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Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe

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3.8 from 2 reviews

These homemade chicken nuggets are a healthier, delicious alternative to store-bought versions. Made with ground chicken, flavorful seasonings, and a crispy parmesan-panko coating, they bake to golden perfection in under 35 minutes. Perfect as a kid-friendly dinner or snack, they pair wonderfully with classic dipping sauces like honey mustard or Big Mac sauce.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground chicken (see notes)
  • 3 Tablespoons milk
  • 1 slice bread (or 1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs)
  • ¾ teaspoon garlic salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 1 egg (whisked)
  • 3 Tablespoons melted butter (or canola oil spray)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375° F to prepare for baking the nuggets.
  2. Soak Bread: Place the bread in a large mixing bowl and pour the milk over it. Let the bread absorb the milk for 2-3 minutes to soften (if using Italian breadcrumbs instead, you may need to add an additional 1-2 tablespoons of milk). Add garlic salt and pepper, then stir to combine.
  3. Mix Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the bowl and mix gently until just combined without overworking the meat. Use a tablespoon to scoop portions and shape them into nugget-sized pieces, then set them aside.
  4. Prepare Breading Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley thoroughly.
  5. Coat Nuggets: Brush each nugget on both sides with the whisked egg. Then roll them generously in the breadcrumb mixture until completely coated. Arrange the coated nuggets on a light-colored, lightly greased baking sheet to ensure even baking.
  6. Butter First Brush: Brush half of the melted butter over the tops of the coated nuggets to promote browning and flavor.
  7. Bake First Session: Bake the nuggets in the oven for 7 minutes. Afterward, inspect the nuggets: if some appear darker, move them to the center of the baking sheet and position the lighter ones around the edges for even cooking.
  8. Butter Second Brush and Bake: Brush the remaining melted butter on each side of the nuggets to ensure crispness, then bake for an additional 8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  9. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces such as Big Mac Sauce or Honey Mustard Sauce.

Notes

  • For a lighter option, use canola oil spray instead of melted butter for brushing.
  • Make sure not to overmix the ground chicken to keep the nuggets tender.
  • If substituting the slice of bread with Italian breadcrumbs, adjust milk quantity to keep moisture balance.
  • Use a light-colored baking sheet to monitor browning and prevent overcooking.
  • Cooking times might vary slightly depending on your oven, so check nuggets for doneness before serving.