CHICKEN NUGGETS Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating that iconic crispy, tender, and ultra-flavorful bite at home, this is the CHICKEN NUGGETS recipe you need in your life. These little golden wonders are juicy on the inside, perfectly seasoned with a paprika-garlic kick, and blessed with a light yet satisfyingly crunchy exterior. There’s something truly magical about pulling a batch of these out of the fryer, fresh and piping hot, ready to dunk and devour. These homemade CHICKEN NUGGETS will satisfy your fast-food cravings and might just become the new gold standard in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple, using fresh and essential ingredients that truly make the difference in every bite. Each one plays a vital role in delivering authentic flavor and the irresistible texture that defines classic CHICKEN NUGGETS.
- Chicken breast (300 g): Gives your nuggets that lean, tender base and keeps them juicy.
- Chicken thighs (250 g): Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture — don’t skip this for ultimate nugget heaven.
- Salt (2 tsp & 1 tbsp): Balances flavors and seasons both the chicken mixture and coating perfectly.
- Sugar (1 tsp): Brings balance and subtle sweetness that enhances the savory notes.
- MSG (1/2 tsp): Used sparingly, amps up that savory, crave-worthy flavor you love from the best nuggets.
- Garlic powder (2 tsp & 2 tsp): Delivers depth and warmth, threading through both the chicken and batter.
- Onion powder (2 tsp & 1 tsp): Lends that mellow, “can’t-stop-eating” flavor.
- Paprika (1 tsp & 1 tsp): Adds gentle color and subtle smokiness to both filling and coating.
- Black pepper (2 tsp & 1 tsp): Offers a bit of punch in every bite.
- Egg (1): Binds the chicken mixture and helps it fry up perfectly tender.
- Plain flour (1 cup & 1 cup): Important for both the batter and the dredge, creating irresistible crunch.
- Cornflour (1 cup): Gives the coating that signature light texture — so crispy!
- Mustard powder (1 tsp): Lends a subtle tang, echoing your favorite classic nugget flavor.
- Potato starch (1 cup): Works with flour to dial up the crisp factor.
- Cold water (2 cups): Keeps the batter loose, ensuring a thin, shatteringly crisp shell.
- Oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil (like canola or sunflower) that can handle high heat for best results.
How to Make CHICKEN NUGGETS
Step 1: Blend the Chicken Mixture
Start by combining both chicken breast and thighs in a food processor or chopper. Add in 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon MSG, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 2 teaspoons black pepper, and a whole egg. Process everything until you have a super smooth, sticky mixture. This emulsification is key for nuggets that are juicy inside and never fall apart while frying.
Step 2: Shape and Freeze
On a baking tray lined with parchment, scoop out portions of the chicken mixture and gently shape them into classic nugget ovals with damp hands. Don’t stress about perfection! Pop the tray into the freezer for 30 minutes. This quick chill helps the CHICKEN NUGGETS keep their form when coated and fried, ensuring they come out plump and picture-perfect.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour 2 to 3 inches of frying oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Set it over medium-high heat and bring it up to 350°F (175°C). The right oil temperature is crucial for even cooking and that ultimate golden crunch. Using a thermometer is the easiest way to avoid greasy nuggets and achieve that signature bite.
Step 4: Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup plain flour, 1 cup cornflour, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon mustard powder, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Gradually add the 2 cups of icy-cold water until you get a runny, smooth batter. Cold batter results in shockingly crisp nuggets — trust me, this step is a game changer!
Step 5: Prepare the Dredge
In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together 1 cup plain flour and 1 cup potato starch. This simple flour-starch combo works with the batter to give each nugget a crunchy, light finish you’ll absolutely love.
Step 6: Dredge and Batter
Take your semi-frozen chicken nuggets from the freezer. First, coat each one in the flour-potato starch mixture, tapping off any excess. Then, dunk each nugget into the thin batter so it’s evenly coated. The double-coating magic is what gives these CHICKEN NUGGETS their irresistible shell!
Step 7: Fry to Golden Perfection
Carefully add the battered nuggets into the hot oil a few at a time. Don’t overcrowd the pot or you’ll lose that crave-worthy crispness. Fry for 7 to 8 minutes, turning once or twice, until the nuggets are deeply golden and floating. Remove each batch with a slotted spoon and set on a wire rack to drain. Your kitchen is about to smell incredible!
Step 8: Repeat and Enjoy!
Continue the coating and frying process in batches until every homemade nugget is done. Serve your CHICKEN NUGGETS hot from the rack — the fun part is choosing your favorite dipping sauce and watching them disappear!
How to Serve CHICKEN NUGGETS
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a dusting of smoked paprika, or a handful of chopped parsley adds just the right finishing touch. For a playful twist, try a little grated parmesan or even a few drops of hot honey right after frying — these extras make the CHICKEN NUGGETS pop visually and bring an extra layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
You honestly can’t go wrong with the classics: crispy fries, herbed potato wedges, or a cool side of coleslaw all pair beautifully. If you want a lighter option, go for a big green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or freshly cut veggie sticks with your favorite dips to balance those golden CHICKEN NUGGETS.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile the nuggets into small paper cones for a party, arrange them on a platter with a trio of dipping sauces, or thread a few onto skewers for kid-friendly fun. For a main course, nestle your CHICKEN NUGGETS into slider buns with lettuce and pickles, or toss them over a crisp salad for the ultimate homemade fast-food salad bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your CHICKEN NUGGETS cool fully, then transfer them to an airtight container layered with parchment to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days while keeping most of their crunch and flavor.
Freezing
If you’ve made extra (or planned ahead!), freeze the uncooked, shaped nuggets on a tray until solid, then move to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. You can fry these straight from the freezer; just add a minute or two to the frying time. Leftover cooked nuggets also freeze beautifully — reheat directly from frozen for best results.
Reheating
Give leftover nuggets new life by reheating them in a 400°F (200°C) oven or an air fryer until piping hot and crisp again, about 7 to 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave; it makes the crust soggy and the texture less than nugget-worthy.
FAQs
Can I make CHICKEN NUGGETS without MSG?
Absolutely! Skip the MSG if you prefer — your nuggets will still be packed with savory flavor thanks to the generous blend of seasonings. If you want an extra kick of umami, a splash of soy sauce in the chicken mix is a great alternative.
What oil is best for frying?
Neutral oils with a high smoke point, like canola, sunflower, or peanut, are ideal for frying CHICKEN NUGGETS. Avoid olive oil or anything with a strong flavor, as you want the chicken and seasonings to shine.
How do I keep my nuggets crispy after frying?
Drain the freshly fried nuggets on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This allows air to circulate and helps that golden crust stay crunchy. If you need to keep them warm, pop them in a low oven (200°F or 90°C) on the rack until serving.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the coated nuggets on a lined baking sheet at 425°F (220°C), spraying them lightly with oil first. While they won’t be quite as shatteringly crisp as the fried version, they’ll still be delicious and a tad lighter.
Do I really need to freeze the shaped nuggets before frying?
Freezing helps the nuggets keep their shape and hold up to coating and frying, ensuring that iconic nugget texture. If you’re short on time, even a 15–20 minute chill will help, but 30 minutes in the freezer is ideal for best results.
Final Thoughts
Making your own CHICKEN NUGGETS might just turn into your new favorite kitchen ritual. Once you taste that perfect crunch and savory, tender bite, you’ll never look at store-bought the same way again. Gather your friends or family, whip up a big batch, and watch them vanish — they’re that irresistible!
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CHICKEN NUGGETS Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious homemade crispy chicken nuggets with this easy recipe. These nuggets are seasoned to perfection and fried until crispy on the outside while juicy on the inside. Perfect for a family-friendly meal or party snack!
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture:
- 300 g chicken breast
- 250 g chicken thighs
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp MSG
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg
Thin Batter:
- 1 cup plain flour
- 1 cup cornflour
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- 2 cups cold water
Coating Mixture:
- 1 cup plain flour
- 1 cup potato starch
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a chopper, combine chicken thighs, chicken breast, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, sugar, black pepper, and MSG. Add egg and process until smooth.
- Shape and Freeze Nuggets: Shape chicken mixture into nuggets and freeze for 30 minutes.
- Heat Oil: Heat frying oil in a pot.
- Prepare Thin Batter: Whisk plain flour, cornflour, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and mustard powder. Add water to form a runny batter.
- Prepare Coating Mixture: Combine plain flour and potato starch.
- Coat Nuggets: Coat frozen nuggets in flour mixture, then dip in thin batter.
- Fry Nuggets: Fry coated nuggets in hot oil until crispy and golden brown.
- Drain and Serve: Remove nuggets from oil, drain on a wire rack, and serve hot with dipping sauce.
Notes
- You can customize the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture.
- Do not overcrowd the pot while frying to ensure even cooking.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: chicken nuggets, crispy, homemade, party snack, family-friendly, easy recipe
