Homemade Chicken Nuggets with Real Chicken
healthier Homemade Chicken Nuggets |
Yummy McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets? Try Them at Home!
You know that feeling. You are deep in your phone when boom a craving for McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets hits you. Then you think of the drive-thru or the line and let’s be honest the food looks too good to be true.
But hey guess what! These nuggets have a replica that you can do at home and they do not even taste the same (McD’s sorry not sorry).
Why Do You Have To Bother Making Chicken Nuggets At Home?
No pharmaceutical fillers or any other rubbish: You are in the driver’s seat! Use only fresh chicken, spices or herbs and no synthetic preservatives to Crispy chicken nuggets at home Once you make it, you can cook it in large portions and have Best homemade chicken nuggets and bring it whenever you feel like but visiting drive thru is out of the question incurring costs each time. . trust me i will teach you how to make a Quick chicken nuggets recipeHomemade Is Always Better: When it come to nuggets particularly, homemade ones are much better in both freshness and taste compared to even the best fast food outlets.
Quick chicken nuggets recipe |
Ready to Get Started? Here’s What You’ll Need to make Best homemade chicken nuggets:
To use for Chicken:
1 unit of boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into cubes)
1 egg
Salt – 1 tsp
Black Pepper – ½ tsp
Corn Starch – ½ cup
To use for Breading
1 cup water
1 egg
1 w cup all-purpose flour
1 Tablespoon onion powder
1 Tablespoon garlic powder
2 Tablespoons mustard
1 tsp Salt
½ teaspoon pepper
Frying Oil (canola or vegetable oil recommends.)
Preparation of Chicken:
Place prepared chicken, egg, salt and black pepper and blend using a processor. Process until a smooth substance is achieved.
Form the Nuggets:
Take up to 2 tablespoons of the chicken paste then form into nugget shape. Dust the nuggets with cornstarch and arrange on a tray lined with baking paper. Continue this step until the chicken mixture is finished.
Preparation of the Breading:
In a large mixing bowl, mix the water, egg, flour, onion powder, garlic powder, mustard, salt, and pepper, and beat to make a smooth batter.
Coating the Nuggets:
Take a nugget and dip in the batter ensuring it is evenly coated and place on the baking sheet again.
Baking the Nuggets:
Easy, place the baking tray in the freezer for two hours.
Frying the Nuggets:
In a deep frying pan, pour enough cooking oil to cover the nuggets (approximately 1 inch). When hot, deep fry the frozen nuggets in 4 minute intervals, or until golden brown.
Drain out oil from the Nuggets:
Take the nuggets out of the saucepan filled with oil and place them on a plate covered with a paper towel to get rid of excess oil.
Air Fryer Option:
Air-frying is another way cooking the nuggets without the need of deep frying. Air fryer should be set to 400°F. Arrange the nuggets in a single layer on the pan. Cook them for around 10-12 minutes, after turning them halfway through.
Serving Suggestions:
Sauces: Chicken Nuggets with their regular form seem boring. Moreover there is range of sauces available which conveniently make it better. I more often than not prefer few such as:
Ranch sauce
Honey mustard dressing
BBQ souse
Sweet chili sauce
Sides: Accompanying your nuggets with a side of french fries, onion rings, or a healthy salad will be a good idea.
Storing and Reheating
Refrigerator:
If there are any leftovers, keep the extra nuggets in a sealed container, inside the fridge for no more than 2 days.
Freezer:
You can also keep the fried nuggets in the freezer for about 3 months.
Air fryer chicken nuggets |
Nutritional Profile
- Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which helps build muscle, repair tissues, and support immune health.
- Vitamins: Chicken provides B vitamins (B3, B6, and B12) essential for energy metabolism and maintaining nerve function.
- Minerals: Homemade chicken nuggets contain important minerals, including phosphorus, which is essential for strong bones, and selenium, an antioxidant supporting thyroid and immune function.
- Healthy Fats: If you use olive oil, avocado oil, or a light baking method, the fat content is generally healthy and lower than in fried, processed versions.
Health Benefits
- Controlled Ingredients: You control the ingredients, so they can be free from preservatives, excessive salt, or artificial additives often found in store-bought options.
- Lower in Unhealthy Fats: Baking or air-frying instead of deep-frying reduces unhealthy fats, lowering the risk of heart disease.
- High Protein, Low Carb: Great for those on a low-carb or keto diet, depending on the breading you use.
- Kid-Friendly and Balanced: They’re high in protein and easy for kids to eat, making them a nutritious choice for family meals.
- Source of Energy: The protein and healthy fats provide a sustained energy boost, while controlling carbohydrate content allows for fewer spikes in blood sugar.
Tips for Making Healthier Chicken Nuggets
- Use whole-grain bread crumbs or crushed oats for fiber.
- Bake or air-fry instead of deep-frying.
- Experiment with seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or herbs to add flavor without excess salt.
- Add a side of vegetables for extra vitamins and minerals.
Homemade chicken nuggets can be a balanced, satisfying meal, especially when paired with vegetables and healthy dipping sauces.
Easy Chicken Nuggets for Kids |