If you think chicken nuggets are just for kids, think again. These crispy homemade gems will make you question everything you know about comfort food—they’re like little golden bites of happiness! Remember that time when everyone was obsessed with sourdough? Well, now it’s all about the perfect crunch of a nugget.
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a bowl, soak the bread in milk for a few minutes until it absorbs, then mix in garlic salt and black pepper to make a panade.
- Combine the ground chicken with the panade in a large bowl using your hands, being careful not to overmix. Shape the mixture into nugget-sized portions using a tablespoon.
- Prepare the breading by mixing panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley on a plate. Brush the nuggets with whisked egg and coat them thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the nuggets on a baking sheet and brush with melted butter for a golden finish, or use cooking spray if preferred. Bake for 7 minutes, then turn and brush with more butter or spray, and bake for an additional 8 minutes.
- Allow the nuggets to rest for a few minutes before serving. For frying, heat oil to 350°F and cook the nuggets in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. For air frying, cook at 400°F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- To freeze, place unbaked nuggets on a plate in the freezer for an hour, then store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 400°F for 15-18 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 slice of bread or 1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, whisked
- 3 tablespoons melted butter or canola oil spray
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1445kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 102g | Fat: 85g | Saturated Fat: 34g | Cholesterol: 663mg | Sodium: 3383mg | Potassium: 2652mg | Fiber: 17g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 1547IU | Calcium: 561mg | Iron: 17mg
FAQ
- Can I use an alternative to breadcrumbs for the coating?
- Yes, crushed Cornflakes can be used as a substitute for breadcrumbs. They give a more golden color, and while the butter isn’t necessary for color, it can still be added for taste.
- How can I make my own ground chicken at home?
- You can create your own ground chicken by placing small cubes of chicken breasts into a food processor and pulsing until you achieve the desired consistency. Approximately two small chicken breasts will yield about a pound. Boneless chicken thighs are also a good option.
- What is the best way to freeze homemade chicken nuggets?
- To freeze your nuggets, first flash freeze the unbaked ones on a plate in the freezer for about an hour. Once they are firm, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
- How do I bake the nuggets if they are frozen?
- When baking from frozen, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the nuggets for 15-18 minutes.
- What is a panade, and why is it used in this recipe?
- A panade is a mixture of milk and bread that helps keep the chicken nuggets juicy. It prevents the meat from becoming dense by creating a gel-like consistency that lubricates the meat fibers as they cook.
Tips
- To ensure juicy chicken nuggets, use a panade made of milk and bread. This mixture helps to retain moisture by creating a gel that lubricates the meat fibers during cooking.
- For a crispy and golden finish, brush the nuggets with melted butter before baking. Alternatively, canola oil spray can be used, though it may result in a less golden color.
- If you’re preparing nuggets in bulk for future meals, flash freeze the unbaked nuggets on a plate for an hour before transferring them to a freezer bag. This method helps prevent them from sticking together.
- Consider substituting crushed Cornflakes for breadcrumbs if you prefer a more golden color naturally, but feel free to add butter for enhanced flavor.
Equipment
- Food Processor – If you plan to grind your own chicken.
- Dutch Oven – For frying the chicken nuggets.
- Air Fryer – If you choose to use the air fryer method.
- Wire Cooling Rack – Useful for placing the fried chicken nuggets on after cooking.
