Homemade Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe

If you have been craving that perfect comfort food that’s irresistibly crunchy on the outside and tender, juicy on the inside, then you are in for a real treat. This Homemade Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe is everything you want in a nugget and more. Made from a blend of chicken breast and thighs for the ideal texture and seasoned with a medley of spices, these nuggets have a delightful flavor bomb in every bite. The secret lies not just in the seasoning but also in the double coating process — a light dusting of starch and flour followed by a delicate batter that fries up to a crispy, golden perfection. Whether you’re serving these for a fun family dinner, a weekend snack, or a party treat, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast. Let’s jump in and get frying!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this homemade crispy chicken nuggets recipe starts with simple, everyday ingredients that pack incredible flavor and texture. Each element plays a key role, from tenderizing the chicken to building that addictive crispiness.

• 300 g chicken breast: Lean and tender, it ensures the nuggets are juicy without being greasy.
• 250 g chicken thighs: Adds rich flavor and moisture for a perfect nugget bite.
• 2 tsp salt: Balances and enhances all the other seasonings.
• 1 tsp sugar: Subtly rounds out the savory flavors.
• 1/2 tsp MSG: Boosts umami without overpowering the natural chicken taste.
• 2 tsp garlic powder: Gives a warm, aromatic punch.
• 2 tsp onion powder: Adds depth to the spice mix.
• 1 tsp paprika: Offers a mild smokiness and vibrant color.
• 2 tsp black pepper: Provides a gentle heat that rounds out the profile.
• 1 egg: Acts as a binder to keep the mixture cohesive.
• 1 cup plain flour: For the batter, helping create a lovely crispy crust.
• 1 cup cornflour: Lightens the batter and makes the exterior extra crunchy.
• 2 tsp garlic powder: Boosts flavor in the batter.
• 1 tsp onion powder: For seamless flavor consistency inside and out.
• 1 tbsp salt: Salt in the batter helps seasoning penetrate the nugget perfectly.
• 1 tsp paprika: Heightens color and subtly enhances the taste.
• 1 tsp mustard powder: Adds an unexpected zing to the batter mixture.
• 1 tsp black pepper: Keeps the batter lively and well-seasoned.
• 2 cups cold water: To whisk the batter into a perfectly thin, crispy coating.
• 1 cup plain flour: Mixed with potato starch for the dry coating layer.
• 1 cup potato starch: Essential for achieving that unbeatable crunchy texture.
• Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil suitable for deep frying to get the perfect golden color.

How to Make Homemade Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

Begin by chopping the chicken breast and thighs together with salt, sugar, MSG, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper in a food processor. Add in one whole egg to bind everything wonderfully. Pulse until you get a smooth, uniform meat mixture that will be easy to shape and super flavorful.

Step 2: Shape and Chill

Shape the chicken mixture into small, bite-sized nuggets. To help them hold their shape during frying, place them carefully on a lined baking tray and pop them into the freezer for 30 minutes. This chilling step is a game-changer for crispy results.

Step 3: Prepare the Oil

While the nuggets firm up, heat your oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to about 2-3 inches deep. The oil needs to be hot enough to fry but not so hot it burns the coating—ideal frying temperatures usually hover around 350°F (175°C).

Step 4: Make the Thin Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together plain flour, cornflour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and mustard powder. Slowly add two cups of cold water while whisking constantly to create a smooth, thin batter that will envelope your nuggets in a crisp shell.

Step 5: Prepare the Dry Coating

In a separate bowl, mix equal parts flour and potato starch. This dry coating will be the first layer, providing texture and helping the batter stick beautifully to the nuggets once dipped.

Step 6: Coat the Nuggets

Take the frozen nuggets and dredge them lightly in the flour-potato starch mixture. Then dip each nugget into the thin batter until completely coated. This two-step coating is what delivers the famous crunch that sets this Homemade Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe apart.

Step 7: Fry to Perfection

Carefully drop the coated nuggets into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid crowding and temperature loss. Fry each batch for about 7 to 8 minutes or until the nuggets turn golden brown and irresistibly crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil and stay crisp.

Step 8: Repeat and Serve

Continue coating and frying the remaining nuggets the same way. Once all nuggets are done, serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces and watch everyone come back for more.

How to Serve Homemade Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of smoked paprika can brighten up the nuggets visually and add a fresh aroma that invites everyone to dig in. A squeeze of lemon on the side also pairs beautifully for a subtle tang.

Side Dishes

Classic fries or a fresh coleslaw work incredibly well alongside these nuggets to create a complete meal. For a healthier edge, consider serving with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables. The contrast in textures makes every bite more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these nuggets into finger food for a party by arranging them on a platter with small bowls of dips like honey mustard, spicy mayo, or homemade BBQ sauce. Alternatively, assemble nugget sliders on mini buns with lettuce and pickles for a fun twist everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for 2 to 3 days, making them a perfect post-meal snack or quick lunch option.

Freezing

You can freeze this Homemade Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe before frying by placing the shaped and chilled nuggets on a tray to freeze individually, then transferring to a sealed freezer bag. They’ll maintain their best quality for up to 1 month.

Reheating

To bring back their crispiness, reheat the nuggets in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes instead of microwaving. This method ensures they stay crunchy on the outside and tender inside, just like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use only chicken breast or thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely. While the combination of breast and thighs is ideal for balancing juiciness and flavor, you can use all breast for a leaner nugget or all thighs for a richer, more tender bite.

What type of oil is best for frying the nuggets?

Neutral oils with high smoke points such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are best for deep frying. They allow you to cook at the right temperature and keep the nuggets crispy without imparting unwanted flavors.

Is MSG necessary in this Homemade Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe?

MSG is optional but is included here to enhance the savory depth of the nuggets. If you prefer, you can simply omit it without drastically changing the overall taste.

Can I bake these nuggets instead of frying?

You could bake them, but the texture won’t be quite the same. This recipe’s signature crunch comes from deep frying, but baking can be a healthier alternative—it just won’t have the same golden crispiness.

How do I ensure the nuggets stay crispy after cooking?

Drain them on a wire rack rather than paper towels to prevent steam from making the coating soggy, and serve soon after frying. Leftover crispiness is best maintained by reheating in the oven.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Crispy Chicken Nuggets Recipe is truly a standout for anyone who loves that unbeatable combination of juicy meat and a perfectly crunchy crust. It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal but special enough for gatherings. Once you try these nuggets, you’ll never want store-bought again. So grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to wow your taste buds with every crispy bite!

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