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Golden, crunchy, and made with ground chicken, these healthy homemade chicken nuggets are a healthier twist on a classic! They’re baked instead of fried, kid-approved, freezer-friendly, and a game day favorite.
I’ve been making these homemade chicken nuggets for Ella since she was a little girl, and they’re still her absolute favorite to this day. Honestly, they’ve become one of my favorites, too!
I love that they bake up golden and crispy without deep frying, and they’re just as delicious air-fried or pan-fried. These chicken nuggets are a go-to dinner in our house, and I know they’ll become a favorite in yours, too.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love These Homemade Chicken Nuggets
- Crowd-Pleaser: These chicken nuggets are the best! They’re a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults!
- Simple Ingredients: Chicken nuggets are easier to make than you’d think! For this recipe, you only need a handful of simple ingredients.
- Freezer-Friendly: These homemade chicken nuggets are freezer-friendly, so you can always have them on hand!
- Healthy Option: There aren’t any weird additives in these chicken nuggets. You control what goes in! They’re a high-protein, healthy option.
“Loved this recipe! You two really done a great job on this recipe!! I made these yesterday for our lunch we were really happy how they turned out!”
– tracy
Ingredients Needed
- Ground Chicken: The base of these homemade chicken nuggets. It’s easy to work with and simple to shape into nuggets. Use lean ground chicken or ground chicken breast.
- Salt & Pepper: Season the chicken mixture before forming the nuggets.
- Breadcrumbs: The chicken nuggets are coated in the breadcrumb mixture for the ultimate crispy coating.
- Parmesan: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for depth of flavor.
- Seasonings: Season the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Egg: Dip the chicken nuggets in the whisked egg before coating them in the breadcrumbs.
- Olive Oil Spray: Lightly spray the chicken nuggets with olive oil spray before baking for maximum crispiness.
Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.
Easy Substitutions
- Breadcrumb Options: You can swap the panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, gluten-free breadcrumbs, or Italian-style breadcrumbs. If using Italian breadcrumbs, reduce the added seasonings in this recipe by half.
- Ground Chicken Swap: Instead of ground chicken, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Simply cut the chicken into even-sized cubes, dip each piece in egg, coat with breadcrumbs, and bake at the same temperature. They may need an extra 3-5 minutes in the oven, depending on thickness. Just be sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
- Ground Turkey Option: For another variation, swap the ground chicken with lean ground turkey or ground turkey breast.
- Parmesan Alternative: If you don’t have Parmesan, try grated Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor, or simply omit it.
How To Make Chicken Nuggets With Ground Chicken
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Add the ground chicken to a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper, and gently mix to combine.
Step 3: In a shallow bowl, thoroughly mix the breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg.
Step 5: Use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop to evenly portion the chicken mixture. Roll each scoop into a ball, then press down slightly to form nugget shapes.
Step 6: Dip each nugget into the egg mixture.
Then, gently press it into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated on both sides.
Step 7: Place the coated nuggets on the prepared sheet pan. Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with olive oil spray for maximum crispiness.
Step 8: Bake the chicken nuggets at 425°F for 8-10 minutes.
Then, flip the nuggets, spray again with olive oil, and bake for another 8-10 minutes, until golden and fully cooked, when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Cooking Variations
If you don’t want to bake these chicken nuggets, you can air fry or pan fry them instead!
- Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets: Cook the chicken nuggets at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and fully cooked, when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If needed, cook the chicken nuggets in batches to avoid overcrowding your air fryer basket.
- Pan-Fried Chicken Nuggets: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the nuggets for 3-4 minutes per side, or until crispy, golden, and fully cooked.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these chicken nuggets on their own or pair them with your favorite dipping sauces! Dip them in ketchup or try our buffalo ranch sauce, sriracha mayo with Greek yogurt, homemade marinara, smoky BBQ sauce, cottage cheese ranch dip, healthy ranch dressing, or lightened-up Big Mac sauce.
You can also serve them alongside sides like air fryer sweet potato wedges, air fryer frozen broccoli, crispy air fryer green beans, or mac and cheese. Our cottage cheese mac and cheese or healthy mac and cheese make for a delicious, lighter twist on the classic combo!
Shawna’s Expert Tips
- Even-Sized Nuggets: Shape the nuggets into even sizes so they cook evenly. A 1-tablespoon cookie scoop makes this super easy.
- Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the nuggets with oil before baking, flip them halfway, and spray again. This helps them get extra crispy.
- Flip Halfway: Don’t skip flipping the nuggets halfway through cooking. It ensures both sides become golden and crispy.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Storing: Store leftover cooked chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.
Freezing: These nuggets freeze well! Once cooked, let them slightly cool, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Next, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze them for 1-2 months. Reheat them straight from frozen in the oven or air fryer until warm and crispy.
More Healthy Comfort Food Recipes!
- Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
- Oven-Fried Cornflake Chicken Tenders
- Italian Turkey Meatloaf
- Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
- Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes
If you try this recipe, please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating, ★★★★★ letting us know how it turns out for you.
HEALTHY HOMEMADE CHICKEN NUGGETS
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground chicken or ground chicken breast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 large egg
- olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the ground chicken to a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper, and gently mix to combine.
- In a shallow bowl, thoroughly mix the breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg.
- Use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop to evenly portion the chicken mixture. Roll each scoop into a ball, then press down slightly to form nugget shapes.
- Dip each nugget into the egg mixture, then gently press it into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated on both sides.
- Place the coated nuggets on the prepared sheet pan. Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with olive oil spray for maximum crispiness.
- Bake the chicken nuggets at 425°F for 8-10 minutes. Then, flip the nuggets, spray again with olive oil, and bake for another 8-10 minutes, until golden and fully cooked, when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken nuggets slightly cool, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Loved this recipe! You two really done a great job on this recipe!! I made these yesterday for our lunch we were really happy how they turned out! Thanks for all you guys continue to do!! ♥️
Hi Tracy, I’m so happy you loved the healthy homemade chicken nuggets and enjoyed them for lunch! Thank you so much for leaving a review letting us know how you enjoyed them!
These are truly the best chicken nuggets, made healthier, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious every time.