There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of making homemade chicken nuggets, especially when they’re perfectly crispy and delicious. This recipe for homemade chicken nuggets by Tiffin Box is an ideal choice for your kids’ lunch boxes. These nuggets are made from tender chicken breasts, seasoned with a blend of spices and coated in a crispy breadcrumb layer that will stay crunchy even after a few hours. Easy to prepare and loved by kids, these nuggets are perfect for a wholesome, tasty meal that you can feel good about serving. Let’s dive into the steps to create these delightful, kid-approved nuggets.
Ingredients:
- 500 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices white bread
- 1/2 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 medium egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking, then set it aside.
- Make the Chicken Mixture:
- In a food processor, tear the white bread slices into small pieces and pulse until you get fine crumbs. Add the chicken pieces to the food processor along with the ginger paste, garlic paste, soy sauce, white pepper powder, paprika powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Process the mixture until the chicken and bread are finely minced and all the ingredients are well combined.
- Shape the Nuggets:
- Take small portions of the chicken mixture and shape them into nugget-sized pieces. You can shape them into rounds or ovals, depending on your preference. Place the shaped nuggets on a plate.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of milk.
- Add a dash of salt and pepper to the mixture. On a separate shallow plate, arrange the breadcrumbs in an even layer.
- Coat the Nuggets:
- Dip each chicken nugget into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well. Place the coated nuggets on a clean plate.
- Fry the Nuggets:
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- When the oil is sufficiently heated, gently place the chicken nuggets into the pan in small batches.
- Fry each nugget for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the nuggets. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
- Drain and Serve:
- Once the nuggets are cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the nuggets warm, with your kids’ favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or honey mustard.
Conclusion
These Homemade Chicken Nuggets are a fantastic option for kids’ lunch boxes, offering a tasty and healthier alternative to store-bought nuggets. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful seasonings, and a crispy breadcrumb coating makes these nuggets a hit with kids of all ages. Plus, they’re easy to prepare in advance and can be frozen for later use, making meal prep a breeze. With this recipe, you can be confident that you’re sending your kids off with a delicious, homemade meal that they’ll love. Enjoy the process of making these nuggets and watch them disappear as your little ones dig in!