This chicken nugget recipe produces perfectly seasoned and tender nuggets with a crispy coating that are perfect for dipping and dunking!
This budget-busting copycat recipe is so easy, with its savory mixture of ground chicken, sour cream or mayo and crunchy Panko crumb coating.
With a baked and air-fried option, this will become your favorite go-to chicken nuggets recipe!
![Skip McDonald's and try this delightful copycat chicken nuggets recipe. Seasoned ground chicken is mixed with sour cream or mayo, coated in crunchy Panko breadcrumbs, and baked or air-fried. Your kids will love the homemade nuggets, so make extra for the freezer. Serve them hot as snacks or game day appetizers with your favorite dipping sauces. #chickennuggetsrecipe #chickennuggetrecipe #ourzestylife #chickennuggetsrecipeairfryer chicken nuggets on a plate with veggies](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Chicken-Nuggets-OurZestyLife-9.jpg)
Homemade Chicken Nuggets
- Homemade chicken nuggets are a healthy and wholesome snack that is popular with kids and grown-ups alike!
- Baked instead of deep-fried, this copycat recipe is healthier than McDonald’s or any drive-through!
- Super convenient chicken nuggets can be made in batches and frozen raw or cooked and cooled for instant snacking!
- Make chicken nuggets in fun shapes using cookie cutters or add in some bold seasonings for game day appetizer platters!
![When the kids crave McDonald's, astonish them with this homemade chicken nuggets copycat recipe! In this simple version, ground chicken is blended with seasonings and mayo or sour cream, shaped into nuggets, and coated with Panko crumbs. Lightly spray with oil and bake or air fry until they're tender, juicy, and crispy. These chicken nuggets make a handy freezer option for swift lunches and snacks! #chickennuggetsrecipe #chickennuggetrecipe #ourzestylife #chickennuggetsrecipeairfryer ingredients to make Chicken Nuggets including ground chicken, sour cream, seasonings, parsley, egg, panko, and parmesan](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IG-Chicken-Nuggets-OurZestyLife.jpg)
Ingredients and Variations
Chicken: Ground chicken produces denser nuggets that keep their shape and are easier to hold. Buy it ground or grind your own for the freshest flavor. Add ground turkey or pork for a juicier nugget.
Seasonings: A little bit of sour cream makes the chicken extra juicy, but you can also use plain yogurt or mayonnaise. For extra tasty nuggets, add some taco seasoning, Italian seasoning, or a zesty Cajun blend.
Breading: The secret to keeping nuggets crispy is the combination of Panko and parmesan cheese! Use crushed corn flakes, crushed Ritz crackers, or crushed pork rinds for a lower carb nugget.
Variations: Leftover chicken can be used to make chicken nuggets! Simply chop chicken into uniform pieces and pulse on the “mince” setting (with the S-blade) of your food processor until the meat has a smooth consistency. Sneak in some shredded zucchini or carrots for a boost of nutrition, if desired!
![Make this homemade chicken nuggets recipe for an easy snack, appetizer, or kid-approved lunch. Ground chicken is mixed with sour cream or mayonnaise, bread crumbs, and seasonings, then breaded with Panko crumbs for a crunchy exterior. Oven bake or air fry, and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces. Your family just might never ask for McDonald’s again once they taste this copycat chicken nugget recipe! #chickennuggetsrecipe #chickennuggetrecipe #ourzestylife #chickennuggetsrecipeairfryer Chicken Nuggets ingredients in a bowl before being mixed](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Chicken-Nuggets-OurZestyLife-2.jpg)
![This top-notch homemade chicken nuggets recipe, inspired by McDonald's, combines ground chicken, sour cream, and bread crumbs coated in egg, rolled in Panko crumbs, and baked to a golden brown perfection. Enjoy these tender, juicy, and crunchy nuggets as a worry-free lunch for the kids. Whether baked in the oven or air-fried, they're a delightful treat. #chickennuggetsrecipe #chickennuggetrecipe #ourzestylife #chickennuggetsrecipeairfryer ground chicken in a bowl for Chicken Nuggets](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Chicken-Nuggets-OurZestyLife-3.jpg)
![panko, parmesan, and parsley on a plate for Chicken Nuggets](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Chicken-Nuggets-OurZestyLife-4.jpg)
![The next time the kids clamor for McDonald’s, surprise them with this copycat recipe for chicken nuggets! In this easy version, ground chicken is mixed with seasonings and mayo or sour cream, then shaped into nuggets and breaded with Panko crumbs. Spray lightly with oil and bake or air fry until tender, juicy and crispy. Chicken nuggets are a convenient freezer food for quick lunches and snacks! #chickennuggetsrecipe #chickennuggetrecipe #ourzestylife #chickennuggetsrecipeairfryer panko mixture in a bowl for Chicken Nuggets](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Chicken-Nuggets-OurZestyLife-5.jpg)
How to Make Chicken Nuggets
- Combine breading ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
- Whisk egg in a small bowl and set aside.
- Mix chicken, Panko, sour cream, and seasonings in a medium bowl, as directed in the recipe card below.
- Scoop 20 equal portions of chicken onto a plate and press into nuggets (or use cookie cutters).
- Brush each nugget with egg wash and press both sides into breading mixture, pressing the breading in.
- Bake until nuggets reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Cool 2 minutes before serving.
Air Fryer
- Cook chicken nuggets in a single layer in an Air Fryer preheated to 375°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Keep batches warm in the oven and re-crisp them all in the Air Fryer before serving.
![This homemade chicken nuggets recipe is the best ever McDonald’s copycat. Ground chicken, sour cream, and bread crumbs are brushed with egg, rolled in Panko crumbs, and baked until golden brown. Tender, juicy, and crunchy nuggets make an excellent lunch for the kiddos, without having to worry about what’s in them! Bake them in the oven, or air fryer. #chickennuggetsrecipe #chickennuggetrecipe #ourzestylife #chickennuggetsrecipeairfryer brushing Chicken Nuggets with egg mixture and coating with bread crumb mixture](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Chicken-Nuggets-OurZestyLife-6.jpg)
![For the best McDonald’s copycat ever, try this easy chicken nuggets recipe. Mix ground chicken with bread crumbs, sour cream or mayonnaise, and seasonings, then form into nuggets and coat with crunchy Panko crumbs and bake. Or, use the air fryer. Crispy, tender chicken nuggets are always a favorite with kids and adults alike! Serve hot with dipping sauces, and make extras for the freezer for handy snacking! #chickennuggetsrecipe #chickennuggetrecipe #ourzestylife #chickennuggetsrecipeairfryer Chicken Nuggets on a baking sheet before being baked](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Chicken-Nuggets-OurZestyLife-7.jpg)
![Ditch the McDonald’s drive-through and instead make this copycat chicken nuggets recipe. Ground chicken, mayonnaise, and bread crumbs are combined, formed into nuggets, and breaded with Panko crumbs, then baked until golden brown. Crispy chicken nuggets taste amazing with just about any dipping sauce or condiment and make a healthy lunch for the kids or game day snack. #chickennuggetsrecipe #chickennuggetrecipe #ourzestylife #chickennuggetsrecipeairfryer Chicken Nuggets on a baking sheet](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Chicken-Nuggets-OurZestyLife-8.jpg)
Delicious Dips
Chicken nuggets and dippers naturally go together! Homemade ranch and blue cheese dressings are popular choices, but tangy bbq and Carolina Gold sauces, even red pepper jelly, are great to add to a buffet table.
How to Store Chicken Nuggets
- Keep leftover chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat under the broiler or in the Air Fryer until warmed through.
![Give McDonald’s a pass and make this delicious copycat chicken nuggets recipe instead. Ground chicken is seasoned and mixed with sour cream or mayo, then breaded with crunchy Panko bread crumbs and baked or air fried. Your kids will be amazed at how good homemade nuggets taste! Make extras for the freezer. Serve hot for snacks and game day appetizers with dipping sauces. #chickennuggetsrecipe #chickennuggetrecipe #ourzestylife #chickennuggetsrecipeairfryer Chicken Nuggets with one being dipped in sauce](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Chicken-Nuggets-OurZestyLife-12.jpg)
Can You Freeze Chicken Nuggets?
Chicken nuggets freeze perfectly ready-to-cook or already cooked!
Uncooked:
- Place uncooked breaded nuggets on a lined cookie sheet (not touching, or they will freeze stuck together) with parchment paper in the freezer for 1 hour.
- Transfer to a freezer bag where they’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Freeze chicken nuggets in smaller quart-sized bags for easy portioning.
- To bake frozen chicken nuggets, partially thaw them by laying them out on a baking sheet and then add 3-5 minutes to the usual cooking time.
Pre-cooked:
- Cooked and completely cooled chicken nuggets can be placed in zippered bags to freeze for 3 months.
- Reheat pre-cooked chicken nuggets in the oven or air fryer until they are just warmed through.
- Enjoy as is or top a salad or make them into a wrap for a portable lunch!
![Make this delicious chicken nuggets recipe for a healthy snack or lunch that has no hidden ingredients! You can be serving these juicy nuggets in half the time it takes to go through the McDonald’s drive-through! In this easy copycat recipe, ground chicken is seasoned and mixed with bread crumbs and mayonnaise, then formed into nuggets and breaded and baked to juicy, crispy perfection! #chickennuggetsrecipe #chickennuggetrecipe #ourzestylife #chickennuggetsrecipeairfryer chicken nugget with a bite taken out](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Chicken-Nuggets-OurZestyLife-11.jpg)
More Chicken Recipes
Have you tried this Chicken Nugget recipe? Leave a comment and rating below!
![homemade Chicken Nuggets on a plate with veggies](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Chicken-Nuggets-OurZestyLife-10-500x500.jpg)
Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ⅓ cup panko or breadcrumbs
- 3 Tablespoons sour cream or mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- oil or cooking spray, for spraying
Breading Mixture
- 1 cup panko or breadcrumbs
- 2 Tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375˚F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a shallow bowl, combine panko, parmesan cheese, and dried parsley and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk egg and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine chicken, Panko, sour cream, salt, garlic powder, and pepper, being careful to not overmix.
- Using a 1½ Tablespoon scoop or spoon, create 20 equal chicken portions and place on a cutting board (or plate).
- Lightly press to shape a nugget and brush the top with egg. Place nugget, egg side down, in the breading mixture and brush with egg again. Coat each nugget with breading mixture, gently pressing the breading in. Gently shape and place on the baking tray. Spray with oil or cooking spray.
- Bake for 12-16 minutes, or until nuggets reach an internal temperature of 165°F, flipping and spraying after 8 minutes.
- Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes to lightly brown if desired.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes. Serve with your favorite dips!
Notes
- Freeze uncooked nuggets on a parchment lined baking tray, separate from each other. Once frozen, transfer to zippered freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To cook frozen nuggets, place on a baking tray and allow to thaw for a few minutes. Add 3-5 minutes to the regular baking time.
- Leftover chicken nuggets will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Or they can also be frozen in zippered freezer bags for up to 3 months. Simply reheat until warmed through in the oven or air fryer.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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![Don’t hit the drive thru, make this delicious copycat chicken nuggets recipe instead. Seasoned ground chicken is mixed with sour cream or mayo, then breaded with crunchy Panko bread crumbs. Oven bake them or cook in the air fryer. Your kids will be amazed at how good homemade nuggets taste! Serve hot for snacks and game day appetizers with dipping sauces. #chickennuggetsrecipe #chickennuggetrecipe #ourzestylife #chickennuggetsrecipeairfryer Chicken Nugget being dipped into sauce with a title](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/SP-Chicken-Nuggets-OurZestyLife.jpg)
![For the best copycat recipe, try this chicken nuggets recipe. Ground chicken mixed with bread crumbs, sour cream or mayonnaise, and seasonings, is formed into nuggets and coated with crunchy Panko crumbs. Bake or use the air fryer for crispy, tender chicken nuggets that are a favorite with kids and adults alike! Serve hot with dipping sauces, and make extras for the freezer for handy snacking! #chickennuggetsrecipe #chickennuggetrecipe #ourzestylife #chickennuggetsrecipeairfryer Chicken Nuggets on a plate with veggies in the background and a title](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/SP-Chicken-Nuggets-2-OurZestyLife.jpg)
![Make this easy chicken nuggets recipe for a healthy snack or lunch that has no hidden ingredients! Serve these juicy nuggets in half the time it takes to go through the drive-thru! In this easy copycat recipe, ground chicken is seasoned and mixed with bread crumbs and mayonnaise, then formed into nuggets, breaded and baked. They become so tender and juicy on the inside with a delicious, crispy exterior! #chickennuggetsrecipe #chickennuggetrecipe #ourzestylife #chickennuggetsrecipeairfryer Chicken Nuggets on a plate with writing](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NP-Chicken-Nuggets-2-OurZestyLife.jpg)
![The next time the kids clamor for fast food, surprise them with this copycat recipe for chicken nuggets! This simple version includes seasoned ground chicken mixed with mayo or sour cream. This is shaped into nuggets and breaded with Panko crumbs. Then bake or air fry until tender and juicy on the inside, but super crispy on the outside! Chicken nuggets make a convenient freezer food for lunches and snacks! #chickennuggetsrecipe #chickennuggetrecipe #ourzestylife #chickennuggetsrecipeairfryer Chicken Nuggets on a baking sheet with a title](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NP-Chicken-Nuggets-OurZestyLife.jpg)
![Make this homemade chicken nuggets recipe for an easy appetizer, snack, or kid-approved lunch. Ground chicken mixed with sour cream or mayonnaise, bread crumbs, and seasonings, is breaded with Panko crumbs for a crunchy exterior. Oven baked or air fried, and enjoyed with your favorite dipping sauces. Your family might never ask for drive thru again once they taste this copycat chicken nugget recipe! #chickennuggetsrecipe #chickennuggetrecipe #ourzestylife #chickennuggetsrecipeairfryer Chicken Nugget being dipped in sauce and ingredients to make Chicken Nuggets with a title](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/LP-Chicken-Nuggets-2-OurZestyLife.jpg)
![This homemade chicken nuggets recipe is the best! Ground chicken, sour cream, and bread crumbs are brushed with egg, rolled in Panko crumbs, and baked until golden brown. Tender, juicy, and crunchy nuggets make an excellent lunch for the kiddos, without having to worry about the ingredients. Bake them in the oven, or air fryer. #chickennuggetsrecipe #chickennuggetrecipe #ourzestylife #chickennuggetsrecipeairfryer Chicken Nuggets on a plate and ingredients to make Chicken Nuggets with writing](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/LP-Chicken-Nuggets-OurZestyLife.jpg)