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 a total win for busy days! You’ll feel great knowing exactly what’s going into your food—no weird additives, 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 since store-bought versions are full of who knows what, I wanted to make my own that is both healthier and something I could feel good about giving 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 food for kids and adults alike. The crispy, golden exterior combined with the juicy, tender chicken inside creates irresistible flavor and texture. Making your own homemade chicken nuggets is surprisingly easy. With just a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can create restaurant-quality nuggets using chicken breasts right in your own kitchen.
Choosing the Right Chicken Breasts
Fresh, high-quality chicken breasts are the base for great homemade nuggets. Skinless, boneless chicken breasts are the easiest to work with. If you want the best taste and nutrition, choose organic and free-range chicken. When raw, the breasts should look full, firm, and a healthy pink color. Avoid any with discoloration or an off-putting odor.
For even cooking, it’s best to cut the chicken into cubes or pieces that are all the same size. Pieces around 1-inch in size work well. Some nuggets won’t be dry while others are undercooked if you make them all the same size.
Mastering the Breading Process
Breading is what gives chicken nuggets their signature crunch. For homemade nuggets, a three-step breading station works best:
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Flour: The flour coating gives the breading a dry base and helps the rest of it stick. You can use all-purpose flour, but whole wheat flour gives you more fiber and nutrients. Spice up the flour with things like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to make it taste better.
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Eggs: After dredging in flour, dip the chicken pieces in beaten eggs. This helps the next layer of breading stick to the chicken. For best results, use two large eggs beaten together in a shallow bowl.
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Breadcrumbs: For the final crunchy coating, use panko breadcrumbs. Panko gives nuggets an extra crispy texture. Regular breadcrumbs also work if panko is unavailable. For variety, use flavored breadcrumbs or a mixture of crackers crushed into fine crumbs.
Thoroughly coat each chicken piece in flour first, then egg, and finally press the breadcrumbs on. Let the breaded nuggets rest for 10-15 minutes before cooking so the breading can fully adhere.
Frying vs. Baking
For ultimate flavor and crunch, fry the breaded nuggets. Heat 1-inch of oil, like vegetable oil or canola oil, to 350°F in a heavy skillet. Fry a few nuggets at a time for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, flipping once.
For a healthier option, bake the nuggets. Place them on a parchment lined baking sheet sprayed with oil and bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until browned and cooked through. An internal temperature of 165°F ensures doneness.
Air frying is another healthy and convenient cooking method. Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until crispy and cooked through, shaking the basket occasionally for even cooking.
Flavorful Add-Ins
Plain chicken nuggets are delicious, but you can also mix up the flavors by adding:
- Shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella into the chicken mixture
- Minced garlic, onion, or herbs for savory depth
- Chopped veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition
- Spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, or Italian seasoning to complement the chicken
Get creative and combine your favorite flavors to make each batch of nuggets unique.
Ideal Dipping Sauces
A flavorful dipping sauce is the perfect complement to homemade nuggets. Classic options include:
- Honey mustard: Sweet and tangy yellow mustard combined with honey.
- BBQ sauce: Sweet and smoky, ideal for nuggets.
- Ranch dressing: Cool, creamy, and flavorful.
- Ketchup: Simple, kid-friendly and delicious.
- Sweet chili sauce: Adds a touch of heat and sweetness.
For an easy homemade sauce, combine honey, mustard, and a splash of vinegar. You can also quickly make ranch by mixing Greek yogurt with ranch seasoning and minced garlic.
Storing and Reheating Nuggets
Cooked nuggets can be stored refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze uncooked, breaded nuggets up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes of cooking time.
FAQs
What if the breading falls off the nuggets?
Ensure the chicken is coated well at each stage – flour, egg, breadcrumbs. Also let the breaded nuggets rest for 10-15 minutes before frying or baking to help the coating adhere. Use very fresh breadcrumbs as stale ones won’t stick as well.
Can I make nuggets gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep the nuggets gluten-free. Cornstarch can substitute for flour. Finely crushed gluten-free crackers or rice crumbs work too.
How can I tell when the oil is hot enough for frying?
Use a deep fry or candy thermometer to judge temperature – aim for 350-375°F. Alternatively, drop a small piece of breading into the oil – it should sizzle and bubble right away if the temperature is correct.
How do I get the perfect golden brown exterior?
Fry for 3-4 minutes per side. Baking may take 15-20 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Fry or bake in batches without overcrowding for best results.
Can I use chicken tenderloins instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken tenderloins can substitute for breast meat. Cut any large tenderloins into nugget sized pieces before breading. The cooking time may be slightly less since they are thinner.
Making your own chicken nuggets from scratch is simple and so satisfying. With the right techniques and a few easy tricks, you can create crispy, juicy nuggets the whole family will love. Experiment with flavors and cooking methods until you master your favorite homemade version.
Step 1 – Make the Chicken Mixture
Place the chicken in the food processor and pulse until the chicken is minced. Next, add the 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and olive oil. Process until combined.
Step 4 – Dip And Coat
Before putting the chicken nuggets in the breadcrumb mixture, coat each one evenly and completely on all sides with the flour mixture. Make sure to shake off any extra flour. Press with your hand, shake off excess, and place on a large dish or cutting board. Let the chicken nuggets rest for 10 minutes.
If you want to keep them for up to three months, you can freeze them flat for an hour and then put them in Ziploc bags. When ready to bake them, bake frozen nuggets as directed.
