When it comes to homemade chicken nuggets, sometimes simple really is best. These Always Tender and Juicy Chicken Nuggets are perfect for both kids and adults—offering a basic, lightly seasoned flavor that’s versatile and delicious every time. Whether you're making a quick snack, prepping a chicken mini sandwich for breakfast, or serving them with your favorite dipping sauce, this go-to recipe never fails.
What truly sets these nuggets apart is the buttermilk soak, which keeps them incredibly tender and juicy. It’s a total game changer. The light flour coating creates a thin, crispy crust that everyone loves—no heavy breading, just simple, satisfying crunch.
While I love to add a little Cajun seasoning when I'm craving extra flavor, this easy chicken nugget recipe is the perfect blank canvas. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Let me know how your family likes them!
These are so simple and I promise will be requested on repeat! My son asks me to make them and keep in the fridge for snack cravings!
A yummy side for these is my Cheesy Orzo with Broccoli...give it a try!
Ingredients
- flour
- powdered sugar
- cornstarch
- chicken breasts
- egg
- buttermilk
- salt
- pepper
- granulated garlic
- water
- oil
See recipe card for exact quantities.
Instructions
This recipe is so so simple. The secret is soaking the nuggets in the buttermilk and then using powdered sugar in your flour mixture. This will yield always tender and juicy nuggets. The breading is more soft but hangs on well to the meat. I think it will become a favorite in your kitchen. Watch the video below to see the steps in action!
Simple! The recipe calls for ¾ cup. Just place 1 Tablespoon of cider vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup. Then add regular milk to equal ¾ cup. Let this sit 5 minutes and you will have buttermilk!
Yes! I love a good spicy nugget. Simply add ½ teaspoon of cajun seasoning to your flour mixture and ¼ teaspoon to the egg and water.
Storage
These store amazingly well! Store them in an airtight zip top bag or container in your fridge for 3-4 days. You can reheat in a skillet with a little olive oil until hot. Or my favorite way is in an air fryer for about 3 minutes. (time depends on your air fryer settings). Microwaving is my least favorite, just because I don't like soggy nuggets. HA!
Equipment
A good heavy bottom deep skillet is perfect for this recipe. A dredging station is NICE but not necessary. You can use plates or shallow bowls. Here is a LINK to a few of my favorite kitchen tools for frying- whether deep frying or pan frying.
Family Favorite Recipes
Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts cubed into bit size chunks
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup flour (heaping)
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 3 Tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 egg
- 1 Tablespoon water
- ¼-⅓ cup oil for frying
Instructions
- Add chicken chunks to a bowl and stir in buttermilk. Let soak 5 minutes while assembling dredging station.
- Mix together dry ingredients and place in a shallow bowl or plate.
- Mix egg with water and pour into another shallow bowl.
- Heat oil over medium high heat in a heavy bottom pan or dutch oven for shallow frying. (About 35O F)
- Working a few at a time, dredge chicken into egg mixture, then roll in flour.
- Place in oil and cook until light browned then flip. Cook until thermometer reads 160. (These will cook quickly) Remove and drain on paper towel lined baking sheet.
- *If a spicier nugget is for you add ½ teaspoon cajun seasoning to both egg and flour mixture
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