If you’ve ever craved crispy, tender, and flavorful chicken bites that take you back to your fondest memories of family dinners and party snacks, you’re in the right place. The Best Ever Chicken Nuggets Recipe is that irresistible homemade treat that’s been passed down, perfected, and loved through generations. With a golden crust seasoned just right and juicy chicken that stays succulent inside, these nuggets are destined to become your new favorite go-to for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six clear glass bowls arranged on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl in the top right is filled with light pink raw chopped chicken pieces. Next to it on the top left is another large bowl filled with white flour. Below the flour bowl is a small bowl with finely grated pale yellow cheese. Below the cheese is a smaller bowl with black pepper. To the right of the pepper bowl is a medium bowl with beaten yellow eggs. Finally, to the right of the egg bowl is a glass measuring cup filled with light yellow cooking oil. All bowls are transparent, showing the texture and color of each ingredient clearly, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Keeping things simple is the secret behind this recipe’s magic. Each ingredient plays a starring role, giving you the perfect blend of texture, flavor, and color that makes these nuggets shine.

Vegetable oil for frying: Essential for that delectably crisp and golden exterior that locks in moisture.
4 cups all-purpose flour: The base for the crispy coating, providing crunch and structure.
6 tablespoons garlic salt: Infuses the nuggets with a savory punch that is absolutely addictive.
3 tablespoons ground black pepper: Adds warmth and a gentle kick enhancing every bite.
4 large eggs, beaten: Acts as the perfect binder to help the flour mixture cling tightly to the chicken.
8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into small chunks: The tender, juicy heart of this recipe that takes center stage.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make The Best Ever Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Frying Setup

Start by heating about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or saucepan to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). The right temperature means your nuggets will cook evenly and get perfectly golden without absorbing too much oil.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a spacious bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic salt, and ground black pepper. This mixture gives your nuggets their signature crunchy coating with the perfect balance of seasoning.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Pieces

Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, then press it into the flour mixture to coat thoroughly. Be sure to shake off excess flour so the coating sticks just right without clumping. Lay the coated pieces on a plate, ready for frying.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, fry the chicken nuggets in the hot oil until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are cooked through. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature hits at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) to keep it safe and juicy.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Once cooked, transfer the nuggets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve them hot, and get ready to enjoy that mouthwatering crunch that will have everyone reaching for more.

How to Serve The Best Ever Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Two pieces of golden-brown fried chicken are held above a deep silver pot filled with dark hot oil on a silver slotted spoon. In the background, a silver baking tray holds many raw chicken pieces covered in a light flour coating. The scene is set on a stovetop with black grates, and a woman's hand is gently holding the metal spoon. The surface beneath is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling a bit of fresh chopped parsley or chives over the nuggets can add a lovely pop of color and freshness. A little grated Parmesan dusted on top works wonders for extra flavor if you want to change things up.

Side Dishes

Classic sides like crispy fries, a vibrant garden salad, or creamy coleslaw make superb companions to these nuggets. For something a little different, try roasted veggies or a tangy pickle plate to provide a flavorful contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your nuggets into a crowd-pleasing platter with an assortment of dipping sauces like honey mustard, spicy buffalo, or tangy barbecue. Serving them on wooden boards or colorful platters with veggies arranged around makes for an inviting and fun presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days without losing too much of their flavor and texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the unfried, coated nuggets by placing them on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to one month and can be fried straight from frozen for a quick snack anytime.

Reheating

To enjoy your nuggets later, reheat them in an oven preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for about 10 minutes. This keeps the coating crispy and the chicken inside juicy. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain that signature crunch.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit more forgiving and juicy, which can make your nuggets extra tender. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces as you would with breasts.

Is it possible to bake these nuggets instead of frying?

You can bake them, but frying gives the crispiest results. To bake, place nuggets on a greased rack over a baking sheet and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (205 degrees Celsius) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I make these nuggets gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for frying, and ensure your seasoning blends do not contain gluten additives.

What dipping sauces go best with The Best Ever Chicken Nuggets Recipe?

Classic honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch, and spicy mayo are all fantastic companions. Feel free to mix and match to find your personal favorite combination.

How do I know when the nuggets are cooked through?

The most reliable way is to use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). The nuggets should be golden brown on the outside and no longer pink inside.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing quite like sinking your teeth into homemade chicken nuggets that are crisp on the outside and bursting with juicy, flavorful chicken on the inside. I hope you enjoy making and sharing The Best Ever Chicken Nuggets Recipe as much as I do because these little bites of joy bring warmth and smiles to every table. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes a beloved classic in your kitchen!

The Best Ever Chicken Nuggets Recipe

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These Best Ever Chicken Nuggets are a beloved family recipe known for their crispy, golden-brown exterior and juicy, tender chicken inside. Perfect for parties or a satisfying meal, these nuggets are coated in a seasoned flour mixture, dipped in eggs, and fried to perfection in hot vegetable oil.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For Frying

Vegetable oil for frying (enough to heat 1 inch in skillet)

Dredging Mixture

4 cups all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons garlic salt
3 tablespoons ground black pepper

Chicken and Coating

4 large eggs, beaten
8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into small chunks

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients. Gather all ingredients and cut the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized chunks to ensure even cooking and coating.
Heat Oil. Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or saucepan to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), suitable for deep frying.
Mix Dry Ingredients. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, garlic salt, and ground black pepper until thoroughly combined to create the seasoned coating mixture.
Coat Chicken. Dip each chicken chunk into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then thoroughly press it into the flour mixture to fully coat. Shake off any excess flour and place the coated chicken pieces on a plate to prepare for frying.
Fry Chicken. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry until the nuggets turn golden brown and the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius), ensuring they are cooked through and safe to eat.
Drain and Serve. Remove the nuggets from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy your crispy, flavorful chicken nuggets!

Notes

Work in small batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent soggy nuggets.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the doneness of chicken to avoid undercooking.
The nutritional information accounts for 10% oil retention after frying; actual values may vary based on oil type and cooking time.
For a spicier kick, consider adding cayenne pepper or paprika to the flour mixture.
These nuggets can be kept warm in a low oven (about 200°F) while frying remaining batches.

The Best Ever Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need