If you have a soft spot for crispy, juicy, and utterly irresistible chicken bites, then this Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. These nuggets are a magical blend of tender chicken breast, hints of garlic and onion, and a perfectly seasoned coating that crisps up beautifully in the pan. The addition of potato in the mixture adds a unique texture that keeps each nugget delightfully moist inside. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or treating yourself to a comforting snack, this recipe brings all the warm, nostalgic flavors of classic nuggets but with a fresh, homemade twist you’ll love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing beats a recipe with simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Each component in this recipe plays a key role—from the chicken’s lean protein to the potato’s moisture, and the careful blend of spices that give the nuggets their irresistible flavor and color.
- Chicken breasts: Using fresh, lean chicken breast ensures tender and healthy nuggets.
- Yellow potato: Adds moisture and helps keep the nuggets juicy and soft on the inside.
- White onion: Provides a subtle savory depth, blending seamlessly into the mixture.
- Garlic cloves: A punch of flavor that lifts the entire dish.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a binder and creates a light, crispy exterior.
- All-purpose flour: Helps to achieve that perfect golden crust outside.
- Dried parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning that balances all flavors.
- Paprika powder: Provides a subtle smoky note and rich color.
- Olive oil: For cooking the nuggets to a crisp finish, adding a mild fruity flavor.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
Start by adding the chicken breast pieces, chopped potato, white onion, and garlic cloves into your food processor. Blend everything until the mixture is completely smooth — this is key to that tender, nugget-like texture. Be sure to scrape down the sides to make sure everything gets evenly combined, ensuring each nugget bursts with flavor and has a perfectly blended consistency.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Binders
Next, toss in the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Pulse a few times to mix everything thoroughly. These dry ingredients not only season the mixture but help hold the nuggets together and create that delightful crispiness after cooking.
Step 3: Shape the Nuggets
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Using a 1-inch cookie scoop or spoon, portion out about 10 to 12 balls of the chicken mixture. Place them gently into the hot pan. Spray the back of a spoon with nonstick spray, then press each ball down to form the classic nugget shape — not too thick but sturdy enough to hold during cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Nuggets
Let the nuggets cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes so a golden crust forms on the bottom. Flip each nugget and cook the other side for the same amount of time until nicely browned and fully cooked through. If needed, add a little more olive oil between batches to keep the nuggets from sticking and maintain that wonderful crispness.
Step 5: Repeat and Serve
Continue cooking the remaining chicken mixture in batches, keeping the skillet well-oiled and hot for perfect texture every time. Serve these warm, crispy nuggets immediately. They’re fabulous just as they are or dressed up with your favorite dips and garnishes.
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly minced parsley sprinkled over the nuggets adds a touch of vibrant green and a mild herbaceous flavor that complements the seasoning perfectly. You can also experiment with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright contrast or some finely chopped chives for extra color and taste.
Side Dishes
Homemade chicken nuggets pair beautifully with classic sides such as crispy French fries, tangy coleslaw, or a fresh green salad. For something a bit different, try serving them alongside roasted veggies or a creamy mac and cheese to boost comfort-factor and satisfy everyone’s cravings.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your nuggets into a fun meal by skewering them alongside colorful veggies for bite-sized kabobs, or tuck them inside soft slider buns with a dab of your favorite sauce. For a cozy movie night, serve them on a platter with multiple dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue, and ranch for impromptu taste testing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Properly stored, they’ll stay moist inside while maintaining as much crispiness as possible.
Freezing
For longer storage, arrange the cooked nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, making them perfect for quick meals or snacks on busy days.
Reheating
To reheat frozen or refrigerated nuggets without losing their crunch, warm them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you can — it tends to make the coating soggy, and nobody wants that!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in the Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have more fat, which will make your nuggets juicier and slightly richer in flavor. Just make sure to blend them well for a smooth mixture.
Is it necessary to include the potato in the mixture?
The potato helps maintain moisture and gives a soft, tender bite to the nuggets. You can omit it if you prefer, but expect a slightly different texture.
Can I bake these chicken nuggets instead of pan-frying?
You can bake them for a healthier option. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, lightly brush with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and cooked.
What dipping sauces go well with this Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe?
Classic choices like ketchup, honey mustard, ranch dressing, and barbecue sauce are fantastic. You can also get creative with spicy sriracha mayo or tangy buffalo sauce.
How do I ensure the nuggets hold their shape during cooking?
Using the right amount of cornstarch and flour helps bind the mixture, and gently flattening the nugget shapes ensures they cook evenly without falling apart. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan, which allows the nuggets to crisp instead of steam.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about making your own chicken nuggets from scratch, and this Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe brings that joy right to your kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you end up with nuggets that are crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful inside, and bursting with homemade goodness. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and share those smiles around your table!
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Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These homemade chicken nuggets are a delicious and healthier alternative to store-bought versions. Made by blending chicken breasts with potato, onion, and garlic, then seasoned and pan-fried to golden perfection, they offer a crispy exterior with a tender, flavorful inside. Perfect for family meals or entertaining, these nuggets are easy to prepare and sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts (about 2 pounds), cut into pieces
- 1 yellow potato (about 4 ounces), peeled and roughly chopped
- ½ white onion (about 2 ounces), roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and roughly chopped
Binding & Seasoning
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon dried parsley
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika powder
- 2 teaspoons olive oil, plus more as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a food processor, combine the chicken breast pieces, chopped potato, onion, and garlic. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and no large chunks remain, scraping down the sides as needed for an even texture.
- Add Seasonings and Binders: Add cornstarch, all-purpose flour, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and paprika powder to the mixture in the food processor. Pulse a few times until thoroughly combined into a uniform meat mixture.
- Shape the Nuggets: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Using a 1-inch cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out 10–12 balls of the chicken mixture and place them in the skillet. Spray the back of a spoon with nonstick spray and gently flatten each ball to form the classic nugget shape.
- Cook the Nuggets: Let the nuggets cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until a golden crust forms on the bottom. Flip each nugget carefully and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes on the other side until fully cooked through and crisp on both sides. Add more olive oil as needed when cooking additional batches.
- Repeat and Serve: Continue cooking the remaining chicken mixture in batches, adding olive oil to the skillet as necessary to prevent sticking. Serve the warm chicken nuggets immediately, optionally garnished with freshly minced parsley and accompanied by ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Ensure the mixture is smooth for even cooking and texture.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste before shaping the nuggets.
- Cook nuggets in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can cause uneven cooking.
- Use nonstick spray on the spoon to prevent sticking when shaping.
- Serve immediately for best crispiness and flavor.
