Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Name: Homemade Baked Chicken Nuggets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1/4 cup milk; 1¼ cup seasoned Italian breadcrumbs (1/4 cup into the mixture, and 1 cup used as the coating); 1/3 cup parmesan cheese (finely grated); 1 egg (+ a tsp of water); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp dried parsley; 1/4 tsp ground mustard; 1 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

Sammy Montgoms

5 from 1 vote

Aug 25, 2026

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Ground chicken has a habit of drying out fast, but soaking breadcrumbs in milk before mixing it in, like I do with these Homemade Chicken Nuggets, solves that completely. This keeps every nugget tender in the middle while the outside turns golden from a parmesan breadcrumb crust. Whether you bake them, air fry them, or pan fry them in a bit of oil, you’ll end up with the same crisp coating and juicy centre every time.

A hand with blue fingernails holds a round, golden-brown breaded nugget in front of a pile of similar nuggets, freshly prepared using a Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe.

My kids ask for these more than any drive-thru nuggets, and that’s really all the endorsement I need to keep making them. Mothers will understand! The ingredient list is mostly pantry staples, so there’s no special grocery run involved, and a batch comes together in under 30 minutes start to finish. Dip them in ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch and they’ll be gone before you’ve even plated the rest of dinner. Want more comfort foods? Make my Crispy Fried Chicken or White Cheddar Broccoli Mac and Cheese.

😋 Why You’ll Love This Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe

😋 Kid-approved: these taste better than anything from a drive-thru, and even picky eaters go back for seconds.
🧀 Parmesan makes the crust extra crisp: it toasts up golden in the oven and adds a salty, savoury edge to every bite.
🙌 No deep fryer required: everything bakes on one sheet pan, so cleanup takes minutes.
⏱ Ready in under 30 minutes: perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.

A silver tray filled with breaded, baked or fried vegetable patties, reminiscent of a Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe, with two bowls of dipping sauces—one red, one dark red—on a marble surface.

🍗 Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Ground chicken: ground chicken stays tender and juicy thanks to the milk and breadcrumb mixture stirred in before shaping.
Milk: this softens the breadcrumbs before they’re mixed into the chicken, which keeps the finished nuggets from drying out in the oven.
Seasoned Italian breadcrumbs: a small amount of breadcrumbs stirred right into the ground chicken helps bind everything together and adds flavour throughout and they’r ealso used to coat the nuggets.
Parmesan cheese: adds a salty, savoury crunch to the crust.

Egg: whisked with a splash of water, this helps the breadcrumb coating stick to every nugget.
Garlic powder: adds warmth and depth to the chicken mixture.
Onion powder: brings a subtle savoury note that rounds out the seasoning.
Smoked paprika: adds a gentle smokiness and a warm reddish colour.
Dried parsley: adds a touch of herby flavour to the breadcrumb coating.
Ground mustard: adds a little tang and depth.
Salt: essential for bringing out all the other flavours in the mixture.
Black pepper: adds a bit of gentle heat and balance.

✔ How To Make This Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Add ¼ cup seasoned Italian breadcrumbs to a large mixing bowl. Pour in the milk, stir with a spoon, and let sit for 4–5 minutes. (This step helps keep the chicken nuggets moist).

After 5 minutes, add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

Add the ground chicken and mix until everything is evenly incorporated.

Use a tablespoon to portion the chicken mixture and form it into nugget shapes. Set aside on a plate.

In a medium bowl or shallow plate, combine 1 cup seasoned Italian breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and parsley.

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 teaspoon of water.

Dredge each nugget into the egg mixture then transfer to the breadcrumb mixture and coat on all sides. Dust any excess breadcrumbs off – you want a nice even thin layer.

Place the breaded nuggets on the prepared baking sheet. Spray the tops generously with a neutral cooking oil.

Bake for 6-7 minutes. Remove from the oven, flip each nugget, and spray again generously with cooking oil.

Return to the oven and bake for another 6–7 minutes, depending on the size of your nuggets, or until cooked through and golden brown.

Serve with ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey or anything you love!

A silver tray filled with breaded, golden-brown homemade chicken nuggets sits on a wooden table, with two small dishes of red dipping sauce beside it.

🗒 Variations

Spicy kick: whisk a pinch of cayenne into the egg wash, or add a dash of hot sauce for a little heat in every bite.
Air fryer method: arrange the breaded nuggets in a single layer and cook at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

🗒 Substitutions

Ground chicken: ground turkey works as well and follows the same cook time.
Milk: unsweetened almond milk or oat milk both work fine if you need a dairy-free option.
Seasoned Italian breadcrumbs: a gluten-free breadcrumb blend can be swapped in at a 1:1 ratio.

🍴 Leftovers? Lucky you.

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat and keep the crust crisp, warm them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes rather than the microwave, which tends to make them soft. To freeze, arrange the cooked nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to two months. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes.

🤔 FAQ’s

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can shape and bread the nuggets up to a day ahead, then keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This is a great option if you want to get dinner prep done earlier in the day.

Can I freeze the nuggets before cooking?

Bread the nuggets, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid before transferring to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, bake straight from frozen at 400°F, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Why aren’t my nuggets turning out crispy?

Make sure you’re spraying both sides generously before and during baking, since that’s what helps the breadcrumb coating crisp up and turn golden instead of staying pale and soft.

What should I serve with these?

They pair well with just about anything — a simple side salad, roasted veggies, or fries. I also love serving them alongside a big bowl of mac and cheese for an easy family dinner.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free breadcrumb blend at a 1:1 ratio and double check that your parmesan is labelled gluten-free.

👩‍🍳 Hungry For More?

If you loved this Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe, then make sure to check out a few of my other recipes you may also love:

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