Crispy Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Golden, ultra-crunchy panko-crusted chicken nuggets with tender, juicy white meat, seasoned to perfection and baked or air-fried.
In a nutshell:These authentic american crispy homemade chicken nuggets come together in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients. The chef's secret: toast panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes until golden. Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.
Riding Pinterest's massive +300% search surge for chicken nugget recipes, these Crispy Homemade Chicken Nuggets beat drive-thru fast food every single time! Tender bite-sized chicken breast chunks double-dipped in seasoned buttermilk and toasted golden panko breadcrumbs. Ultra-crunchy, juicy, and kid-approved.
Key Equipment
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- Rimmed baking sheet with wire cooling rack (or Air Fryer)
- 3 shallow dredging bowls
- Tongs
- Instant-read meat thermometer
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Pre-toast panko for deep golden color: Toast panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes until golden before breading.
- Bake on an elevated wire rack: Placing nuggets on an oven-safe wire rack set inside a baking sheet allows hot air to circulate underneath for 360-degree crispiness.
- Air fryer instructions: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking basket halfway through, for extra-fast shatteringly crisp nuggets.
Ingredients
4
servings
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1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch bite-sized nugget chunks
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1 ½ cups panko Japanese breadcrumbs, lightly toasted for maximum golden crunch
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½ cup all-purpose flour, for first dredging station
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2 large eggs, beaten with 2 tbsp buttermilk or whole milk
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⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese, mixed into panko for savory flavor
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1 tsp garlic powder and onion powder, divided between flour and breadcrumbs
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1 tsp smoked paprika, for golden color and aroma
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1 tsp kosher salt and cracked black pepper, seasoning chicken and dredge
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2 tbsp olive oil spray, for spritzing before baking
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Station & Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Set an oven-safe wire cooling rack inside a large rimmed baking sheet and spray rack lightly with oil. Cut chicken breasts into uniform 1.5-inch nugget pieces and pat dry.
Set Up 3-Step Dredge
Set up 3 shallow bowls. Bowl 1: Flour mixed with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and paprika. Bowl 2: Eggs whisked with buttermilk. Bowl 3: Toasted panko mixed with grated parmesan, remaining garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Dredge Chicken Nuggets
Working in batches, coat chicken pieces in flour (shaking off excess), dip into egg wash to coat completely, then press firmly into the panko-parmesan mixture until heavily crusted on all sides.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange breaded nuggets in a single layer on the prepared wire rack. Lightly spray tops with olive oil spray. Bake for 14-16 minutes until coating is deeply golden, crunchy, and internal chicken temperature registers 165°F.
Serve with Favorite Dips
Transfer hot crispy chicken nuggets to a serving basket. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and serve immediately alongside honey mustard and barbecue sauce!
Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks
Kitchen EssentialsAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack
Warp-resistant aluminum for even browning, from sheet-pan dinners to cookies.
View on AmazonVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef's Knife
Razor-sharp Fibrox Pro blade that home chefs and pros both reach for.
View on AmazonTILUCK Stainless Measuring Cups & Spoons, 10-Pc
Stainless steel cups and spoons that measure precisely and last.
View on AmazonMercer Culinary Locking Tongs, 9" + 12"
Locking tongs in two handy sizes for the stovetop and the grill.
View on AmazonAmazon Basics Non-Stick Parchment Paper Roll
Non-stick paper for lining pans – easy release, easy cleanup.
View on AmazonWoodenhouse Teak Wooden Spoons, 10-Pc
Teak spoons gentle on cookware and built for daily stirring.
View on AmazonOXO Good Grips Silicone Whisk Set, 9" + 11"
Silicone whisks safe for nonstick pans, in two sizes.
View on AmazonUltra Cuisine Stainless Cooling Rack Set of 2
Stainless racks that fit half sheets – for cooling bakes and crisping roasts.
View on AmazonUmite Chef Stainless Mixing Bowls with Lids, 8-Pc
Nesting stainless bowls with airtight lids, from prep to storage.
View on AmazonHamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer
Six speeds with a snap-on storage case for the beaters.
View on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Yes! Freeze breaded uncooked nuggets on a baking sheet for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen at 400°F for 18-20 minutes.
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs make exceptionally juicy, flavorful nuggets.
Homemade honey mustard, smoky barbecue sauce, buffalo ranch, or sweet-and-sour sauce are all fantastic pairings.
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