20 Yummilicious Chicken Nuggets Recipes You Must Try

Written by Charushila Biswas, MSc (Biotechnology), ISSA Certified Fitness Nutritionist Charushila Biswas MSc (Biotechnology), ISSA Certified Fitness Nutritionist Experience: 6 years
Last Updated on

Chicken nuggets are delicious and loved by both kids and adults. But they are a little on the unhealthy side if you buy the frozen and processed ones from the store. And of course, you must watch what your kids eat and take care of what you consume too because the preservatives can have a bad effect on your health in the long run. So, here are top 20 homemade chicken nuggets recipes that are healthy, tasty, and safe. Scroll down to find out how you can make the best chicken nuggets you or your loved ones have ever had!

20 Chicken Nuggets Recipes

1. Classic Chicken Nuggets

Prep Time: 35 min  Cooking Time: 15 min  Total Time: 50 min  Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breast, cubed
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • Salt to taste

How To Prepare

  1. Mix the garlic powder, salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and all-purpose flour in a plastic bag.
  2. Throw in the chicken cubes and shake it well to coat the chicken pieces with the flour.
  3. Now, transfer the breadcrumbs to a plate and add a little salt. Mix well, and keep them aside.
  4. Whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water.
  5. Now, dip the chicken pieces first into the egg and then the breadcrumbs and coat on all sides.
  6. Refrigerate the chicken pieces for 20 minutes.
  7. Heat olive oil in a pan and fry the chicken nuggets until golden brown.
  8. Serve hot with ketchup.

2. Buttermilk Chicken Nuggets

Chicken Nuggets Recipes - Buttermilk Chicken Nuggets
Image: Shutterstock

Prep Time: 70 min  Cooking Time:15 min  Total Time: 85 min  Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup grated cheddar cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • ½ cup chopped parsley
  • ¼ cup chopped chives
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup mild mustard
  • 3 teaspoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup olive oil

How To Prepare

  1. Transfer the buttermilk into a large bowl.
  2. Add the chicken pieces to it and cover with a cling film and refrigerate for an hour.
  3. After an hour, discard the buttermilk and toss the chicken pieces into a blender.
  4. Add lemon juice, garlic powder, low-sodium soy sauce, chopped parsley, chopped chives, grated cheddar cheese, hot sauce, and salt. Blitz it until you get a smooth texture.
  5. Take out the paste and make 1 inch by 2 inch nuggets.
  6. Whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water.
  7. Transfer the flour to a plate and mix it with a little salt and black pepper.
  8. Transfer the breadcrumbs to another plate.
  9. Now, first coat the chicken nuggets with the flour, then dip them into the egg, and finally coat them with breadcrumbs.
  10. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  11. Heat olive oil in a pan and fry the nuggets until they are golden brown.
  12. Serve hot with mayonnaise or ketchup.

3. Kids’ Best Chicken Nuggets

Chicken Nuggets Recipes - Kids’ Best Chicken Nuggets
Image: Shutterstock

Prep Time: 30 min  Cooking Time: 35 min  Total Time: 65 min   Serves: 3

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cubed skinless chicken breast
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon mild mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup breadcrumb
  • Salt to taste

 How To Prepare

  1. Boil the chicken cubes for 20 minutes.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, salt, lime juice, honey, mustard, egg, black pepper, and salt.
  3. Make small balls out of the blended chicken and pack them into a cookie cutter and give them different shapes.
  4. Coat them with breadcrumbs.
  5. Transfer them into a baking tray.
  6. Drizzle butter on top to make them crispy.
  7. Bake at 200°C for 10-15 minutes. You can turn them over to make them crispy on both sides.
  8. Serve with ketchup.

4. Paleo Chicken Nuggets

Chicken Nuggets Recipes - Paleo Chicken Nuggets
Image: Shutterstock

Prep Time: 30 min  Cooking Time: 20 min  Total Time: 50 min   Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts, cubed
  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Sea salt to taste
  • ¼ cup ghee for frying
  • 4 tablespoons lime juice

How To Prepare

  1. Marinate the chicken cubes with lime juice, a little salt, and pepper for 10 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, combine the almond flour with salt, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
  3. Whisk the egg in a bowl.
  4. Now, take the chicken pieces and first dip it into the egg and then the flour mixture.
  5. Heat the ghee in a pan and fry the chicken nuggets until golden brown.
  6. Serve hot with mayonnaise.

5. Flaxseed Spinach Chicken Nuggets

Chicken Nuggets Recipes - Flaxseed Spinach Chicken Nuggets
Image: Shutterstock

Prep Time: 40 min  Cooking Time: 20 min  Total Time: 60 min  Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 oz skinless chicken breast, cubed
  • ½ cup flaxseed meal
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ cup spinach puree
  • 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt to taste

 How To Prepare

  1. Combine onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, parmesan cheese, whole wheat breadcrumbs, and flaxseed meal in a bowl.
  2. Mix the spinach puree, egg, and a little salt in a shallow bowl and keep it next to the bowl containing the flour mixture.
  3. Garnish the chicken cubes with salt.
  4. Now, dip the chicken pieces into the egg and spinach mixture.
  5. Then coat with pieces with the breadcrumb mixture.
  6. Refrigerate the chicken nuggets for 20 minutes.
  7. Heat olive oil in a pan and fry the nuggets until golden brown.
  8. Serve hot with ketchup.

6. Honey Cheese Chicken Nuggets

Chicken Nuggets Recipes - Honey Cheese Chicken Nuggets
Image: Shutterstock

Prep Time: 45 min  Cooking Time: 20 min  Total Time: 65 min  Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 2 skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ½ cup grated cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chopped thyme
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 5 tablespoons breadcrumb
  • 5 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt to taste

 How To Prepare

  1. Mix the chicken cubes with honey, lime, paprika, thyme, and mozzarella cheese in a bowl.
  2. Whisk the egg in another bowl.
  3. Mix the all-purpose flour with salt and pepper on a plate.
  4. Mix the cheddar cheese with 5 tablespoons breadcrumbs.
  5. Now, take the marinated chicken cubes and coat them with flour, then the egg, and then the breadcrumbs and cheese mixture.
  6. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  7. Heat the oil in a pan and fry the chicken nuggets until they are golden brown.
  8. Serve hot with ketchup.

7. Healthy Buffalo Chicken Nuggets

Chicken Nuggets Recipes - Healthy Buffalo Chicken Nuggets
Image: Shutterstock

Prep Time: 15 min  Cooking Time: 30 min  Total Time: 45 min  Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 4 skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 3 tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup buffalo hot sauce
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons ghee
  • 1 cup breadcrumb
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • Salt to taste

 How To Prepare

  1. In a bowl, whisk the buffalo hot sauce and butter.
  2. In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, salt, Italian seasoning, pepper, and parmesan cheese.
  3. Preheat the oven to 200°
  4. Dip the chicken in the hot sauce mixture and then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
  5. Lightly grease your baking tray and place the chicken nuggets.
  6. Bake for 20 -25 minutes until they turn golden brown.
  7. Serve with barbecue sauce.

8. Crispy Chicken Nuggets

Chicken Nuggets Recipes - Crispy Chicken Nuggets
Image: Shutterstock

Prep Time: 40 min  Cooking Time: 12 min  Total Time: 52 min  Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 200 g skinless chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 egg
  • 100 ml milk
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 45 g rice Krispies
  • ½ cup grated cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • Salt to taste

 How To Prepare

  1. Combine the chicken cubes, milk, lime juice, thyme, garlic, black pepper, and salt in a bowl. Cover with a cling film and keep it in the fridge for 20 minutes.
  2. Blitz the rice Krispies to form a fine powder.
  3. Add all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper to the rice Krispie powder, mix well, and transfer to a plate.
  4. Whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon water in a bowl.
  5. Take the chicken cubes from the fridge and roll them in the flour, then dip in the egg, and then coat with the rice Krispie powder.
  6. Heat the oil in a pan and fry the chicken nuggets until golden brown.
  7. Serve with hot sauce mixed with ketchup.

 9. Baked Quinoa Chicken Nuggets

Chicken Nuggets Recipes - Baked Quinoa Chicken Nuggets
Image: Shutterstock

Prep Time: 30 min  Cooking Time: 25 min  Total Time: 55 min  Serves: 6

Ingredients

  • 2 oz skinless chicken breast, cubed
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
  • Salt to taste
  • Honey mustard dip
  • Cooking spray

How To Prepare

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°
  2. Mix the chicken cubes with salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, barbecue sauce, and lime juice. Keep it aside for 10 minutes.
  3. Combine the garlic powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper in another bowl.
  4. Whisk the eggs.
  5. Transfer the cooked quinoa to a shallow plate.
  6. Coat the chicken pieces with the flour first, then dip them into the whisked eggs, and finally coat with the cooked quinoa.
  7. Spray the chicken nuggets with non-stick cooking spray and bake until they become golden brown on the outside.
  8. Serve with honey mustard dip.

10. Almond Crusted Chicken Nuggets

Chicken Nuggets Recipes - Almond Crusted Chicken Nuggets
Image: Shutterstock

Prep Time: 30 min  Cooking Time:15 min  Total Time: 45 min  Serves: 2

Ingredients 

  • 2 skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1 cup almond
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Cooking spray
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

 How To Prepare

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°
  2. Use a grinder to make a fine powder of the almonds.
  3. Combine the ground almonds with salt, paprika, garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon pepper powder.
  4. Whisk the egg and milk in another bowl.
  5. Transfer the all-purpose flour onto a shallow plate.
  6. Take the chicken pieces and roll them in the all-purpose flour, then dip them into the egg mixture, then coat them with the almond mixture.
  7. Place them on a baking tray.
  8. Spray the chicken nuggets with cooking spray.
  9. Bake for 10-15 minutes until they turn golden brown on the outside.
  10. Serve hot with ketchup or mayonnaise.

 11. Baked Chicken Nuggets

Chicken Nuggets Recipes - Baked Chicken NuggetsaPrep Time:

15 min  Cooking Time: 20 min  Total Time: 35 min  Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 1 cup boneless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

How To Prepare

  1. At first, preheat the oven to 200°
  2. Then, cut the chicken breasts into small cubes.
  3. In a bowl, blend bread crumbs, basil, thyme, salt, and cheese.
  4. Now, dip chicken pieces in the butter and coat with the mixture.
  5. Put coated chicken pieces on a greased cookie sheet.
  6. Bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes.

12. Spicy Chicken Nuggets

Chicken Nuggets Recipes - Spicy Chicken NuggetsPrep Time:

45 min  Cooking Time: 20 min  Total Time: 65 min  Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 2 cups chicken breast cubes
  • 1 beaten egg
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • Salt to taste
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried whole thyme
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ teaspoon paprika

How To Prepare

  1. Putthe chicken pieces in a bowl.
  2. Pour the eggs and buttermilk into it, cover and then refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  3. Mix all the spices andcoat the chicken pieces in the mixture.
  4. Deep fry each chicken piece in oil.
  5. Drain excess oil using paper towels.

13. Sweet-Sour Chicken Nuggets

Chicken Nuggets Recipes - Sweet-Sour Chicken NuggetsPrep Time:

35 min  Cooking Time: 25 min  Total Time: 60 min  Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 2 cups skinless chicken breast, cubed
  • ½ cup green pepper chunks
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup canola oil
  • 1 tablespooncider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ½ cup pineapple chunks

How To Prepare

  1. Sauté the onion and pepper till they become soft.
  2. Keep the vegetables aside.
  3. Boil broth, vinegar, soy sauce, and syrup together.
  4. Blend cornstarch and the juice of pineapple. Add this to the broth.
  5. Finally, add the chicken nuggets. Cook for some time.
  6. Pour in sautéed vegetables and serve hot.

14. Pan-Fried Lemon Chicken Nuggets

Chicken Nuggets Recipes - Pan-Fried Lemon Chicken NuggetsPrep Time:

20 min  Cooking Time: 20 min  Total Time: 40 min  Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 2 skinless chicken breast
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice

How To Prepare

  1. Cut the chicken into cube-shaped pieces.
  2. Season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. Drain off the excess liquid.
  4. Heat olive oil in a big pan.
  5. Cover the chicken pieces with cornstarch.
  6. Cook the pieces in heated oil until they are brown on all sides.
  7. Pour in a small amount of the soy sauce.
  8. Serve when it is warm.

15. Pan-Fried Honey Chicken Nuggets

Chicken Nuggets Recipes - Pan-Fried Honey Chicken NuggetsPrep Time:

25 min  Cooking Time: 20 min  Total Time: 45 min  Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 2 cups chicken breast cubes
  • 2 beaten eggs
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • Salt to taste

How To Prepare

  1. Cut the chicken into small cubes.
  2. Pour some honey over the chicken pieces and keep them in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
  3. Now,transfer the beaten egg into a shallow bowl.
  4. Blend salt, bread crumbs, and flour.
  5. Dip chicken pieces in egg and then roll them in the flour mixture.
  6. Heat oil in a big pan.
  7. Cook the nuggets till they become golden brown.

16. Chicken Cheese Nuggets

Chicken Nuggets Recipes - Chicken Cheese Nuggets

Prep Time: 20 min  Cooking Time: 20 min  Total Time: 40 min  Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chicken breast cubes
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • Salt to taste
  • ½ teaspoon red chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon green chili paste
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup grated cheddar cheese

How To Prepare

  1. At first, preheat the oven to 200°
  2. Cut the chicken into small cubes.
  3. Season chicken pieces with salt, green chili paste, and spices.
  4. Then, cover the chicken nuggets with the cheese.
  5. Whisk eggs and vinegar in a bowl.
  6. Then, dip chicken pieces in the egg and cover with the crumb mixture.
  7. Drizzle melted butter on the pieces and put on a greased baking sheet.
  8. Bake the pieces for 10 minutes, and then flip. Cook until the pieces turn brown on all the sides.

17. Onion Chicken Nuggets

Chicken Nuggets Recipes - Onion Chicken NuggetsPrep Time:

25 min  Cooking Time: 20 min  Total Time: 45 min  Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons dry onion soup with recipe mix
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup dry bread crumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups skinless chicken breast cubes
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • Salt to taste

How To Prepare

  1. At first, preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Mix the soup mixture with black pepper, salt, and bread crumbs.
  3. Now, beat the egg with a whisker separately.
  4. Dip the chicken pieces in the egg mixture and cover with the crumb mixture.
  5. Put chicken pieces on a baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes or so. The pieces will turn golden brown.

18. Garlic Chicken Nuggets

Chicken Nuggets Recipes - Garlic Chicken NuggetsPrep Time:

40 min  Cooking Time: 20 min  Total Time: 60 min  Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 2 cups skinless chicken breast cubes
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • Salt to taste
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • Salt to taste

How To Prepare

  1. In a microwave safe bowl with lid, blend pepper, garlic, oil, water, salt, and chicken.
  2. Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes or more.
  3. Mix salt, cayenne pepper, and breadcrumbs on a separate plate.
  4. Drain the marinade from the chicken.
  5. Coat chicken with the bread crumb mix.
  6. Preheat the oven to 400°
  7. Place the chicken pieces on top of a cookie sheet.
  8. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes.

19. Chicken And Zucchini Nuggets

Chicken Nuggets Recipes - Chicken And Zucchini NuggetsPrep Time:

30 min  Cooking Time: 15 min  Total Time: 45 min  Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 2 cups skinless chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 cup finely grated zucchini
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons ground almonds
  • 2 tablespoons cornmeal
  • 3 tablespoons crushed cornflakes
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped basil
  • ½ cup sweet chili sauce

How To Prepare

  1. Prepare the spicy basil ketchup by mixing ketchup and sweet chili sauce, then blending with fresh basil.
  2. Now, preheat the oven to 200° Drizzle a baking sheet with olive oil.
  3. Mix buttermilk with chicken separately.
  4. Now, blend grated zucchini, ground almonds, cornmeal, corn flakes, cayenne pepper, Kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
  5. Coat the chicken pieces with the crumbs.
  6. After brushing with the olive oil, put the chicken pieces on a baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 10 minutes. Stop the oven and flip the pieces.
  8. Bake again and serve warm with the spicy basil ketchup.

20. Herbal Chicken Nuggets

Chicken Nuggets Recipes - Herbal Chicken NuggetsPrep Time:

20 min  Cooking Time: 20 min  Total Time: 40 min  Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 2 cups chicken breast cubes
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 2 beaten eggs
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ cup wheat germ
  • 1 cupbreadcrumb
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½teaspoonground black pepper
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • Salt to taste

How To Prepare

  1. Preheat the oven to 220 °
  2. Cover a baking sheet with cooking spray.
  3. Add beaten eggs with water and mix with chicken pieces well.
  4. Now, mix the herbs and spices well. Add some oil to it.
  5. Toss chicken pieces in the mixture and coat evenly.
  6. Now, put the chicken pieces on a baking sheet.
  7. Bake the pieces at 220 °C for some time. Then, flip the pieces over.
  8. Stop when the chicken pieces turn tender and brown.

There you go – 20 yummy chicken nugget recipes that are super easy and quick to make. Try them today and win hearts! Please let us know which one you like the best by commenting in the box below. Take care.

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Charushila Biswas
Charushila BiswasHealth & Wellness Writer
Charushila is an ISSA certified Fitness Nutritionist and a Physical Exercise Therapist. Over a span of 6 years, she has authored more than 400 articles on diet, lifestyle, exercises, healthy food, and fitness equipment. She strives to inform, educate, and motivate her readers via authentic, straightforward, and fact-checked information.

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