Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Category: Main Courses
Serves: 30 pieces
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 500g |
| Bread | 80g |
| White onions | 50g |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt (fine) | 1 teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour | 80g |
| Whole milk | 80g |
| Eggs | 1 |
| Salt (to taste) | – |
| Breadcrumbs | 100g |
| Vegetable oil (for frying) | – |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 180 |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Begin by preparing the batter for the chicken nuggets. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, egg, and milk. Add a pinch of salt and whisk the mixture until smooth. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the batter set, ensuring it becomes the right consistency for coating.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Bread
While the batter is chilling, take the chicken breast and cut it into small chunks. Similarly, chop the bread into pieces, making sure they are small enough to be easily processed in the blender. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Chicken Nugget Filling
Transfer the chicken chunks, bread pieces, and chopped white onion into a food processor fitted with steel blades. Add the salt and Dijon mustard for extra flavor. Pulse the mixture several times until it forms a sticky, cohesive dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Once ready, scrape down the sides and transfer the mixture into a large bowl.
Step 4: Form the Chicken Nuggets
Lightly dampen your hands with water to prevent the chicken mixture from sticking. Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls, then gently shape them into the classic nugget form. Place each nugget onto a tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced evenly.
Step 5: Coat the Nuggets
Once all the nuggets have been shaped, dip each one individually into the batter you prepared earlier, ensuring it is well-coated. Then, roll each nugget in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure a crispy crust forms during frying.
Step 6: Fry the Nuggets
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or a fryer to around 170°C (340°F). The oil should be hot enough to fry the nuggets, but not so hot that they burn quickly. Carefully lower a few nuggets into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches for about 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until the nuggets are golden brown and crisp on all sides.
Step 7: Drain and Serve
Once the nuggets are fried to perfection, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Serve your homemade chicken nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauces—whether it be classic ketchup, tangy barbecue sauce, or a creamy ranch dressing. They make the perfect snack, appetizer, or main dish for a family meal!
Tips for Perfect Chicken Nuggets:
- For Extra Crispiness: Double-coat the nuggets with breadcrumbs for an even crunchier exterior.
- Flavor Variations: Add a pinch of garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb coating for extra flavor.
- Freezing Tip: If you want to make a batch ahead of time, freeze the uncooked nuggets on a baking sheet before transferring them into a zip-lock bag. Fry them directly from frozen whenever you’re ready to enjoy them!
This homemade chicken nugget recipe is a family favorite that everyone will love. Not only is it a great way to use fresh ingredients, but it’s also a healthier alternative to store-bought options. Enjoy these crunchy and delicious bites on a busy weeknight or as a special treat for a fun gathering.
