My kids absolutely love chicken nuggets – and I bet yours do too! While supermarket nuggets are super convenient and can taste delicious, I’ve recently started making Delicious and Healthy Homemade Chicken Nuggets more often. Why? Because I know exactly what goes into them. They’re fresher, healthier, and to be honest, even more delicious than the shop-bought ones. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why I am so excited about it.
How long does it take to make them? Is it easy to make them?
Good news: it only takes around 30 minutes from start to finish. And it’s super easy to make them. Seriously, what are you waiting for? Let’s get into the kitchen and whip up a batch of these Delicious and Healthy Homemade Chicken Nuggets together.
I made these for my daughter’s birthday party recently and they went down a treat. So here’s another bonus: they’re brilliant for party food too!
What you’ll need
Chicken breasts
First up, you’ll need chicken breasts. I’m not 100% convinced that supermarket nuggets are made from 100% chicken breast, but in my version, I know they are. Fresh, healthy chicken breast, sliced into sticks about 1.2-1.5cm thick. This is exactly what I mean by knowing what’s in your food.
Yoghurt
Before rolling the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, we coat it in yoghurt. This step not only keeps the chicken moist but is another reason why I call these healthy chicken nuggets – no heavy batters or additives here.
Breadcrumb mixture
I had some panko breadcrumbs handy in the cupboard this time but often I make my own. I simply toast a couple of slices of fresh bread and blitz them into crumbs. Into the breadcrumbs mix, I add grated parmesan cheese, paprika powder, garlic powder, onion powder, ground pepper and a pinch of salt. You can totally adjust this to your taste – add more spices you love or leave out anything you’re not a fan of. I find this combination gives a gorgeous aroma and flavour without making the nuggets too spicy for little ones.
You will also need a little olive oil spray for frying.
How to make Delicious and Healthy Homemade Chicken Nuggets
First, mix your breadcrumb mixture evenly in a shallow bowl. Dip each chicken stick into the yoghurt to make sure it’s fully coated, then roll it through the breadcrumb mixture. Shake off any excess crumbs and lay the chicken piece gently into your air fryer basket.
Repeat with the rest of your chicken. Once all your nuggets are ready, give them a few sprays of olive oil. I set my air fryer to 200°C and fry until golden and crispy. It usually takes around 15 minutes. If needed, flip them over halfway. My air fryer has racks, which help to cook the nuggets evenly on all sides at the same time.
If you prefer, you can bake them in the oven too, it might just take a few minutes longer to get that golden crispiness.
Serving suggestions
I like to mix a little yoghurt with honey, a pinch of salt and some crushed pepper to make a simple dipping sauce, the kids love it, and these nuggets disappear very quickly!
For myself, I often make a quick courgette and carrot wrap, pop a few pieces of chicken inside and it makes such a delicious and healthy meal.
Will you give these Delicious and Healthy Homemade Chicken Nuggets a try? I’d love to hear how yours turn out!
Head over to the chicken section to find more chicken recipes like:
Quick and easy teriyaki chicken from scratch
Air-fried honey chicken drumsticks
Air-fried lemongrass chicken wings
Delicious and Healthy Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Description
These delicious and healthy homemade chicken nuggets are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and so easy to make. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re perfect for family dinners, kids’ parties, or even a quick lunch. Made with 100% fresh chicken breast and a light yoghurt and breadcrumb coating, they’re a healthier and tastier alternative to shop-bought nuggets, and guaranteed to disappear fast!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
- In a shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
- Dip each chicken stick into the yoghurt, coating it evenly.
- Roll the chicken stick in the breadcrumb mixture, gently shaking off any excess.
- Place the coated chicken into the air fryer basket (or a baking tray lined with parchment paper if using the oven).
- Lightly spray with olive oil.
- Air fry for around 15-17 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping them halfway if needed. If baking, cook for about 20 minutes or until fully cooked through.
- Serve warm with your favourite dipping sauce!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 313.19kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 9.07g14%
- Saturated Fat 2.93g15%
- Trans Fat 0.01g
- Cholesterol 132.89mg45%
- Sodium 491.08mg21%
- Potassium 632.86mg19%
- Total Carbohydrate 11.31g4%
- Dietary Fiber 0.83g4%
- Sugars 1.24g
- Protein 43.85g88%
- Vitamin A 54.35 mcg
- Vitamin C 0.23 mg
- Calcium 174.6 mg
- Iron 1.08 mg
- Vitamin D 0.06 mcg
- Vitamin E 1.32 mg
- Vitamin K 1.83 mcg
- Thiamin 0.17 mg
- Riboflavin 0.36 mg
- Niacin 16.42 mg
- Vitamin B6 1.42 mg
- Folate 18.15 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.53 mcg
- Phosphorus 453.44 mg
- Magnesium 56.63 mg
- Zinc 1.59 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Make a quick dipping sauce with yoghurt, honey, a pinch of salt and crushed pepper.
- For a meal, wrap a few nuggets in a courgette and carrot wrap, which is delicious and healthy!
- Adjust the seasoning in the breadcrumbs mixture to your liking.
User Reviews
thank you, very nice and quick recipe with professional instructions !!!
Thanks for your kind feedback 🙂