Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Chicken nuggets have been a favorite among kids and adults alike for decades. Whether you're looking to prepare them for a quick dinner or as part of an exciting snack time with your family, these homemade chicken nuggets are sure to satisfy everyone's taste buds. In this recipe, we will show you how to make crispy, juicy, and flavorful chicken nuggets that can be served with a side of dipping sauce.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup hot water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Peanut oil or canola oil for frying
Dipping sauce of your choice (optional)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. If you are using an air fryer, set it to the appropriate temperature.
Cut the chicken breasts into small pieces that can be easily coated in the flour mixture. Aim for portions about 1 inch in diameter and thickness.
Combine the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika in a large shallow dish or pie plate.
Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture until it is well coated on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
In another shallow bowl, mix together the hot water with a bit more flour to form a paste. Dip the breaded chicken pieces into this mixture, ensuring they are fully covered and that no dry parts remain.
Heat up enough oil in your skillet or deep-frying pot until it reaches 350°F. You can test if it's ready by dropping a tiny piece of the doughy coating into the oil; if it floats and starts to sizzle, the oil is hot enough.
Using tongs, carefully place the chicken nuggets into the hot oil. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan or pot, which would lower the temperature of the oil and lead to greasier results. Cook for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
Transfer the fried nuggets from the skillet onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. At this point, you can either serve them immediately or place them in an oven-safe dish and bake them at 400°F for about 5-10 minutes to crisp up further.
If using an air fryer, lightly coat the chicken nuggets with a little extra flour before placing them inside the air fryer basket. Cook for around 8 minutes until crispy and hot throughout. Remember not to overcrowd the air fryer; cook in batches if necessary.
Serve your delicious homemade chicken nuggets with a side of your preferred dipping sauce, such as ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch dressing for an extra touch of flavor!

Additional Tips

To make the process easier and faster, you can prepare the breading mixture ahead of time. Keep in mind that if you’re making large batches, you might want to invest in a food processor or blender for the flour and spices. This will ensure that everything is perfectly combined.

For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this recipe by using gluten-free flour or even almond meal for a nutty twist. Additionally, substituting the hot water mixture with buttermilk can help give your chicken nuggets an extra burst of flavor and moisture.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information will vary depending on the ingredients used and portion sizes, so it's recommended to use a food scale for accurate calculations. On average, each serving (about 4-6 pieces) would contain approximately:

200 calories
15 grams of protein
8 grams of fat
3 grams of carbohydrates
Sodium content will vary depending on the salt used in the recipe, but it is generally low compared to store-bought options.

Conclusion

Homemade chicken nuggets are not only healthier and tastier than their fast-food counterparts, but they also give you the freedom to customize them according to your preferences. Whether served as a main course or an appetizer, these nuggets make for a delightful meal that will be enjoyed by everyone at the table.

Try this recipe out soon; you won't regret it!