Fried Chicken Nuggets Recipe

These crispy homemade fried chicken nuggets are one of our family's favorite comfort food dinners. Made with juicy chicken breast, a seasoned flour and panko coating, and pan-fried until golden brown, they're easy enough for a weeknight meal and delicious enough for weekend family dinners.

 

Growing up, my grandma fried chicken almost every week. Whole chickens were affordable, and homemade fried chicken was simply part of our family routine—we certainly didn't need National Fried Chicken Day as an excuse! While I usually grill or bake chicken these days, this classic fried chicken nugget recipe always brings back those childhood memories.

My own kids have always preferred boneless chicken over traditional fried chicken pieces, so I adapted my grandma's seasoned coating into these easy homemade chicken nuggets. The same crispy breading also works beautifully for bone-in chicken if that's what you prefer.

If you're looking for an easy fried chicken nuggets recipe with simple pantry ingredients, this recipe delivers crispy, flavorful chicken every time.

Why You'll Love These Homemade Fried Chicken Nuggets

• Crispy, golden-brown coating with plenty of flavor
• Juicy chicken breast pieces that stay tender inside
• Made with simple pantry ingredients
• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Perfect for kids and adults alike
• Works for both chicken nuggets and bone-in fried chicken 

 

Ingredients for Fried Chicken Nuggets

1 lb. Boneless Chicken Breast, Cut into Nugget Sized Pieces

1 Large Egg, Beaten

3/4 c. All-Purpose Flour

1/2 c. Panko Bread Crumbs (I use this brand for a crispy coating.)
1 tsp. Garlic Powder
1 tsp. Ground Sage
1/2 tsp. Onion Powder
1/2 tsp. Oregano
1/2 tsp. Black Pepper
1/2 tsp. Salt

Vegetable Oil for Frying

 

Shop my favorite pantry items for the oils, herbs & spices that I use most often! 

How to Make Fried Chicken Nuggets

 

Step 1: Make the Seasoned Coating

In a shallow bowl, combine:

• ½ cup flour
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Garlic powder
• Ground sage
• Onion powder
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix until everything is evenly combined.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

Prepare three shallow bowls:

• Bowl 1: Remaining ¼ cup flour
• Bowl 2: Beaten egg
• Bowl 3: Seasoned breadcrumb mixture

This three-step coating creates an extra crispy crust.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium heat until hot.

For deep-frying, use about 2 inches of oil in a Dutch oven.

My grandma always fried chicken in a cast iron skillet before switching to an electric skillet, and either method works well for this recipe.

Step 4: Bread and Fry the Chicken

Coat each chicken piece by dipping it into:

1. Flour
2. Egg
3. Seasoned breadcrumb mixture

Press the coating gently onto each piece for maximum crispiness.

Place the coated nuggets into the hot oil without overcrowding the pan.

Pan-fry for about 3 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

If deep frying, cook for 4–5 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked.

Transfer the nuggets to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain.

Step 5: Serve

Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Our family loves serving these homemade chicken nuggets with:

• French fries
• Fresh salad
• Ranch dressing
• Barbecue sauce
• Honey mustard
• Ketchup

Tips for the Best Fried Chicken Nuggets

• Pat the chicken dry before breading so the coating sticks better.
• Don't overcrowd the skillet or the oil temperature will drop.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for the crispiest texture.
• Maintain the oil temperature around 350°F.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F.

Need a product suggestion for kitchen tongs or a good dutch oven? You can get my favorite kitchen gadgets here.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these chicken nuggets ahead of time?

They're best served fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

What's the best way to reheat fried chicken nuggets?

Reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5–8 minutes to restore their crispy coating.

Can I use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay extra juicy and work just as well for frying--but, you would need to buy them de-boned or de-bone them yourself if you wanted to make dark meat nuggets from them..

Can I use this coating on bone-in chicken?

Yes. This seasoned breading recipe was originally inspired by my grandma's fried chicken and works wonderfully on drumsticks, thighs, wings, and breasts. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size of the chicken pieces.

Fried Chicken Nuggets

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4 servings | Category: Main Dish

Ingredients

• 1 lb. boneless chicken breast, cut into nugget sized pieces
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (divided)
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ground sage
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. In a shallow bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of the flour, panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, sage, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Set up three shallow bowls: one with 1/4 cup flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with the seasoned coating mixture.
3. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat (or 2 inches in a Dutch oven for deep frying).
4. Dip each chicken piece first in the plain flour, then in the beaten egg, and finally in the seasoned coating mixture, pressing to adhere.
5. Fry the nuggets in a single layer for about 3 minutes per side (skillet) or 4-5 minutes total (deep fry) until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
7. Serve hot with french fries, salad, and your favorite dipping sauces (barbecue, ranch, or honey mustard).

Notes: This coating works great for bone-in chicken pieces too. For extra crispiness, double coat the nuggets. Serve with french fries and dipping sauces for a kid-friendly meal.