If you’ve been keeping up with food recalls, you may have heard about the chicken nugget recall just recently. Certain frozen nuggets were pulled from shelves due to reports of bone fragments, raising concerns for many who rely on quick, convenient meals. While recalls happen from time to time, they’re always a reminder to take a closer look at what we’re eating.

For those who want a safer, fresher alternative, homemade chicken nuggets are an easy and delicious solution. This tried-and-true recipe delivers everything you love about classic nuggets – golden, crispy coating, juicy chicken inside – without the guesswork. You know exactly what goes in, and more importantly, what stays out.

With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can make nuggets that are crunchy, flavorful, and made with real, whole chicken with no surprises. And once you try these, you might just find yourself skipping the freezer aisle for good.

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients
How to Make Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Pro Tips for Making the Best Chicken Nuggets
How to Serve
Make Ahead and Storage
FAQs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy & Golden – These nuggets bake to perfection with a crunchy coating and juicy center.
No Fillers, No Mystery Meat – Just real chicken, real flavor, and real crunch.
Healthier Than Fast Food – No deep frying, no unnecessary additives – just wholesome goodness.
Kid-Friendly & Freezer-Friendly – Make a big batch and freeze for quick, easy meals!

Ingredients

To make the best homemade chicken nuggets, here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken breasts – The base of the nuggets; use fresh, high-quality chicken for the best texture.
Italian seasoned bread crumbs – Adds a flavorful, crunchy coating.
Parmesan cheese – Brings a rich, savory taste to the breading.
Dried basil & thyme – Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of herbiness.
Salt – Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.
Butter (melted) – Helps the coating stick and adds a touch of richness.

Note: The exact measurements for all ingredients are available in the recipe card below.

How to Make Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cut the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts into 1½-inch bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform sizes for even cooking.

Step 3: Prepare the Breading Mixture

In a medium bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, dried basil, thyme, and salt. This will be the flavorful coating for the nuggets.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Place the melted butter in a separate bowl.
Dip each piece of chicken into the butter, ensuring a full coat.
Roll the buttered chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat all sides.

Step 5: Arrange & Bake

Place the coated nuggets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer (no overlapping).
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the nuggets are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces – think ketchup, honey mustard, or a homemade garlic aioli!

Pro Tips for Making the Best Chicken Nuggets

Use Panko for Extra Crisp – Swap regular breadcrumbs for panko for a crunchier texture.
Olive Oil Alternative – If you want a lighter option, brush the nuggets with olive oil instead of butter.
Double Coating for Ultimate Crunch – Dip the nuggets back into the butter and breadcrumbs for a thicker, crunchier crust.
Check the Temperature – Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the nuggets are fully cooked.

How to Serve

These crispy homemade chicken nuggets are super versatile! Here’s how to enjoy them:

Classic Style – Serve hot with ketchup, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard.
In a Wrap – Add them to a tortilla with lettuce, tomato, and ranch dressing.
With a Side of Fries – Pair with homemade potato wedges or sweet potato fries.
Over a Salad – Toss them into a fresh Caesar or garden salad for extra protein.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the coated but unbaked nuggets on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen – just add 5 extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes until crispy again.
Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 5-6 minutes for the best crunch.
Microwave: Not recommended, as it makes them soft rather than crispy.

FAQs

Can I make these nuggets in an air fryer?

Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the nuggets for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you juicier nuggets with a slightly richer flavor.

How do I make these nuggets gluten-free?

Swap the bread crumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a crispy alternative.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese, and swap the butter for olive oil.

These homemade chicken nuggets are a total game-changer! Crispy, flavorful, and made with real ingredients, they’re the perfect alternative to store-bought versions. Whether you’re making them for kids, meal prep, or a snack, these nuggets will hit the spot every time. Try them once, and you’ll never go back to frozen!

Ready to make the best nuggets of your life? Scroll down for the full recipe card!