These crispy and golden chicken nuggets are perfect for a quick snack or a fun meal. Made with tender chicken breast pieces, they are coated in a flavorful breading and fried to perfection. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious treat.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually keep breadcrumbs at home, you might need to pick some up at the supermarket. Look for plain or seasoned breadcrumbs in the baking aisle. Additionally, make sure you have enough vegetable oil for frying, as this recipe requires a cup of it.

Ingredients For Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Chicken breast: The main protein, cut into bite-sized pieces for easy frying.
All-purpose flour: Used to create the first layer of coating for the chicken.
Eggs: Beaten to help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
Breadcrumbs: Provides the crispy outer layer for the nuggets.
Salt: Adds flavor to the coating mixture.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of spice and flavor to the coating.
Vegetable oil: Used for frying the chicken nuggets until they are golden brown.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To achieve an extra crispy texture on your chicken nuggets, try double-coating them. After the initial coating of flour mixture, eggs, and breadcrumbs, dip them back into the eggs and then into the breadcrumbs again. This additional layer will create a thicker, crunchier crust when fried.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable alternative for chicken breast in nuggets.
chicken breast - Substitute with tofu: For a vegetarian option, firm tofu can mimic the texture of chicken when marinated and breaded.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour provides a slightly nuttier flavor and adds more fiber to the recipe.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can create a lighter and crispier coating compared to all-purpose flour.
eggs - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken and adds a slight tangy flavor.
eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: For a vegan option, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water to replace one egg.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and flakier, resulting in a crispier texture.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes add a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor while also providing the necessary saltiness.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor profile but can be used similarly to black pepper.
vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for frying.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used for frying at medium heat and adds a distinct flavor to the nuggets.
Other Alternative Recipes
How To Store / Freeze Your Nuggets
Allow the chicken nuggets to cool completely at room temperature before storing or freezing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
For storing in the refrigerator:
- Place the cooled chicken nuggets in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken nuggets on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
For freezing:
- Arrange the cooled chicken nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Freeze for 1-2 hours, or until solid.
- Transfer the frozen chicken nuggets to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label with the date.
- Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To reheat from frozen:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the frozen chicken nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
For a quicker reheating option:
- Use an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the frozen chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken nuggets are hot and crispy.
Avoid microwaving the chicken nuggets as it can make them rubbery and less crispy.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.
Microwave Method: Place the chicken nuggets on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking and turning them halfway through. Note that this method may not retain the crispiness as well as others.
Skillet Method: Heat a small amount of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken nuggets and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are heated through and crispy.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken nuggets on the toaster oven tray. Heat for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are warm and crispy.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the flour, salt, and pepper.
Whisk: This will help you beat the eggs until they are well mixed.
Cutting board: Essential for cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
Knife: A sharp knife is necessary for cutting the chicken breast.
Frying pan: Use this to heat the oil and fry the chicken nuggets.
Tongs: Handy for turning the chicken pieces while frying to ensure they cook evenly.
Paper towels: Place these on a plate to drain excess oil from the fried chicken nuggets.
Plate: Use this to hold the chicken nuggets after they are fried and drained.
Measuring cups: These will help you measure out the flour, breadcrumbs, and oil accurately.
Thermometer: Optional, but useful for checking the oil temperature to ensure it’s hot enough for frying.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and measure out the flour, breadcrumbs, and seasonings the night before.
Use a breading station: Set up a breading station with separate bowls for flour mixture, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs to streamline the coating process.
Batch frying: Fry multiple chicken nuggets at once to save time, ensuring the oil temperature remains consistent.
Drain efficiently: Use a wire rack over a baking sheet instead of paper towels to drain excess oil quickly and keep the nuggets crispy.

Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Chicken Breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 units Eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 cup Vegetable Oil, for frying
Instructions
- 1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and pepper.
- 2. Dip chicken pieces into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- 3. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- 4. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- 5. Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve hot.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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