Homemade Chicken Nuggets

These homemade Chicken Nuggets are made with ground chicken and panko breadcrumbs. They can be oven baked, fried, or cooked in the airfryer. Your kids will love to eat these and can even help you make them!

Prep Time20

Cook Time15

Total Time35

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: Nuggets

Calories: 85kcal

Author: Stephanie

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

Preheat oven to 375° F.
Add the bread to a large bowl and pour the milk on top. Let it absorb for 2-3 minutes. (Note: If using breadcrumbs instead of bread, you my need to add 1-2 more tablespoons of milk.) Add the garlic salt and pepper and stir to combine.
Add the ground chicken and mix until just combined. Use a tablespoon to scoop out the mixture, form into nuggets, and set aside.
Combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley in a small bowl.
Brush each side of the nuggets with the whisked egg. Transfer them to the breading and generously coat until completely covered. Transfer to a light-colored, lightly greased baking sheet.
Brush half of the melted butter on the top of the nuggets.
Bake for 7 minutes and remove from the oven. If some nuggets are darker than others, place the darker ones in the middle of the baking sheet and the lighter ones on the outside.
Brush each side with the remaining butter and bake for 8 more minutes. Remove and serve!

Notes

You can make your own ground chicken by placing cubes of chicken breasts in a food processor and pulsing to the right consistency. (You’ll need about 2 small chicken breasts for a pound.) Boneless chicken thighs can also be used.
Crushed Cornflakes can be used instead of breadcrumbs if desired. They are more golden in color so the butter is not as necessary for color but can still be added for taste.
Try my Baked Chicken Tenders and Fried Chicken Tenders next!

Air Fryer Method:
Brush the top and bottom of the nuggets with 3 TBS butter or spray with canola oil. Air fry at 400 degrees for 8 minutes. Flip them halfway through.

To Freeze:

If you plan on freezing, flash freeze the unbaked nuggets on a plate in the freezer for an hour, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

To Bake From Frozen:

Bake at 400 degrees for 15-18 minutes.

Nutritional information is an estimate and is per nugget. This recipe makes approximately 17 chicken nuggets.

Nutrition