Name: Homemade Ground Chicken Nuggets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup milk; 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs; 1 lb ground chicken breast; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1/4 cup oat flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup plain breadcrumbs

If you’ve ever wished for tender, juicy chicken nuggets made from scratch—crispy on the outside, flavorful on the inside—your wish is about to come true! These Homemade Ground Chicken Nuggets are a game-changer, perfect for lunchboxes, weeknight dinners, or snack time. Imagine biting into a golden, crunchy nugget that melts in your mouth with the savory flavor of perfectly seasoned chicken.

Making nuggets from scratch may sound intimidating, but trust me, it’s much easier than it seems—and infinitely better than store-bought. You control the ingredients, the seasonings, and the level of crispiness. Plus, these nuggets are incredibly versatile: dip them in ketchup, honey mustard, or even spicy mayo for an irresistible treat everyone will love.

Recipe Origin

Chicken nuggets are a beloved comfort food around the world, but most store-bought versions are highly processed and heavy in oil. This recipe takes inspiration from classic fast-food nuggets but transforms them into a healthier, homemade version with ground chicken, a flavorful breadcrumb coating, and a crispy baked exterior. It’s simple, wholesome, and just as fun to make as it is to eat.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowl
Fork or whisk
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or nonstick cooking spray
Measuring cups and spoons
Shallow bowls for breading
Oven or air fryer

Why You’ll Love Homemade Ground Chicken Nuggets

Crispy & Flavorful

Golden breadcrumb coating gives a satisfying crunch while the chicken inside stays juicy and tender.

Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing

Perfect for picky eaters, snack plates, or casual dinners with the whole family.

Healthier Alternative

Baked instead of fried, so you get all the flavor with less oil.

Quick & Simple

Minimal ingredients and easy assembly make these nuggets perfect for busy nights.

Customizable

Add your favorite spices, herbs, or dipping sauces to make them your own.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Pat the chicken mixture dry: This ensures the breadcrumbs stick and the nuggets crisp perfectly.
Preheat the oven: A hot oven helps the nuggets cook evenly and brown beautifully.
Use a rack: Baking on a wire rack allows air to circulate and keeps nuggets crispy all around.
Season generously: Don’t be shy with spices in the chicken mixture and breadcrumb coating.
Serve immediately: Nuggets are crispiest right out of the oven.

Ingredients in Homemade Ground Chicken Nuggets

Milk & plain breadcrumbs: Keep the chicken mixture moist and flavorful.
Ground chicken breast: Tender and lean, the perfect base for homemade nuggets.
Large egg: Helps bind the mixture together.
Oat flour: Adds structure and a subtle nutty flavor.
Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, & black pepper: Infuse the nuggets with savory, aromatic flavor.
Plain breadcrumbs (for breading): Create a golden, crunchy exterior that everyone will love.

(Note: the full ingredient list, with measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray with cooking oil.

Mix the Nugget Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, milk, breadcrumbs, egg, oat flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until fully combined but avoid overmixing.

Shape the Nuggets

Use your hands or a small cookie scoop to form the mixture into bite-sized nuggets.

Bread the Nuggets

Place plain breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. Roll each nugget in the breadcrumbs until fully coated. Press gently to help breadcrumbs adhere.

Bake the Nuggets

Arrange nuggets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces—ketchup, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or spicy mayo all work beautifully. These nuggets are perfect for meals, snacks, or parties.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~250–300
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Homemade Ground Chicken Nuggets

With Veggies: Pair with roasted vegetables or a side salad for a balanced meal.
In Sandwiches: Turn nuggets into sliders with buns, lettuce, and sauce.
With Fries: Classic pairing with oven-baked or sweet potato fries.
For Parties: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces for fun finger food.
Lunchboxes: Perfect cold or reheated for a kid-friendly lunch.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Prep Ahead: Form nuggets in advance and store uncooked in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Storage: Store cooked nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Freezing: Freeze uncooked or cooked nuggets in a single layer, then transfer to freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Variations to Try

Spicy Nuggets: Add cayenne or chili powder to the chicken mixture.
Cheesy Nuggets: Mix shredded cheddar or Parmesan into the chicken mixture for extra flavor.
Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and oat flour.
Air-Fryer Version: Cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes for an extra crispy result.

Additional Tips

Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure nuggets bake evenly.
Press breadcrumbs gently into the nuggets for better adhesion.
Serve immediately for optimal crispiness.
Experiment with dipping sauces for a fun flavor twist.
Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken every time.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use pre-made chicken mince?
A1: Yes, just ensure it’s lean and properly seasoned.

Q2: Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour?
A2: Yes, all-purpose flour works fine.

Q3: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A3: Substitute milk with almond milk or other plant-based milk.

Q4: Can I bake instead of frying?
A4: Yes, this recipe is designed to be baked for a healthier option.

Q5: Can I make nuggets in an air fryer?
A5: Absolutely, cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes.

Q6: Can I freeze these nuggets after baking?
A6: Yes, let them cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers.

Q7: How do I keep nuggets crispy after reheating?
A7: Reheat in the oven rather than microwave for best texture.

Q8: Can I make these gluten-free?
A8: Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and oat flour.

Q9: Can I add cheese to the nuggets?
A9: Definitely, shredded cheddar or Parmesan works beautifully.

Q10: Can I add spices for more flavor?
A10: Yes! Paprika, cumin, or garlic powder are all great additions.

Conclusion

These Homemade Ground Chicken Nuggets are a simple, flavorful, and healthier take on a classic favorite. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with savory seasonings, they’re perfect for meals, snacks, or parties. From picky eaters to adults craving comfort food, these nuggets are a hit for everyone. Grab your ingredients, form your nuggets, and enjoy a homemade version of this beloved favorite—trust me, you’re going to love every bite!