In my home, it doesn’t matter how old you are, the time of day or time of year, Homestyle Chicken Nuggets are always welcome and remarkably simple to prepare. Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. But let’s talk about taking this humble fast-food favourite to the next level with homemade chicken nuggets.
The beauty of making Homestyle Chicken Nuggets from scratch is the control you have over the flavours and ingredients. You can opt for high-quality chicken and coat it in breadcrumbs, panko or even crushed cornflakes for an extra crunch. Want a gluten-free version? Swap out traditional coatings for almond flour or crushed rice crackers.
Homestyle chicken nuggets are also the perfect canvas for experimenting with spices and seasonings. For a classic taste, stick with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding smoked paprika for a subtle, smoky depth. Want some heat? A pinch of cayenne pepper or chilli flakes will do the trick. Looking for international flavours? Sprinkle in some curry powder for a touch of Indian flair, or try a blend of Italian herbs for a Mediterranean twist. The possibilities are endless.
Now let’s talk sides and sauces. Chicken nuggets pair beautifully with an array of accompaniments, allowing you to customise your meal. For a light and refreshing side, serve them with a crisp salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers, drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette. Prefer something indulgent? Whip up a batch of homemade potato wedges or sweet potato fries, seasoned with paprika and rosemary.
Dipping sauces are where you can really get creative. Classic ketchup and mayonnaise are a given, but why stop there? A honey mustard dip, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo can elevate your nuggets to new heights. For a more sophisticated touch, try a creamy garlic aioli or a sweet-and-sour sauce.
Now let’s talk sides and sauces. Homestyle Chicken Nuggets pair beautifully with an array of accompaniments, allowing you to customise your meal. For a light and refreshing side, serve them with a crisp salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers, drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette. Prefer something indulgent? Whip up a batch of homemade potato wedges or sweet potato fries, seasoned with paprika and rosemary.
Dipping sauces are where you can really get creative. Classic ketchup and mayonnaise are a given, but why stop there? A honey mustard dip, barbecue sauce or even a spicy sriracha mayo can elevate your nuggets to new heights. For a more sophisticated touch, try a creamy garlic aioli or a sweet-and-sour sauce. They all go amazingly well with your Homestyle Chicken Nuggets.
Homestyle Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken breasts or thighs, boneless/skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup breadcrumbs panko or crushed cornflakes
- 1/2 cup plain flour or almond flour for gluten-free
- 2 large eggs free range beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- Cooking oil for frying or spray for baking
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) if baking, or heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat if frying.Cooking oil
- Add the breadcrumbs to a bowl and add the seasonings and spices of your choice.1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, salt, pepper
- Using two other bowls, create a breading station: one for flour and the other for beaten eggs.1 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup plain flour, 2 large eggs
- Coat each chicken piece in flour, dip it into the egg, then coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.500 g chicken breasts
- For frying: Cook the nuggets in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. For baking: Arrange nuggets on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauces and sides.
13 comments
The texture was perfect, and the seasonings made them so flavourful.
I made these for my children and they loved them. So much better than birds eye.
I paired mine with sweet potato fries and sriracha mayo, and it was a hit. Can’t wait to make them again.
These nuggets were a healthier and tastier option than fast food.
I tried the almond flour version for a gluten-free option, and they turned out great.
I never thought homemade chicken nuggets could taste this good
The tips about experimenting with spices were a game-changer—my kids loved the mild curry flavour I tried.
I baked them instead of frying, and they still had a great crunch. Next time, I’ll experiment with different coatings
They were super crunchy, and I used smoked paprika for an extra kick. This blog makes homemade cooking so approachable.
These chicken nuggets turned out perfectly crispy and so much better than any store-bought version.
The nuggets were juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Would have liked them a bit spicier, so next time, I’ll add more chilli flakes!
Honestly, the best nuggets I’ve ever had.
I used crushed cornflakes for extra crunch, and they turned out so good. Served them with homemade honey mustard sauce—delicious.