For food that kids can eat happily with their hands, that’s brilliant for parties, dips and busy weeknights, it’s hard to beat this recipe for homemade chicken nuggets.
These are a regular on our family menu, we make a batch about once a fortnight. Wonderfully crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, proper homemade chicken nuggets just don’t compare to most shop-bought versions, and you know exactly what’s gone into them.
Cutting the chicken breast into strips and soaking them in milk for about an hour before cooking helps tenderise the meat. Milk is great for this, it works well with most meats, not just chicken.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast, cut into strips
- Milk, for soaking the chicken
- Egg
- Breadcrumbs
- Flour (seasoned or plain)
Method:
1. Once you’re ready to cook, set yourself up with three shallow dishes:
- Seasoned flour (leave it plain if you’re cooking for younger kids)
- Beaten egg
- Stale breadcrumbs
2. Move each chicken strip through the dishes in that order, flour first, then egg, then breadcrumbs, before pan-frying in a little sunflower oil until golden.
3. Pan-frying gives colour but won’t cook the chicken all the way through, so once golden, transfer the nuggets to the oven at 180°C for 15 minutes to make sure they’re properly cooked before serving.
Serving ideas and handy tips
These nuggets are easygoing when it comes to serving. Try them with a simple dip like ketchup, mayo or a mild barbecue sauce, alongside some vegetable sticks, sweetcorn or a side salad for a fuller meal. They also work well tucked into a wrap or served on top of a bed of rice.
If you’re cooking for a crowd or want extras on hand, this recipe scales up easily, just use more chicken breasts and repeat the coating process. Once cooked and cooled, leftover nuggets can be stored in the fridge for a day or two, or frozen for a handy meal on a busy evening.
FAQs
Can I bake these instead of frying them?
Yes. If you’d rather skip the frying step, place the coated strips on a baking tray and bake in the oven until golden and cooked through, turning halfway so they colour evenly on both sides.
Why soak the chicken in milk first?
Soaking the chicken strips in milk for about an hour before cooking helps tenderise the meat, giving you a softer, juicier nugget once cooked.
Can I freeze homemade chicken nuggets?
Yes, cooked nuggets freeze well once fully cooled, which makes them a handy option to have ready for a quick meal or lunchbox filler.
What can I serve with chicken nuggets for a balanced meal?
Pair them with vegetables, salad or a wholegrain side like rice or a wrap to round out the meal alongside your favourite dip.
Are homemade chicken nuggets healthier than shop-bought ones?
Making them at home means you control exactly what goes in, real chicken breast, simple pantry ingredients, and no lengthy ingredient list, which many parents prefer.
Related Articles
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like our Fake Tinned Spaghetti, another quick family favourite, or our Vanilla Cake recipe for a simple homemade treat.
This recipe, and more, is available on Wholesome Ireland.
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