These crispy homemade chicken nuggets are perfectly seasoned, juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside. Made with fresh minced chicken, coated in a flavorful batter, and fried until golden brown, they are far better than store-bought nuggets. Serve them with a delicious honey mustard dipping sauce and enjoy a meal that is perfect for kids and adults alike.
This easy recipe requires simple ingredients and is ideal for meal prep, snacks, or a quick dinner.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Crispy & Juicy – A golden, crunchy coating with tender, flavorful chicken inside.
Better Than Fast Food – Made with real, fresh ingredients and no preservatives.
Easy & Quick – Ready in under 1 hour, including freezing time.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Make and freeze nuggets for later use.
Customizable Seasoning – Adjust spices to your preference.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Nuggets

• 500 grams boneless chicken, minced in a blender
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ egg, whisked
• ½ cup cornflour (for dry coating)

For the Wet Batter

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 2 teaspoons mustard
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce or sriracha
• ½ cup ice-cold water (adjust for thick batter consistency)

For the Sauce

• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

1. Mince the chicken breasts in a blender until the texture is sticky and no large chunks remain.
2. Transfer the minced chicken to a bowl and mix in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and whisked egg until fully combined.
3. Test the seasoning by frying a small piece and adjusting salt if necessary.
4. Lightly grease your hands with oil and shape the mixture into small nugget-sized pieces.
5. Place the nuggets on a tray lined with parchment paper and freeze for 40-50 minutes (or longer if needed).

Step 2: Prepare the Batter & Coating

6. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, chili flakes, mustard, hot sauce, and ice-cold water to create a thick batter.
7. Place cornflour in a separate bowl for dry coating.

Step 3: Fry the Nuggets

8. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat to 170-180°C (340-360°F).
9. Coat each nugget first in dry cornflour, then dip into the wet batter, ensuring full coverage.
10. Carefully place the nuggets in hot oil and fry in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
11. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Make the Dipping Sauce

12. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard, honey, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice until smooth.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

13. Serve the crispy nuggets hot with fries and the dipping sauce.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Nuggets

Freeze Before Frying – Helps nuggets hold their shape and creates a crispier coating.
Use Ice-Cold Water in Batter – Creates a light, crispy texture after frying.
Do Not Overcrowd the Pan – Fry in small batches to maintain an even temperature.
Want a Healthier Version? – Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Chicken Nuggets

These crispy homemade chicken nuggets are perfectly seasoned, juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Freezing time 40 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine American, Fast food

Servings 2

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken Nuggets:

• 500 grams boneless chicken minced in a blender
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ egg whisked
• ½ cup cornflour for dry coating

For the Wet Batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 2 teaspoons mustard
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce or sriracha
• ½ cup ice-cold water adjust for thick batter consistency

For the Sauce

• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

 

• Mince the chicken breasts in a blender until the texture is sticky and no large chunks remain.
• Transfer the minced chicken to a bowl and mix in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and whisked egg until fully combined.
• Test the seasoning by frying a small piece and adjusting salt if necessary.
• Lightly grease your hands with oil and shape the mixture into small nugget-sized pieces.
• Place the nuggets on a tray lined with parchment paper and freeze for 40-50 minutes (or longer if needed).In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, chili flakes, mustard, hot sauce, and ice-cold water to create a thick batter.
• Place cornflour in a separate bowl for dry coating.Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat to 170-180°C (340-360°F).
• Coat each nugget first in dry cornflour, then dip into the wet batter, ensuring full coverage.
• Carefully place the nuggets in hot oil and fry in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
• Remove and drain on paper towels.In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard, honey, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice until smooth.Serve the crispy nuggets hot with fries and the dipping sauce.

Keyword Chicken Nuggets, Crispy chicken nuggets, homemade mcdonalds chicken nuggets

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I bake or air-fry these nuggets instead of deep frying?
Yes! For a healthier alternative:

• Air fryer: Spray nuggets with oil and cook at 200°C (400°F) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Oven: Bake at 220°C (425°F) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

2. How can I store leftover nuggets?

• Uncooked nuggets: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Cooked nuggets: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in an air fryer or oven.

3. Can I use ground chicken instead of mincing my own?
Yes, store-bought ground chicken works, but freshly minced chicken breast gives better texture.
4. What other sauces pair well with these nuggets?
Classic ketchup, Buffalo ranch sauce, BBQ sauce and Garlic aioli.