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Homemade Chicken Nuggets for Back-to-School Weeknight Dinners (and Freezer Stash!)

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School’s back in session, and that means the weeknights just got a whole lot busier! But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with the perfect solution: homemade chicken nuggets. They’re a favorite for kids and adults alike, easy to make, and super versatile. You can whip them up on a weeknight, stash the extras in the freezer, and have a meal that’s ready faster than you can say, “What’s for dinner?”

These nuggets are made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, and they’re a much healthier option than the ones you’d find in the freezer section of your local grocery store. Plus, there’s something satisfying about making them yourself—knowing exactly what goes into each crispy, tender bite. Whether you’re serving these nuggets fresh out of the oven or reheating them from the freezer, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. You can even get the kids involved in the coating process—it’s a fun way to spend some time together in the kitchen!

A Little Nugget of History


Chicken nuggets were born in the 1950s when a food science professor named Robert C. Baker created the first bite-sized breaded chicken pieces. Originally developed for efficiency, nuggets quickly became a classic due to their crisp exterior and tender interior. Now, we’re taking that loveable nugget concept and giving it a healthy, delicious homemade spin that the whole family will love!

Chicken nuggets rose to fame in the fast-food industry thanks to their convenience and universal appeal. Kids love them, adults crave them, and they’ve become a staple of quick meals everywhere. But did you know that making your own at home is just as convenient, and even more delicious? Homemade nuggets are made with real chicken, flavorful seasonings, and a crunchy coating that takes them to the next level—no artificial additives or preservatives here, just honest-to-goodness flavor.

Delicious Pairings to Complete Your Meal


Pair these chicken nuggets with some roasted sweet potato fries or a simple side salad for a balanced meal. Want to make it even more fun? Set up a dipping station with a few sauces—think honey mustard, ketchup, and ranch—for a little extra magic.

For a complete dinner, add some steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. Not only are they nutritious, but they add a nice contrast to the crispy nuggets. You can also serve these with mac and cheese for a comforting, kid-approved meal. And if you’re feeling creative, try making your own dipping sauces—honey mustard is always a winner, but a smoky barbecue sauce or a tangy buffalo sauce can take things up a notch.

Creative Twists and Flavorful Variations


Want to make these NUGS uniquely yours? Here are a few ideas to switch it up:

  • Spice it Up: Add some cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a bit of kick
  • Cheesy Nuggets: Parmesan or even a touch of shredded cheddar right into the panko for an extra cheesy crunch.
  • Gluten-Free option: Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Herb Lovers: Add dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme to the panko mixture for a Mediterranean twist.
  • Kid-Friendly Shapes: If you really want to have some fun, use small cookie cutters to shape the chicken before coating. This can be a great way to get picky eaters excited about dinner!

Why Chicken Nuggets?


We’re here to ditch the fast-food drive-thru! Making chicken nuggets at home means you get full control over the ingredients—no preservatives, artificial flavors, or mysterious ingredients—just wholesome goodness. Plus, these nuggets are freezable, meaning they’re perfect for those super hectic nights when you need something quick but don’t want to sacrifice flavor or quality.

Another great thing about making chicken nuggets at home is that you can adjust the flavors to suit your family’s preferences. Want them a little spicier? Add some extra paprika or cayenne. Prefer a herby flavor? Throw in some dried oregano or thyme. The flexibility of homemade nuggets means you can keep everyone happy—and keep your meals interesting. Plus, you’ll feel great knowing that you’re serving your family something made with love and care.

Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Recipe by everythingabouttastystuff
0.0 from 0 votes
Difficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes


These Homemade Chicken Nuggets are a delicious and healthier alternative to store-bought versions. With simple ingredients, they come together quickly for a weeknight dinner and freeze beautifully for busy nights. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of flavor—they’re sure to be a family favorite!

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1/2 tsp paprika

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 tbsp water

  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but so good!)

  • Cooking Spray of choice

Let’s Make the Salad


  • Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces (about 1½ inches). Season with salt and black pepper.Cutting the chicken into evenly sized pieces ensures they cook uniformly, so you don’t end up with some pieces overdone while others are undercooked. This also helps achieve that perfect crispy-to-tender ratio that makes nuggets so irresistible.
  • Set Up the Dredging Station: In a bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, beat the eggs with the water. In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.The dredging station might seem like a bit of extra work, but it’s key to getting that perfect crispy coating. The flour mixture helps the egg stick, the egg helps the panko adhere, and the panko provides that delightful crunch. The addition of Parmesan in the breadcrumb mix is optional, but it adds a savory note that elevates the flavor.
  • Coat the Chicken: First, coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg, and finally roll in the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.This step is a great one to get the kids involved—they’ll love helping to coat the chicken pieces. Just make sure to set up an easy-to-clean space and have some fun with it!

  • Bake or Air Fry: Preheat the oven to 400°F or set your air fryer to 375°F. Place the nuggets on a greased baking sheet or in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray the tops lightly with olive oil spray. Bake for 18-20 minutes or air fry for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.Baking or air frying keeps these nuggets on the healthier side while still delivering that crispy exterior. If you’ve got an air fryer, it’s a fantastic tool for getting that fried texture without all the oil. Just be sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this can prevent even cooking.
  • Storing and Reheating: Made a big batch? No problem! Place the cooled nuggets on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, just pop them back in the oven or air fryer for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through—good as new!
    Freezing these nuggets means you’ve always got a quick and easy dinner on hand. They’re great for those nights when everyone’s running in different directions, and you need something that comes together fast. You can also pack these nuggets in school lunches—just reheat them in the morning and pop them in a thermos to keep them warm until lunchtime.

Notes

Conclusion


With these homemade chicken nuggets, you’re set for back-to-school weeknight dinner success—and even future dinners on extra-busy nights. They’re crispy, tender, and made with love—no mystery meat here, just good old-fashioned deliciousness that brings everyone together at the table. Make a batch, freeze a batch, and take one more thing off your busy evening plate!

Homemade chicken nuggets are a fantastic way to bring the family together, whether you’re cooking them fresh or reheating from the freezer. They offer the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and convenience, and they’re sure to be a hit with everyone from toddlers to teenagers—and even the adults who are kids at heart. So next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, skip the takeout and reach for these nuggets instead. It’s a guaranteed win for your weeknight lineup!

Don’t forget to share your creations with us by tagging #EATS on social media. We can’t wait to see your take on this summer classic. Happy cooking from EATS!

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