These Homemade Chicken Nuggets are everything you love about classic comfort food—tender, juicy chicken on the inside, perfectly crisp and golden on the outside. Marinated in buttermilk and spices, then breaded with a mix of panko and traditional breadcrumbs, they deliver satisfying crunch in every bite.
Ideal for picky eaters and adults alike, these nuggets are the real deal when it comes to flavor and texture. Whether served as a quick weeknight dinner, party snack, or lunchbox favorite, they’ll disappear faster than you can fry them. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces for a nostalgic, homemade meal everyone will crave.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
-
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
-
1 cup buttermilk
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
-
1/2 teaspoon paprika
-
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
-
1 cup all-purpose flour
-
1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
-
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
-
2 large eggs
-
Vegetable oil, for frying
Directions:
-
In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
-
Add chicken pieces to the bowl, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor).
-
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with the combined breadcrumbs.
-
Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
-
Dredge each piece in flour, dip into the egg wash, then coat evenly in the breadcrumb mixture.
-
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Fry chicken nuggets in batches for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
-
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
-
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Delicious Classic: Homemade Chicken Nuggets
When it comes to comfort food that pleases everyone—from kids to adults—homemade chicken nuggets are at the top of the list. Forget about processed, store-bought versions or fast-food options loaded with preservatives and excess sodium. This recipe delivers all the crunch and flavor you crave with none of the mystery. It’s a wholesome, crispy, juicy, and fully customizable meal you’ll want to keep on repeat in your weekly rotation.
These homemade nuggets are seasoned, soaked in buttermilk, and double-breaded to ensure an irresistibly crisp golden exterior and moist, tender interior. Whether served as a main course, a party snack, or a lunchbox favorite, this version gives you control over what goes into your food—and how good it tastes.
Why Buttermilk Makes a Difference
Buttermilk isn’t just for pancakes. In this recipe, it plays a crucial role as both a tenderizer and a flavor enhancer. The natural acidity in buttermilk breaks down proteins in the chicken, resulting in meat that’s juicy and incredibly tender. It also acts as a vehicle to help the seasoning penetrate more deeply into each bite.
By marinating the chicken in buttermilk for at least an hour (or overnight for maximum effect), you’ll notice a significant upgrade from your average nugget. It gives the chicken an unmistakable tang and helps the breading adhere better, creating that iconic crunch you can’t resist.
The Magic of the Breading Mix
Texture is everything when it comes to chicken nuggets, and this recipe doesn’t disappoint. A mixture of both plain and panko breadcrumbs ensures a layered crunch that holds up even after frying. Panko crumbs, originally from Japan, are light and airy, giving the nuggets that signature crisp coating, while regular breadcrumbs add density and a satisfying bite.
Flour creates the base for the dredging process and helps everything stick. Combined with a seasoned egg wash, this multi-step coating guarantees the perfect nugget: one that’s not too greasy, not too soft, but just right.
Frying Tips for Perfect Nuggets
Deep frying can be intimidating, but it’s surprisingly easy with a few key pointers. Always use a neutral oil with a high smoke point—vegetable or canola oil are great choices. Heat your oil to a steady 350°F (175°C) before adding the nuggets. Too cool and your nuggets will absorb oil and turn soggy; too hot and they’ll burn on the outside before cooking through.
Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause a drop in oil temperature and lead to uneven cooking. Fry in batches and place finished nuggets on a paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil.
Serving Suggestions and Dipping Sauces
Chicken nuggets are endlessly versatile. Serve them up with traditional sides like French fries, potato wedges, or mac and cheese. For a lighter twist, pair them with a fresh garden salad, sweet potato fries, or even roasted veggies.
When it comes to dips, the possibilities are limitless. Classic options include ketchup, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard. If you want to level things up, try homemade garlic aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, or a tangy buffalo blue cheese dip. You can even offer a variety so everyone at the table can find their perfect match.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
One of the best things about this homemade chicken nugget recipe is how family-friendly it is. Kids love nuggets—it’s just a fact. These homemade ones are not only healthier but also more flavorful than their fast-food counterparts.
This recipe is also great for hosting. Whether it’s a game day get-together, birthday party, or casual weekend hangout, nuggets are a surefire crowd-pleaser. Make a big batch and keep them warm in the oven if you’re feeding a group.
Freezing and Reheating
Homemade nuggets freeze well, which makes them ideal for meal prepping. Once they’ve cooled completely after frying, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
To reheat, skip the microwave if you want to preserve the crunch. Instead, bake them in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes or until heated through. They’ll taste nearly as good as fresh.
Healthier Modifications
Looking to make a lighter version? You can easily bake or air-fry these nuggets. For baking, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. For air-frying, cook at 390°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, depending on the size of the nuggets.
You can also experiment with whole wheat breadcrumbs, gluten-free flours, or even crushed cornflakes for different textures and dietary preferences.
Why Make Chicken Nuggets from Scratch?
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making chicken nuggets from scratch. You know exactly what’s going into them—no artificial preservatives, no unnecessary fillers, just real, whole ingredients. Plus, they taste exponentially better.
This recipe gives you full control over the seasoning and the level of crispiness, and it’s a fantastic way to get creative in the kitchen. You can even turn nugget-making into a fun family activity with kids helping to dip and dredge.
Conclusion: A Go-To Recipe for Any Occasion
Homemade chicken nuggets are more than just a quick meal—they’re a nostalgic classic reimagined with better ingredients and bigger flavor. Easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table, this recipe is a keeper.
Whether you’re making them for a weekday dinner, packing them in a school lunch, or serving them as a party appetizer, these nuggets will become your go-to. With their crispy exterior, juicy center, and crowd-pleasing taste, you’ll wonder why you ever relied on frozen nuggets in the first place.
This isn’t just a recipe—it’s a foundation for making real food that brings people together. Once you try it, you’ll never look at chicken nuggets the same way again.