Name: Ground Chicken Nuggets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 lb (450g) ground chicken; – 1/2 teaspoon salt; – 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; – 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; – 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; – 1/2 teaspoon paprika; – 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano; – 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional); – 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs; – 1 large egg; – 1 tablespoon olive oil; – 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for coating); – 1/4 cup milk (optional, for moisture); – Cooking spray or additional olive oil (for baking or air frying)

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There’s just something about chicken nuggets that makes them impossible to resist. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and downright addictive. But these homemade Ground Chicken Nuggets take things to the next level! Made with simple ingredients, they’re way better than anything from a fast-food drive-thru—healthier, tastier, and completely customizable. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never go back to store-bought nuggets again!

Why You’ll Love Ground Chicken Nuggets

This recipe isn’t just about making nuggets—it’s about creating the ultimate crispy, juicy bite that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making a fun family dinner, prepping snacks for the week, or looking for a better alternative to frozen nuggets, this recipe is a winner. Here’s why:

Versatile: Perfect as a meal, snack, or even as party appetizers with dipping sauces.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples and ground chicken, making it cost-effective.

Quick and Easy: No complicated steps—just mix, shape, coat, and fry or bake!

Customizable: Adjust the seasonings, use different coatings, or make them spicy for an extra kick.

Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by kids and adults alike! These nuggets always disappear fast.

Ingredients

Ingredients in Ground Chicken Nuggets

These nuggets are packed with flavor and have the perfect crispy coating. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Chicken: The star of the show! It makes the nuggets tender and juicy.

Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the mixture and adds texture. Use panko for extra crunch.

Egg: Works as a binder to keep everything together.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Adds depth of flavor and a little savory kick.

Paprika: Brings mild smokiness and color to the nuggets.

Salt & Black Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor—season to taste!

Parmesan Cheese (Optional): Adds a cheesy, umami boost to the coating.

Flour: Helps the breading stick for a perfect crispy exterior.

Milk or Water: Keeps the mixture moist and easy to shape.

Oil (for Frying): Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for the crispiest results.

Instructions

Preheat Your Equipment

If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If frying, heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.

Mix the Nugget Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and milk. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat.

Shape the Nuggets

Using your hands, scoop small portions of the mixture and shape them into nugget-sized pieces. Flatten slightly for even cooking.

Prepare the Breading Station

Set up three bowls:

One with flour
One with a beaten egg
One with breadcrumbs (mix in parmesan if using)

Dip each nugget first into the flour, then the egg, and finally coat it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks.

Cook to Perfection

For Frying: Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the nuggets in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

For Baking: Arrange the nuggets on a greased baking sheet and spray lightly with oil. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

For Air Frying: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the nuggets cool slightly before serving. They pair perfectly with dipping sauces like ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 250 (approx.)

(Note: These values may vary depending on cooking method and ingredient choices.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Ground Chicken Nuggets

These nuggets are perfect on their own, but here are some fun ways to serve them:

With a side of crispy fries and your favorite dipping sauces.
Over a fresh salad for a protein-packed meal.
In a wrap with lettuce, cheese, and a drizzle of sauce.
As a fun party snack with a variety of dips like BBQ, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce.

Additional Tips

For extra crispy nuggets, double-coat them in breadcrumbs for a crunchier bite.
Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for an ultra-crispy texture.
Freeze for later by placing uncooked nuggets on a baking sheet, freezing them, then transferring them to a ziplock bag. Cook straight from frozen!
Make them spicy by adding cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey works just as well for a leaner option.

2. How do I make these nuggets gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour, and make sure all other ingredients are GF-certified.

3. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. What’s the best oil for frying?
Use neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for the crispiest results.

5. How do I prevent the nuggets from falling apart?
Make sure the mixture isn’t too wet. If needed, add extra breadcrumbs for better binding.

6. Can I make these nuggets ahead of time?
Yes! Store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking, or freeze them for later.

7. How do I reheat leftover nuggets?
Reheat in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

8. Can I use whole chicken instead of ground?
Yes! Finely chop or process chicken breast in a food processor to make homemade ground chicken.

9. What’s the best dipping sauce for these nuggets?
Ketchup, honey mustard, ranch, BBQ sauce, and buffalo sauce are all delicious options!

10. How do I make these nuggets extra juicy?
Adding a little milk or grated onion to the mixture helps keep them moist.

Conclusion

These Ground Chicken Nuggets are the ultimate homemade comfort food—crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making them for the kids, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a nostalgic treat, these nuggets are a must-try. Serve them with your favorite dips, and watch them disappear fast!

Ground Chicken Nuggets

Why You’ll Love Ground Chicken Nuggets