Hey there; if you’re hunting for a dinner that gets the kids excited and saves you time, these ground chicken nuggets are about to be your new go-to. Unlike store-bought versions, my ground chicken nuggets are baked, not fried; that means they’re healthier, but still crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
What makes them extra special? Using ground chicken means they’re super easy to shape and cook; no mystery ingredients here—just simple, wholesome goodness. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have ground chicken nuggets that both kids and adults can’t wait to dig into.
Why Ground Chicken Nuggets Are a Game-Changer
Let me share why ground chicken nuggets have earned their spot as a family favorite; more and more parents are turning to these homemade gems because they’re a healthier, tastier alternative to store-bought versions loaded with fillers and artificial ingredients. When you make them at home, you’re in charge; every ingredient is fresh, simple, and chosen by you.
What’s even better? Made with lean ground chicken, they’re packed with protein and easier on little tummies. Plus, ground chicken soaks up whatever seasonings you love, letting you create nuggets that perfectly match your family’s tastes. Serve these ground chicken nuggets with sweet potato fries, mac and cheese, or a crisp green salad for a meal that’s wholesome, satisfying, and sure to be requested again.
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Ingredients
For the Nuggets:
- ground chicken
- egg
- panko bread crumbs
- grated Parmesan cheese
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- paprika
- dried oregano
- salt
- black pepper
- olive oil
For the Coating:
- black pepper
- panko bread crumbs
- all-purpose flour
- eggs
- garlic powder
- paprika
- salt
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Mix the Nugget Base
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, one beaten egg, ⅓ cup panko, Parmesan, and all seasonings.
- Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape into 18-20 nugget-sized pieces.
Set Up Breading Station
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Set up three dishes: flour mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper in the first; beaten eggs in the second; remaining panko bread crumbs in the third.
Bread the Nuggets
- Dredge each nugget in flour, then egg, then panko, pressing gently to help coating stick.
- Place on prepared baking sheet with space between each nugget.
Bake Until Golden
- Lightly spray nuggets with olive oil.
- Bake 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 1: Mix the Nugget Base
Combine ground chicken with seasoning and binders.
- Step 2: Set Up Breading Station
Arrange bowls for the breading process.
- Step 3: Bread the Nuggets
Coat each nugget with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
- Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Bake until golden and cooked through.
Expert Cooking Tips for Ground Chicken Nuggets
- Oil spray secret: A light mist of cooking spray or a quick brush of olive oil gives ground chicken nuggets that perfect golden, crispy finish straight from the oven.
- Temperature matters: Always check the internal temp; ground chicken nuggets need to hit 165°F for food safety. Just don’t overdo it; going past that can dry them out.
- Double coating trick: Want ultra-crispy ground chicken nuggets? After the first dip, coat them again in egg and panko; it builds an extra crunchy layer everyone will love.
- Make-ahead magic: You can bread your ground chicken nuggets up to 4 hours in advance; just cover and chill them in the fridge. Bonus: the coating sticks even better.
Smart Recipe Substitutions
Whatever you choose, these ground chicken nuggets are easy to adapt and guaranteed to please.
- Gluten-free option: Replace flour and panko with almond flour and crushed cornflakes; your ground chicken nuggets will stay crispy and satisfying.
- Dairy-free option: Skip the Parmesan and add an extra tablespoon of panko; these ground chicken nuggets will still deliver on crunch.
- Lower carb option: Use crushed pork rinds instead of bread crumbs for coating; it gives your ground chicken nuggets a bold, flavorful crust without the carbs.
Recipe Variations & Dietary Modifications
- Italian-Style Nuggets: Stir in 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning and a little extra Parmesan; serve with warm marinara for a fun twist on classic ground chicken nuggets.)
- Air Fryer Ground Chicken Nuggets: Cook at 380°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through; these ground chicken nuggets turn out extra crispy and are ready in record time.
- Keto Ground Chicken Nuggets: Swap panko for crushed pork rinds and use almond flour instead of regular flour; this keeps your ground chicken nuggets low-carb at under 3g net carbs per serving.
- Baked Ground Chicken Nuggets (Oil-Free): Skip the oil spray altogether and bake at 425°F for 15–18 minutes; your ground chicken nuggets will be a bit less crispy, but still full of flavor.
- Spicy Variation: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper and ½ teaspoon chili powder to the mixture; these ground chicken nuggets will have just the right kick for spice fans.
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining ingredients without overworking the meat.
- Baking Sheet: A rimmed sheet pan works best to prevent nuggets from rolling off.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Meat Thermometer: Essential for food safety – ground chicken must reach 165°F.
- Three Shallow Dishes: For your breading station setup.
- Cookie Scoop (Optional): Makes shaping nuggets uniform and faster.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Make-ahead strategy: You can prep and bread your ground chicken nuggets in the morning and store them covered in the fridge; they’ll be all set to bake when dinner time rolls around.
- Refrigerator storage: Cooked ground chicken nuggets will stay fresh for up to 4 days in an airtight container; they’re ideal for lunch boxes or quick snacks on busy days.
- Freezing instructions: These ground chicken nuggets freeze beautifully; let them cool completely, freeze on a baking sheet for 2 hours, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes or air fry at 350°F for 5–7 minutes; they’ll taste freshly made.
The Secret That Makes Ground Chicken Nuggets Irresistible
You know how some ground chicken nuggets turn out a little too soft or fall apart just when you’re ready to cook? I learned this trick the hard way after a few nugget disasters in my early days of experimenting. The secret? Let those shaped ground chicken nuggets rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes before breading; it gives the proteins a chance to firm up so the nuggets hold together beautifully.
That quick chill time does wonders; when you cook your ground chicken nuggets, they’ll stay tender inside but keep their shape with no crumbling. It’s a simple step that turns good nuggets into great ones—and once you try it, you’ll never skip it again.
FAQ
Is ground chicken good for chicken nuggets?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is perfect for chicken nuggets because it creates tender, juicy bites that are easy to shape and season. It also cooks evenly and soaks up whatever flavors you add, making it great for customizing to your family’s taste.
Are McDonald’s chicken nuggets made from ground chicken?
No; McDonald’s uses processed whole chicken pieces, not ground chicken. Homemade ground chicken nuggets give you more control over ingredients.
Are Chick-fil-A nuggets made from ground chicken?
No; Chick-fil-A uses whole chicken breast pieces. Ground chicken nuggets are easier to shape and customize at home.
How to make ground chicken hold together?
Use egg and breadcrumbs, and chill the shaped nuggets for 30 minutes; it helps them stay firm while cooking.
Why These Nuggets Will Be Your New Family Favorite
These homemade ground chicken nuggets really do prove that healthy and delicious can go hand in hand; they’re crispy, full of flavor, and made with simple ingredients you can actually recognize. And the best part? They’re on the table in just 25 minutes—way faster (and tastier) than waiting for takeout! You can easily adjust the seasonings or method to fit your family’s tastes, whether you go classic baked style or toss them in the air fryer for extra crisp.
If your crew loves these ground chicken nuggets, I bet they’ll go crazy for my Chicken Breakfast Sausage and Breakfast Turkey Sausage too; both are just as easy, wholesome, and perfect for busy mornings. Give these nuggets a try tonight and let me know in the comments if your kids begged for seconds (or thirds); I can’t wait to hear how they went over at your table!
Happy cooking always, Emily Carter✨
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Ground Chicken Nuggets Recipe:
Homemade Ground Chicken Nuggets
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Parchment paper
- 3 shallow bowls
- 1 Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 large egg beaten
- ⅓ cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoon olive oil for spraying nuggets
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs for coating
- ½ cup all-purpose flour for coating
- 2 large eggs beaten, for coating
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder for coating
- ½ teaspoon paprika for coating
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and seasonings. Shape into nuggets.
- Set up breading station with flour, egg, and panko.
- Dredge nuggets in flour, egg, then panko.
- Bake at 400°F 12–15 min, flipping halfway, until golden and 165°F inside.
- Let shaped nuggets chill 30 min before breading for best texture.
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