These Eggless Homemade Chicken Nuggets are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and super kid-friendly. They’re a healthier, tastier version of those frozen chicken nuggets we all grew up with. Plus, it’s completely egg-free, which is perfect if you’re managing food allergies. You can make a big batch, freeze it, and have homemade nuggets ready anytime you need them. It’s great for busy days because you know exactly what’s in your food—no weird fillers or spices, just real chicken and simple ingredients.
Okay, let’s be real for a second—who doesn’t love chicken nuggets? In my house, they’re basically a food group. But with all the store-bought options full of who-knows-what, I wanted to come up with a version that’s not only healthier but also something I feel good about feeding my kids. These eggless homemade chicken nuggets are the answer!.
If you’ve got little ones dealing with food allergies like mine, you know how important it is to keep things simple and safe. No eggs here, but trust me—the breading stays perfectly crispy and intact. What a win! Plus, these nuggets have been approved by picky eaters, so I know they’ll go fast no matter how picky the eater is.
If you like this recipe, you should try my Easy Homemade Eggless Fish Sticks (Baked) soon!
Chicken nuggets are a beloved favorite for kids and adults alike. There’s just something irresistible about those crispy, golden nuggets of chicken. But while store-bought frozen nuggets can be convenient, homemade chicken nuggets are so much tastier and better for you. Read on to learn how to make tender homemade chicken nuggets with a deliciously crispy coating.
Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Making homemade chicken nuggets is easy with simple pantry staple ingredients:
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Chicken breast or thighs that are boneless and skinless—This is what the nuggets are made of. Less fat and more water are found in chicken thighs than in breasts.
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Flour – This binds the coating and helps give it that crispy texture. You can use all-purpose or a gluten-free flour blend.
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Eggs – Eggs help the coating adhere to the chicken.
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Using breadcrumbs makes a great crust when baked. For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs.
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Parmesan cheese (optional) – Grated parmesan adds great flavor to the breading.
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Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper are just a few of the spices and herbs that can be used.
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Oil—A little oil helps the nuggets get crispy and brown. Use olive oil or avocado oil.
How to Make Chicken Nuggets from Scratch
Making homemade baked chicken nuggets is easy and only takes about 30-40 minutes from start to finish. Here are some step-by-step instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting 1-1.5 pounds of chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch chunks. Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better later on.
2. Set Up Breadcrumb Station
In a shallow bowl, mix together 1 cup of flour and 2 teaspoons each of seasoning like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a separate shallow bowl, beat 1-2 eggs. Lastly, pour 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs onto a plate or baking sheet.
3. Bread the Chicken Nuggets
Working with a few pieces at a time, coat the chicken pieces in flour first, dip in egg next, then press into the breadcrumbs until completely coated. Set breaded nuggets onto a baking sheet.
4. Bake the Nuggets
Heat oven to 400°F. Spray nuggets with olive oil or non-stick spray. Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve Immediately & Enjoy!
Serve the homemade chicken nuggets immediately while they’re still crispy and hot. Pair with dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, BBQ sauce or ketchup.
Tips for Extra Crispy Nuggets
Follow these tips for getting the crispiest coating on your homemade nuggets:
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Really press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to help them adhere.
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Double dip by coating in flour, egg, flour again, egg again, then breadcrumbs. The extra layers = extra crispness.
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Let the breaded chicken sit for 10-15 minutes before baking to help set the coating.
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Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy texture.
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Toast the breadcrumbs before coating for more crispness. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 2-3 minutes to toast.
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Chill breaded chicken in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking. The colder temp helps the coating set up.
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Make sure your oil is hot before adding nuggets if pan frying. Fry at 350-375°F.
Different Ways to Cook Chicken Nuggets
While baking is the most popular way to cook homemade nuggets, here are some other methods:
Pan Frying
Pan fry breaded nuggets in 1/2 inch of oil until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes per side. Use neutral oil with high smoke point. Drain on paper towel.
Air Frying
Air fry breaded nuggets at 390°F, flipping halfway, for 10-12 minutes until crispy. Spray with oil before cooking.
Oven Frying
For oven “fried” nuggets, bake plain breaded nuggets at 450°F in a pan with 1/2 cup oil for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.
Fun Flavor Ideas for Chicken Nuggets
While plain chicken nuggets are delicious, mixing up the flavors can be fun! Try these ideas:
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Italian – Use Italian breadcrumbs and season with oregano, basil, garlic powder, and parmesan.
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Southwest – Season flour with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne and smoked paprika.
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Asian – Use panko crumbs and season with Chinese 5 spice powder, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
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BBQ – Toss cooked nuggets in your favorite bbq sauce or season flour with smoked paprika, garlic, onion, chili powder.
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Buffalo – Toss cooked nuggets in Buffalo wing sauce and serve with blue cheese dressing.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to homemade chicken nuggets! Use your favorite herbs, spices and sauce to customize them.
Storing and Freezing Breaded Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets coated in flour and egg will last 1-2 days in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze uncooked breaded nuggets:
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Place breaded nuggets in a single layer on a sheet pan and freeze until hard, about 1-2 hours.
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Transfer frozen nuggets to an airtight freezer bag. Press out all air and seal.
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Freeze for up to 3 months. Bake frozen nuggets straight from freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Cooked nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in a 400° oven until hot and crispy. They won’t be quite as crispy as freshly cooked.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Nuggets
Homemade chicken nuggets are delicious on their own but pair well with sides like:
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French fries or sweet potato fries
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Celery sticks and carrot sticks with ranch dressing
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Coleslaw, broccoli salad, or potato salad
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Mac and cheese or baked beans
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Fresh fruit like watermelon, grapes, or apple slices
Dip your nuggets in sauces like honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing or sweet and sour sauce. The possibilities are endless!
Homemade chicken nuggets are easier to make than you think. With just a few pantry ingredients and a quick breading station, you can have tender baked chicken nuggets cooking in less than 30 minutes. Follow these tips for an ultra crispy coating and fun flavor ideas. Freeze extra nuggets for quick meals anytime. Making them at home lets you control the ingredients so you can feel good about serving this kid-favorite.
Food Allergy Swaps
- This recipe doesn’t have any eggs, dairy, nuts, peanuts, or sesame, so it can be used by people with most dietary needs. However, always check labels for hidden allergens.
- Gluten-Free: If you can’t have gluten, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and panko instead of all-purpose flour. If you don’t want to eat dairy, just make sure that the breadcrumbs you buy don’t have any hidden dairy in them.
3 Top Reasons to Make Your Own Chicken Nuggets
Let’s face it—grabbing a bag of chicken nuggets from the store is convenient. But have you ever thought about making your own at home? I promise it’s easier than you think and has some great benefits!
1. You Control the Ingredients When you make your own nuggets, you know exactly what’s going in them. No weird preservatives or mystery ingredients—just real chicken, your favorite seasonings, and a crispy coating you can be proud of.
2. Healthier, Fresher, Better Store-bought nuggets are often loaded with extra salt, fat, and artificial stuff you don’t need. By making them at home, you can use better-for-you ingredients. Whether you prefer gluten-free breadcrumbs or want to cut back on sodium, it’s completely in your hands. Plus, homemade nuggets just taste fresher!.
3. Safe for Food Allergies: If you or someone in your family has a food allergy, store-bought options can be dangerous because they might be contaminated with other foods. By making your own chicken nuggets, you eliminate that worry. You know your kitchen, your tools, and your ingredients are all safe and allergen-free, giving you total peace of mind.
Homemade McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Copycat Recipe – DIY McNuggets!
FAQ
How are chicken nuggets made step by step?
How to make Chicken Nuggets Place the chicken in the food processor and blend until the chicken is minced. Next, add the spices, cornstarch, and water. Process until combined. Dredge each nugget in the flour to cover, then into the egg, and finally, coat it in bread crumbs.
How to make 3 ingredient chicken nuggets?
How to Make Healthy Chicken Nuggets: Blend the Mixture: Put the egg, mozzarella cheese, and canned chicken (rinsed if you want) in a blender or food processor. Shape the Nuggets: Form the chicken mixture into chicken nugget shapes using your hands. Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
What holds chicken nuggets together?
Additionally, the baking process itself plays a crucial role in holding the nuggets together. By baking them at a high temperature, the egg and breadcrumb coating cooks and sets, creating a firm outer layer while sealing in the moisture of the chicken inside.
What is the main ingredient in chicken nuggets?
Chicken nuggetPlace of originUnited StatesMain ingredientsChicken meat or plant-based ingredientsIngredients generally usedBreadcrumbs or batterSimilar dishesFried chicken Chicken fingersMedia: Chicken nugget.