Few comfort foods can rival the simple joy of biting into a warm, golden, crispy chicken nugget. Whether you’re making a batch for your kids, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something crunchy and satisfying, homemade chicken nuggets are the way to go.
Unlike fast-food nuggets, these are made with real chicken breast, minimal oil, and pantry-friendly ingredients. You’ll never want to buy chicken nuggets from the store again once you learn how to make them from scratch.
Why Make Chicken Nuggets at Home
There’s a reason so many food lovers are searching for how to make chicken nuggets at home. Store-bought nuggets often contain preservatives, fillers, and mystery ingredients. Making them yourself gives you:
- Control over ingredients – Use fresh, quality chicken.
- Better flavor – Customize the seasonings to your taste.
- Healthier results – Bake or air-fry instead of deep-frying.
- Fun and rewarding experience – Great for family cooking nights.
And with this guide, you’ll learn both the fried and baked versions — plus a spicy McDonald’s-inspired twist for those who like a little heat.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make about 4 servings (20–24 nuggets):
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
For the Breading Station:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (plain or panko for extra crunch)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Optional for Spicy McDonald’s-Style Nuggets:
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
For Frying:
- Vegetable or canola oil (enough for shallow frying, about 2–3 cups)
For Baking (Healthier Option):
- Nonstick cooking spray or olive oil spray
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized, evenly sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture—this step helps the coating stick better and gives you crispier nuggets.
Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. If making the spicy version, add cayenne pepper and chili powder here too. Toss to coat well.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
Arrange three shallow bowls:
- Flour mixture – combine flour, salt, and pepper.
- Egg wash – beat the eggs and milk together.
- Breadcrumbs – place plain or panko crumbs in a third bowl (add paprika or chili flakes if desired).
Step 3: Bread the Nuggets
Dip each chicken piece into:
- Flour (shake off excess),
- Egg wash,
- Breadcrumbs (press gently to coat completely).
Place the coated nuggets on a tray or parchment-lined plate. Let them rest for 10–15 minutes to help the coating adhere firmly.
Step 4 (A): Frying Method (for Classic Crispiness)
- Heat oil in a large skillet or frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add a few nuggets at a time—don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels.
Pro tip: For best results, use a cooking thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 4 (B): Baking Method (for a Healthier Option)
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Spray lightly with nonstick spray.
- Arrange the nuggets in a single layer.
- Spray the tops with a little olive oil.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
For extra crispiness, broil the nuggets for the last 1–2 minutes—just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
From Soft to Super Crispy — Here’s the Trick
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.
- Double-coat the nuggets (flour → egg → breadcrumbs → egg → breadcrumbs) for extra crunch.
- Avoid soggy nuggets by not crowding them while frying or baking.
- Freeze before cooking if you want to meal prep—frozen nuggets fry or bake beautifully.
- Add cornstarch to your flour mix (1 tablespoon per cup) for a lighter, crispier coating
Variations: Spicy McDonald’s-Style Chicken Nuggets
Love those spicy chicken nuggets McDonald’s made famous? You can easily recreate them at home:
- Add 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper and ½ teaspoon chili powder to your flour mix.
- Mix ¼ teaspoon hot sauce into your egg wash.
- Use smoked paprika in your breadcrumbs for deeper color and flavor.
- Pair with a creamy sriracha mayo dip or honey mustard sauce for that authentic fast-food flair.
These spicy nuggets have a satisfying kick and a restaurant-quality crisp that rivals McDonald’s—minus the drive-thru wait!
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approx. 5–6 nuggets)
| Nutrient | Fried | Baked |
| Calories | 320 | 220 |
| Protein | 25g | 25g |
| Fat | 18g | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 15g |
| Fiber | 1g | 1g |
| Sodium | 480mg | 420mg |
| Sugar | 0g | 0g |
Note: Values may vary based on ingredients and portion size.
From Pan to Plate: Delicious Serving Ideas
Homemade chicken nuggets pair perfectly with:
- French fries or sweet potato fries
- A side of coleslaw or garden salad
- Classic dips like ketchup, ranch, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce
If you’re hosting a family meal or game night, serve them in a basket lined with parchment paper for that authentic diner-style presentation.
No Soggy Nuggets: Your Guide to Reheating Perfection
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Place in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag (lasts up to 2 months).
- Reheat:
- Oven: 375°F for 10 minutes
- Air fryer: 380°F for 5–6 minutes
Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crispy.
Taste the Difference with Regency Cafe
At Regency Cafe, we believe great food starts with real ingredients and simple, time-tested recipes. Whether you’re trying this recipe at home or visiting us for a warm, hearty meal, we’re passionate about serving food that brings comfort and flavor to every plate.
If you enjoyed this recipe, explore more on our Regency Cafe menu or visit our blog section for more home-style cooking tips and recipes made with love.
