Introduction
Looking for a deliciously satisfying kids’ recipe that they’ll love, then look no further than this kids’ homemade chicken nuggets recipe! Crispy and golden, these nuggets are not only simple to prepare but flavorful and nutritious as well.
Homemade chicken nuggets are also much healthier than store-bought ones because you can decide what to put in them. This is great for family dinners, parties or a fun snack. So, let’s jump into this kid friendly easy and delicious recipe that will have your kiddos loving you even more!
Ingredients for Chicken Nuggets
To make your homemade chicken nuggets recipe, you will need a few simple and easy-to-find ingredients. Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which give these nuggets a tender and juicy foundation. You’ll also want breadcrumbs for that crispy outside.
To coat the chicken, you will need flour, eggs and a blend of spices including garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to season the chicken. You can also use Parmesan cheese in the breadcrumb mixture for an extra-rich coating. The gooeyness also makes it a great nugget that your kids are going to love.
Preparing the Chicken
The first step to making your chicken nuggets is making your chicken. Start by dicing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces approximately 1-inch to 2-inch pieces. Make sure pieces are even so they cook evenly.
Once the chicken has been cut, put the pieces in a bowl and season with salt, pepper and any other spices you enjoy. Gently toss the chicken pieces so they are coated in the seasonings. This is a crucial step in seasoning your homemade chicken nuggets recipe.
Setting Up a Breading Station
Next, you’ll want a breading station to make the coating process more efficient. Set out three shallow bowls, one with flour, one with beaten eggs and one with breadcrumbs. In the first bowl stir the all-purpose flour season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Add a couple of eggs to the second bowl, and beat them until very well mixed. Lastly, the third bowl should contain breadcrumbs, spices, and grated Parmesan cheese if you so desire. Everything in its place makes breading the chicken nuggets a breeze!
Coating the Chicken Pieces
With your chicken pieces and breading station set up, you can get to coating the chicken. Take a piece of chicken and dip it into the flour, making sure it’s covered on all sides. Brush off any excess flour before dipping in the beaten eggs.
Let any excess egg drip off, then transfer the chicken piece to the breadcrumb mixture. Gently press the breadcrumbs to make sure it sticks to the chicken well. Do this for all the chicken pieces until they are all thoroughly coated. It helps to get that crispy coating to your homemade chicken nuggets recipe.
Preheating the Oven
As you’re tossing the chicken, you should preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking the nuggets until they are a lovely golden brown and cooked through.
For a healthier alternative to frying, baking is the perfect way to get crispy chicken nuggets. By preheating, you ensure that your nuggets will start cooking the moment they hit the oven, yielding even cooking and a wonderfully crunchy exterior.
Baking the Nuggets
When your oven is preheated, it’s time to bake the coated chicken nuggets. Preheat oven to 375° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or coat with cooking spray. Place each breaded chicken piece in a single layer on the baking sheet, being careful not to overcrowd.
Place the nuggets into the heated oven for approximately 15-20 minutes, turning over halfway to ensure even cooking. The nuggets are cooked through when they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Crispy Option
For even crispier chicken nuggets, fry them instead of bake. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, transfer the breaded chicken pieces to the hot oil, being careful not to crowd the pan.
Fry until nuggets are golden brown; about 4-5 minutes per side. Absolutely opt for the frying method as it will provide you with that signature fast food texture children love, and will help make your homemade chicken nuggets recipe the envy of others!