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–+ servings
homemade chicken nuggets with honey mustard dipping sauce
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4.54 from 15 votes

Fried Chicken Nuggets Recipe

I can't believe how easy it is to batter, bread, and pan-fry homemade chicken nuggets! Made with chicken breasts and ready in 30 minutes, I don't think I'll ever buy frozen nuggets again.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 410kcal
Author: Becky Hardin

Ingredients

  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts *
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons seasoned salt
  • ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1½ cups canola oil for frying**

Instructions

  • Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise and then cut into chunks, approximately 1½x1½x½ inch. Try to keep the pieces a similar size to ensure even cooking times.
    3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    Raw chicken breast cut into cubes, on a cutting board.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and honey together.
    1 large egg, 1 tablespoon milk, 1 tablespoon honey
    Egg mixture in a glass bowl.
  • In a second small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, seasoned salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and parsley.
    1 cup breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons seasoned salt, ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon dried parsley
    Breading mixture in a glass bowl.
  • Dip each chicken piece in the egg mixture, then the breadcrumb mixture. Place the breaded chicken bites on a plate until all are finished.
    Dredging chicken nugget in breadcrumb mixture.
  • Pour oil into a large skillet to a depth of 1 inch. Heat oil over medium-high heat.
    1½ cups canola oil
    Oil heating in a pan.
  • When the oil is hot, cook the chicken in small batches for three minutes. Do not crowd the pan.
    Breaded nuggets frying in a pan.
  • Flip the chicken over and cook for an additional two minutes, checking that the chicken is no longer pink inside.
    Chicken nuggets frying in a pan.
  • Remove chicken with tongs and place on a plate lined with paper towel to drain.
    Fried chicken nuggets draining on paper towels.
  • Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
    Homemade chicken nuggets served with dipping sauce.

Video

Notes

*I start with boneless chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces. You can also use boneless thighs, or start with smaller cuts (like tenderloins) or bite-sized pieces.
**I use canola oil for frying, but vegetable or sunflower will also work well.
Tips:
  • Use a large skillet pan with deep enough sides to contain 1 inch of frying oil. A Dutch Oven works well here.
  • Pat chicken breasts dry with a paper towel--this will help the breading adhere and stick while frying.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan while frying. This could lead to soggy breading. I fried the chicken bites in 3 batches total. Let the oil come back to temperature between batches.
  • Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
  • The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Alternative Cooking Methods
  • Baking Instructions: Place the breaded nuggets on a sheet pan, brush with oil, and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20 minutes.
  • Air Fryer Instructions: Place breaded nuggets in a 380°F Air Fryer. Cook for 7 minutes, flip and cook 7 more minutes.
Storage: Store homemade chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 150mg | Sodium: 3802mg | Potassium: 687mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 123IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 2mg