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freshly fried chicken nuggets on a cooling rack
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Healthy Chicken Nuggets

This easy recipe for homemade chicken nuggets will allow you to make delicious crispy chicken patties without the mystery ingredients & oils!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Freezing Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Ground Chicken, Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Servings: 12 Nuggets
Calories: 1kcal
Cost: $5-10

Equipment

  • Two medium mixing bowls
  • A dutch oven or heavy bottomed stock pot
  • Thermometer with a pot clip (optional but highly recommended)
  • A slotted spoon or tongs
  • A cooling rack placed over a cookie sheet, foil or newspaper

Ingredients

The Nugget Ingredients

  • 1 Lb Ground Chicken
  • 1 Egg
  • ½ tsp Paprika powder
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Onion powder
  • ½ tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp Sea Salt
  • ¼ tsp Ground Celery seed optional but recommended
  • 2 TBSP arrowroot powder or cornstarch

The Breading Mix

  • 1 cup Flour
  • ½ cup Arrowroot starch or cornstarch
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • 2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 2 tsp Onion powder
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • ½ tsp Black pepper
  • 1 egg – to dip the nuggets in before placing in the flour mixture
  • 2-4 cups high heat oil preferably coconut, lard or tallow – for frying

Instructions

Mixing the Chicken

  • In a medium mixing bowl combine the ground chicken, chicken spices and an egg. Mix all ingredients until everything becomes well combined.
  • Measure out about 1 tablespoon of the chicken mixture, roll into a ball and then flatten to approximately ¼ inch thick.
  • Place on a parchment lined baking sheet as each piece is formed and freeze for 45 – 60 minutes to lightly firm up the nuggets.
  • About halfway through the freezing time, begin heating the oil of choice to your frying pan oven over medium heat. If you’re using a thermometer, clamp your thermometer to the side of your pan so the tip is not touching the bottom of the pan.
  • With about 5 minutes left, prepare your dredge station by whisking together the breading mixture in a medium bowl. Whisk an egg in a separate bowl.

Cooking the Chicken

  • After 45 – 60 minutes, remove the pan from the freezer. Dredge each piece in egg and then the breading mixture. Be sure all sides of each piece are first covered in egg then the breading.
  • When the oil has reached 350℉, use tongs or a slotted spoon to place 4-6 nuggets into the hot oil. Since nuggets are typically quite small and relatively thin, they will likely quickly cook to a safe internal temperature.
  • Just before your nuggets reach your desired golden brown color, test their internal temperature. When they have an internal temperature of 165℉, they are fully cooked and can be taken out of the oil.
  • When removing each nugget, be sure to place it on a cooling rack with something underneath to catch any drippings. Having airflow underneath the cooling nuggets will allow for steam to escape. Placing a freshly fried item on a solid surface will keep any moisture trapped underneath and lead to one side being soggy.
  • Continue frying 4 – 6 pieces until all are done.
  • If you’re eating the same day, enjoy these nuggets immediately.

Notes

Freezing Instructions

If you’re making some nuggets to store in the freezer for later use, allow all pieces to completely cool on the cooling rack. When all of the chicken is cooled, align all nuggets in a single layer on a cookie sheet and place in the freezer for 3-4 hours or until partially frozen. After flash freezing, you can transfer to your desired storage container or freezer bag. Store in your freezer for 6-12 months. 

Reheating Chicken Nuggets From Frozen

To reheat homemade chicken nuggets, preheat your oven to 425℉. If using a cast iron baking sheet to reheat, preheat the sheet in the oven at the same time. 
When your oven is preheated, align all the chicken on your desired baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 25-35 minutes or until your chicken is hot and crispy.