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Crispy Chicken Nuggets From Scratch Easy Homemade Recipe for Perfect Snack

crispy chicken nuggets - featured image

A quick and easy homemade recipe for crispy chicken nuggets with a double-dip coating method that delivers a crunchy crust and juicy chicken inside. Perfect for snacks, meals, and crowd-pleasing occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Vegetable or canola oil for frying, about 1 inch deep

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken breast into 1 to 1.5-inch pieces and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a shallow bowl, mix flour, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
  3. Beat eggs in a separate bowl until smooth; bring to room temperature.
  4. In a third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese if using.
  5. Dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour, shake off excess.
  6. Dip into the egg wash, coating fully.
  7. Press into the breadcrumb mixture, covering all sides; place on a plate.
  8. Heat oil in a heavy skillet to about 350°F (175°C), about 1 inch deep.
  9. Fry nuggets in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
  10. Drain nuggets on paper towels and let rest for a minute before serving.

Notes

Keep oil temperature steady around 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt nuggets. Use the double-coating method (flour, egg, breadcrumbs) for best crunch. Do not overcrowd the pan when frying. Dry chicken pieces before coating to help breading stick. For baking, spray nuggets lightly with oil and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

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