Hey everyone, welcome back to my channel! Today, we're diving into a family favorite: homemade chicken nuggets! If you're a parent, you know the struggle of finding healthy and delicious snacks that your kids will actually eat. So, I'm super excited to share my go-to recipe for chicken nuggets, as seen in my recent mommy vlog. These aren't your average frozen nuggets, guys; we're talking about crispy, juicy, and flavorful nuggets that you can feel good about serving. Get ready to ditch the drive-thru and embrace homemade goodness! I've been making this recipe for years, and it's a total game-changer. My kids absolutely love them, and I love that I know exactly what's going into their food. Plus, it's a fun activity to do together in the kitchen! This chicken nugget recipe is super versatile. You can easily customize it to your family's preferences. Want a little spice? Add some cayenne pepper to the breading. Prefer a milder flavor? Skip the spices altogether or use a pre-made seasoning blend. The possibilities are endless. And the best part? These nuggets are a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. You can finely chop some zucchini or carrots and add them to the chicken mixture, and your kids won't even notice. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let's get cooking! I'm going to walk you through every step, from prepping the chicken to achieving that perfect golden-brown crispiness. I'll also share some tips and tricks I've learned along the way to make the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Trust me, once you make these homemade chicken nuggets, you'll never go back to the store-bought ones! They're so much tastier, healthier, and surprisingly easy to make. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or even a fun lunchbox treat. So, let's get started and make some delicious chicken nuggets that the whole family will love. We will also talk about a few variations to shake things up. This is also super freezer friendly, so you can make a big batch, freeze them, and have them ready to go whenever you need a quick and easy meal or snack. Let's make some nuggets!

Ingredients You'll Need for the Best Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Alright, before we get started, let's gather all the ingredients. Here's what you'll need to make these amazing homemade chicken nuggets:

• Chicken: The star of the show! You'll need about 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I prefer using chicken breasts because they're lean and easy to work with, but you can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier nugget.
• Seasonings: This is where you can get creative and customize the flavor to your liking. I typically use a combination of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. But feel free to experiment with other spices like cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even a little bit of dried herbs like oregano or thyme. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
• Breading: This is what gives the nuggets their crispy coating. You'll need all-purpose flour for the first layer, eggs for the wet layer, and breadcrumbs for the final layer. I like to use panko breadcrumbs because they create an extra crispy texture, but regular breadcrumbs will work just fine too. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for an extra layer of flavor.
• Oil: For frying. I recommend using a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. This will help prevent the nuggets from burning and ensure they cook evenly.

That's it, guys! Pretty simple, right? Don't be intimidated by the list of ingredients. Most of them are pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. Plus, the end result is totally worth it. Once you have all your ingredients ready to go, the actual cooking process is a breeze. I'll walk you through each step in detail so you can make these nuggets with confidence. And remember, feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. The best part about cooking at home is that you can tailor the flavors to your own preferences. So, let's move on to the next step and start preparing our chicken!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Chicken Nuggets Like a Pro

Okay, now that we have all our ingredients ready, let's get down to the fun part: making the chicken nuggets! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve nugget perfection.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by trimming any excess fat from your chicken breasts. Then, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch in size. You can either cut them into nugget shapes, or you can use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes for the kids. This is also a good opportunity to add some extra veggies to the mix, finely chop some vegetables, and mix them into the chicken. Place the chicken pieces in a bowl.
2. Season the Chicken: In the same bowl with the chicken, add your seasonings. Remember, feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking! Mix the chicken and seasonings. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Set Up Your Breading Station: This is the key to creating a crispy coating. You'll need three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place your all-purpose flour. In the second dish, whisk together your eggs. And in the third dish, place your breadcrumbs. You can also add some of your seasonings to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
4. Bread the Chicken: This is where the magic happens! Take a piece of chicken and first dredge it in the flour, making sure it's fully coated. Shake off any excess flour. Then, dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs adhere. Repeat this process with all the chicken pieces.
5. Fry the Nuggets: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a breadcrumb sizzles immediately when dropped in. Carefully place the breaded chicken nuggets in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry the nuggets for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they're golden brown and cooked through. You may need to cook the nuggets in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Use a slotted spoon to remove the nuggets from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the homemade chicken nuggets immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch dressing. And there you have it, folks – delicious homemade chicken nuggets that the whole family will love! These nuggets are best served hot, but they also taste great cold or at room temperature. For meal prepping, you can make a large batch of these nuggets and store them in the freezer. To reheat, you can bake them in the oven, air fry them, or microwave them. They're a versatile and convenient meal option that you can enjoy any time.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Nuggets Every Time

Making homemade chicken nuggets is easy, but here are some tips and tricks to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

• Don't Overcrowd the Skillet: When frying the nuggets, it's important not to overcrowd the skillet. Overcrowding the skillet will lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy nuggets. Cook the nuggets in batches, allowing enough space between each nugget for even cooking.
• Use a Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). This will ensure that your nuggets are safe to eat and cooked properly.
• Adjust the Seasonings: Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to create your own unique flavor. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat, or use different herbs and spices. The possibilities are endless!
• Bread the Chicken Properly: Make sure to coat the chicken in the flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs in that order. This will ensure that the breading adheres to the chicken and creates a crispy coating. Press the breadcrumbs gently onto the chicken to help them stick.
• Use Fresh Oil: For the best results, use fresh oil for frying. If the oil is old or has been used multiple times, it can affect the flavor and texture of the nuggets. You can also strain the oil after frying to remove any breadcrumbs or debris and reuse it.
• Freeze for Later: Chicken nuggets are great for meal prepping. Make a big batch of nuggets and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This will prevent the nuggets from sticking together. Reheat the frozen nuggets in the oven, air fryer, or microwave when you're ready to eat them.

Dipping Sauce Ideas to Elevate Your Chicken Nuggets

No chicken nugget experience is complete without the perfect dipping sauce! Here are some fun dipping sauce ideas to go with your homemade nuggets:

• Ketchup: The classic choice! Always a safe bet for the kids.
• Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy option that pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken.
• Ranch Dressing: A creamy and flavorful choice that's always a hit.
• BBQ Sauce: Adds a smoky and savory element to your nuggets.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: A sweet, spicy, and tangy option for those who like a little kick.
• Buffalo Sauce: For the spice lovers, add a dash of buffalo sauce to your chicken nuggets for that extra kick.
• Sriracha Mayo: Mix Sriracha into your mayonnaise for a spicy, creamy dip.
• Tzatziki Sauce: A refreshing and herby option.

Experiment with different sauces to find your favorite combinations. Or, let everyone choose their own dip for a fun and interactive meal. You can also get creative and make your own dipping sauces! Mix some ketchup and mayonnaise for a special kid-friendly sauce, or make a homemade honey mustard dressing. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and have fun!

Conclusion: Making Memories with Homemade Chicken Nuggets

There you have it, guys – everything you need to know about making delicious homemade chicken nuggets! From the ingredients to the step-by-step instructions, I hope this recipe has inspired you to ditch the frozen nuggets and try making your own. Trust me, it's worth it! Not only are these nuggets healthier and tastier, but they're also a fun activity to do with your kids. It's a great way to create memories in the kitchen and teach them about cooking and healthy eating habits. Plus, it's a win-win for everyone – the kids get a delicious meal, and you know exactly what's going into their food. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to make some amazing chicken nuggets! Don't forget to watch my mommy vlog for a visual demonstration of the whole process. And be sure to share your creations with me. I'd love to see your homemade chicken nuggets and hear about your favorite dipping sauces. Happy cooking, and I'll see you in the next video!