If you love the crispy, golden crunch of classic chicken nuggets but want something homemade and extra flavorful, you’re in for a treat! These Crispy Ground Chicken Nuggets are juicy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and packed with flavor in every bite. They’re ridiculously easy to make, perfect for kids and adults alike, and way better than anything from a drive-thru. Trust me—once you make these, you’ll never go back to frozen nuggets again!
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Why You’ll Love Crispy Ground Chicken Nuggets
Super Crispy: A golden, crunchy coating that delivers the perfect bite every time.
Juicy & Flavorful: The ground chicken stays extra tender, making these nuggets irresistibly good.
Easy to Make: No complicated steps—just mix, shape, coat, and fry!
Kid-Approved: A guaranteed hit with little ones (and grown-ups, too!).
Customizable: Add different seasonings, spice it up, or even bake instead of frying.
Ingredients in Crispy Ground Chicken Nuggets
Here’s what makes these nuggets so delicious:
Ground Chicken: The star of the show! Ground chicken keeps the nuggets extra juicy and tender.
Breadcrumbs: Used in both the mixture and the coating for the perfect crispy crunch. Panko works best for extra crispiness!
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, umami kick to the coating.
Egg: Helps bind everything together for the perfect texture.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Boost the flavor with just the right amount of seasoning.
Salt & Pepper: Simple but essential for enhancing all the flavors.
Flour: Creates a light base for the coating to stick.
Milk: Helps create a smooth, even breading.
Oil for Frying: Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil for golden, crispy nuggets.
Instructions
Make the Chicken Mixture: In a bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined but don’t overmix.
Shape the Nuggets: Form the mixture into small, nugget-sized shapes. Place them on a baking sheet and chill for 15 minutes to help them hold their shape.
Prepare the Coating: Set up three bowls—one with flour, one with beaten egg and milk, and one with a mix of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
Coat the Nuggets: Dip each nugget in flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mix. Press lightly to make sure the coating sticks.
Fry to Perfection: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry nuggets in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
Serve & Enjoy: Let them cool slightly, then serve with your favorite dipping sauces!
How to Serve Crispy Ground Chicken Nuggets
With Dipping Sauces: Classic ketchup, honey mustard, ranch, or spicy mayo all pair perfectly.
As a Meal: Serve with fries, coleslaw, or a side salad for a complete dinner.
In a Wrap: Stuff them in a tortilla with lettuce and sauce for a crispy chicken wrap.
On a Salad: Slice them up and toss them on a fresh green salad for extra crunch.
Additional Tips
Make Ahead: Shape and coat the nuggets ahead of time, then refrigerate until ready to cook.
Bake Instead of Frying: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air Fryer Option: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway.
Spice It Up: Add cayenne pepper or paprika for a kick of heat.
Storage Tips: Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze uncooked nuggets on a tray, then transfer to a bag for up to 3 months. Fry or bake straight from frozen!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well for a leaner option.
Q2: How do I make these gluten-free?
A2: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for an easy swap.
Q3: What’s the best oil for frying?
A3: Canola, vegetable, or peanut oil all work great for crispy results.
Q4: Can I make them ahead of time?
A4: Yes! Shape and coat the nuggets, then refrigerate until ready to cook.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
Q6: Can I freeze these nuggets?
A6: Yes! Freeze them before or after cooking. Reheat straight from frozen.
Q7: How do I keep them crispy after cooking?
A7: Place them on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the coating crunchy.
Q8: Can I use an air fryer instead of frying?
A8: Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q9: What’s the best way to reheat nuggets?
A9: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or in the air fryer for extra crispiness.
Q10: Can I add cheese inside the nuggets?
A10: Definitely! Stuff a small piece of cheese in the center before shaping for a melty surprise.
Final Thoughts
These Crispy Ground Chicken Nuggets are a total game-changer—simple, homemade, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making them for a quick snack, a fun family meal, or even meal prep, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Try them once, and you’ll never go back to store-bought nuggets again!
Print
Crispy Ground Chicken Nuggets
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 30 nuggets
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Ground Chicken Nuggets are crispy, golden, and packed with hidden cauliflower for extra nutrition. Perfectly seasoned and coated in panko breadcrumbs, they’re an easy, kid-friendly meal you can make in the oven or air fryer!
Ingredients
For the Nuggets:
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500g (1 lb) ground chicken
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1 1/2 cups (150g) cauliflower rice
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1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Coating:
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1 egg, whisked
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs
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1/4 tsp paprika
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1/4 tsp onion powder
Instructions
1. Prep the Oven or Air Fryer:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Line a baking sheet with a wire rack and spray it with oil.
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If using an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F (200°C).
2. Make the Nugget Mixture:
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Pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor to make cauliflower rice.
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In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, cauliflower rice, parmesan cheese, and seasonings.
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Form into 30 round, flat nuggets, about 2 tablespoons each.
3. Coat the Nuggets:
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Whisk egg in a small bowl.
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In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, paprika, and onion powder.
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Dip each nugget into the egg, shake off excess, and coat with breadcrumbs.
4. Cooking Methods:
✅ Oven Method:
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Place nuggets on a wire rack on a baking sheet.
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Spray tops with oil and bake for 30 minutes, until golden brown.
✅ Air Fryer Method:
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Arrange nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
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Spray with oil and air fry for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Notes
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
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Freezing: Freeze uncooked nuggets on a tray, then transfer to a ziplock bag. Bake or air-fry from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes to the cook time.
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Serving Suggestion: Pair with a yogurt-based ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo for dipping!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 nuggets
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg