Easy Chicken Nuggets: An Easy, Comforting Recipe

Okay, mama, let’s talk Chicken Nuggets! Seriously, is there anything more universally loved by kids (and let’s be honest, a lot of adults too)? It’s a weeknight staple in my house. I remember the first time I attempted Homemade Chicken Nuggets. It was a rainy Tuesday, both kids had colds, and my husband was working late. I thought, “I’m going to be super-mom and make them from scratch!”

BIG mistake. The breading was falling off, the Chicken Nuggets were unevenly cooked, and the kids looked at me like I’d served them alien food. But, I didn’t give up! I tweaked, I tested, and I finally landed on a Chicken Nugget Recipe that’s both easy and delicious. It’s a win-win, and it fits perfectly into our crazy family life. So grab your apron, fellow kitchen warriors – we’re making Chicken Nuggets!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Trust me, this Chicken Nuggets ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy!

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch pieces. You can grab this at Target or Walmart while doing your regular grocery run.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: For dredging. No worries if you don’t have all-purpose; I use gluten-free flour all the time in my Chicken Nuggets.
• 2 large eggs: Lightly beaten.
• 1 cup breadcrumbs: Panko or regular. My family loves when I add Italian seasoning to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder:
• 1 teaspoon onion powder:
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika:
• 1/2 teaspoon salt:
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper:
• Olive oil spray: For baking or air fryer Chicken Nuggets.

Here’s a Chicken Nugget trick that saved my sanity: pre-cut your chicken! Some stores sell it already cut into smaller pieces. I like to buy extra chicken when it’s on sale and freeze it in pre-cut portions. That way, I can pull it out the night before and have it ready to go the next day! These easy Chicken Nuggets doesn’t have to break the bank either; buying in bulk and freezing helps!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Okay, kitchen warriors, let’s dive into making these Chicken Nuggets!

1. Prep the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into roughly 1-inch pieces. Don’t worry about making them perfect. We’re going for delicious, not competition-worthy!
2. Set up your dredging station: In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge the chicken: One piece at a time, dredge the chicken in the flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumbs. Make sure each Chicken Nugget is well-coated!
4. Choose your cooking method: You can bake these in the oven or use an Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets technique.
5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the Chicken Nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray lightly with olive oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the Chicken Nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray lightly with olive oil. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

Here’s where I used to mess up my Chicken Nuggets: overcrowding the pan. Don’t make my mistake! If baking, make sure the Chicken Nuggets are not touching each other on the baking sheet for even cooking. If using an air fryer, work in batches. While your Chicken Nuggets is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee! In my chaotic kitchen, this easy Chicken Nuggets recipe usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. This is the perfect time to fold that laundry pile! Your Chicken Nuggets should smell amazing by now.

How We Love to Eat This!

The kids devour these amazing Chicken Nuggets when I serve it with sweet potato fries and a side of ketchup (of course!). But we also love them with mac and cheese, steamed broccoli, or even in a salad.

This Chicken Nuggets is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when everyone is starving and you need something quick and easy. They’re also great for packing in lunchboxes or serving as an appetizer at a playdate. For a fun twist, try serving the Chicken Nuggets with different dipping sauces. We love honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or even a little bit of sriracha mayo for the grown-ups. This quick and easy Chicken Nuggets reminds me of another family favorite, my Pretzel Crusted Chicken – check it out! For a seasonal variation, try adding a pinch of pumpkin spice to the breadcrumb mixture in the fall. My oldest loves it!

Presentation-wise, I keep it real: a plate of Chicken Nuggets and sides is usually good enough for my crew. Sometimes I’ll arrange them nicely on a platter if we have guests, but honestly, it’s all about getting food on the table and smiles on faces. Leftovers (if there are any!) are great in wraps or chopped up in a quick stir-fry the next day. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for my White Chicken Chili recipe!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Okay, mamas, let’s tackle those burning Chicken Nuggets questions!

Can my picky eater handle these Homemade Chicken Nuggets?

Absolutely! One of the best things about Homemade Chicken Nuggets is that you control the ingredients. If your little one is sensitive to certain spices, simply leave them out. You can also try using different types of breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers for a fun twist.

What if I burn my Chicken Nuggets? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)

Don’t panic! We’ve all been there. If you burn your Chicken Nuggets, the first step is to take them off the heat immediately. Assess the damage, if they are only slightly burned, you can try to trim off the burnt parts. Serve them with plenty of dipping sauce. Nobody will know the difference!

Can I make these Chicken Nuggets ahead for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare the Chicken Nuggets up to the point of cooking and then freeze them. Place the breaded Chicken Nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook them, you can bake or air fry Chicken Nuggets them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What dipping sauces go best with Chicken Nuggets?

This is totally a matter of personal preference! My kids love ketchup, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, and ranch dressing. I personally love a spicy mayo or a sweet chili sauce. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your family’s favorite!

How can I make Healthy Chicken Nuggets?

There are a few ways to make Healthy Chicken Nuggets. First, use lean chicken breast and trim off any visible fat. Second, bake or air fry Chicken Nuggets instead of frying them. Third, use whole-wheat breadcrumbs or almond flour for the breading. And finally, load up on the veggies on the side! Check out this great recipe for Healthy Chicken Nuggets from Erin Lives Whole for more ideas!

My breading keeps falling off, what am I doing wrong?

Make sure you are pressing the breadcrumbs firmly onto the Chicken Nuggets. The egg helps the breadcrumbs stick, so make sure the chicken is well-coated in the egg before dredging in the breadcrumbs.

Are Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets healthier than baked?

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are generally considered a healthier option compared to traditional frying methods because they require little to no oil. Both baking and air frying are healthier than deep frying since they significantly reduce the amount of fat absorbed by the Chicken Nuggets.

Final Thoughts:

This Chicken Nuggets recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a sanity-saver. It’s a way to get a delicious, kid-friendly dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of the beautiful chaos of family life, we can still create moments of joy and connection around the dinner table.

My Chicken Nuggets Mom Hacks:

• Prep ahead: Cut the chicken and mix the breadcrumbs in the morning, so it’s ready to go when you need it.
• Double batch: Make extra Chicken Nuggets and freeze them for future meals.
• Get the kids involved: Let them help with the dredging process (it’s messy, but fun!).

Family-Tested Chicken Nuggets Variations:

• Spicy Nuggets: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. My husband loves these!
• Cheesy Nuggets: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Gluten-Free Nuggets: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

I hope you and your family love this Chicken Nuggets recipe as much as we do. Remember, cooking is about experimentation and having fun. Don’t be afraid to make it your own and adjust it to your family’s preferences. And if you are gluten-free, be sure to see Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets from Eat With Clarity for great options. Check out Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets | Easy Air Fryer Recipe! from Skinny Taste for another fun air fryer recipe. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out my Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe – it is a lifesaver!

So go ahead, give these Chicken Nuggets a try! You’ve got this, mama! These Best Chicken Nuggets will be a crowd pleaser, I promise! 💕

 

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