version of these nuggets?

Absolutely. After breading, arrange the nuggets on a greased baking sheet, mist the tops with cooking spray, and bake at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This gives you slightly lighter but still deliciously crunchy Homemade Chicken Nuggets.

Why does buttermilk make a difference?

Buttermilk acts as a tenderizer and flavor infuser for the chicken, resulting in juicy, flavorful bites with a hint of tang. It also helps the coating stick better, giving you that iconic crunchy crust Homemade Chicken Nuggets are famous for.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will give you nuggets that are extra juicy and rich in flavor. Just cut them into the same size pieces for even cooking and enjoy a slightly different, delicious take.

Do I need a deep fryer to make Homemade Chicken Nuggets?

No special equipment is required! A deep skillet, Dutch oven, or even a heavy saucepan works perfectly for frying. Just be sure to maintain the oil at 350°F for the crispiest outcome.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably joyful about serving up a platter of warm, golden Homemade Chicken Nuggets that you made with your own two hands. Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself, give this recipe a try—your kitchen will smell irresistible, and every bite will remind you just how rewarding homemade can be!

Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Homemade Chicken Nuggets are a family favorite, with tender chicken pieces coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Nuggets:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1.5-inch pieces)
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup plain breadcrumbs or panko
2 large eggs
vegetable oil for frying

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces, buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three bowls with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece in flour, dip in egg, and coat in breadcrumbs.
Fry the Nuggets: Heat oil to 350°F, then fry chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
Serve: Drain on paper towels and serve warm.