You’re craving Mcdonald’s nuggets, but are looking for a healthier version ? You can make your own crispy, golden nuggets at home with this easy ground chicken nuggets recipe that taste even better than the fast food one.
Let me share the ground chicken nuggets recipe with you !
Not a reader ? Watch the simple steps for the perfect homemade ground chicken nuggets recipe !
Why you’ll love this ground chicken nuggets recipe
You will love this ground chicken nuggets recipe, it requires only 5 ingredients that you certainly already have in your home, and can be prepared in only 30 minutes.
Personally, I feel that this homemade ground chicken nuggets recipe tastes much better than the fast food ones they have delicious they have a crispy texture on the outside and their juicy and tender taste in the outside. You can enjoy them as a meal or snack.
This ground chicken nuggets recipe is also much healthier than fast food nuggets, as they are made of fresh ground chicken and not cooked with oil but in an oven or air fryer. The chicken nuggets contains plenty of proteins, with around 6gr of proteins per nugget, so it is a great high protein snack if you’re trying to lose weight or gain muscles.
Also, you’re not obliged to use the seasonings I gave in the recipe. You can customize your nuggets with the spices of your choice.
About ground chicken nuggets
You might be surprised, but chicken nugget originally called ”Chicken Crispies” were published as an academic work in 1950s at Cornell university by a food science professor named Robert C. His main purpose was to help solving two issues in the meat industry which were shaping ground meat without skin and create a batter that stays on during frying and freezing.
Perdue Farm trademarked the first dinosaur shaped nuggets, in 1991. Then chicken nuggets became popular across the world, but are still considered unhealthy as they are fried in oil.
Ingredients
To make this easy and flavourful ground chicken nuggets recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 500g ground chicken
- Flour
- 1 egg
- Parmesan cheese
- Oil
Seasonings :
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper
Prepare your ground chicken nuggets recipe
Combine the Ingredients
Start the ground chicken nuggets recipe by mixing your ground chicken with emmental cheese, 1 egg, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, salt and a bit of pepper. Mix thoroughly until the seasonings are completely incorporated into the mixture and let it on the side.


Prepare your dry mixture
Mix the flour with the same seasonings (1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, salt and a bit of pepper).
Shape your nuggets
Use the ground chicken mixture to shape your nuggets. Make sure that they are not too tick or too thin. Then put your nuggets in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. You should get around 20 to 22 nuggets with the quantities I gave you.
TIP : Dry your hands or gloves wit oil spray or a bit of water to keep the ground chicken from sticking.

Coat the Nuggets
Prepare a bowl with beaten eggs. Dip each nuggets in the flour then into the egg and finally into the flour again. Gently tap your nuggets to remove any excess of flour and place them on a baking sheet with baking paper.
Bake your ground chicken nuggets
Preheat your oven to 200°C. Place your baking sheet with your nuggets in the oven and let them bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 180°C until you can see a golden color. Do not forget flipping your nuggets after 10 minutes.


What to serve with ground chicken nuggets ?
I love eating these nuggets with a fresh salad or some delicious french fries with some ketchup. But you it’s up to you ! You can opt for potato wedges, sweet potato, vegetables or coleslaw. You can serve them as a meal or snack, with sauces.

FAQ: Ground chicken nuggets recipe
How long will chicken nuggets last ?
Ground chicken nuggets last up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and up to 3 months if stored in a freezer.
Why are my homemade chicken nuggets soggy ?
If your homemade chicken nuggets are soggy, it can be due to inadequate coating or excess of oil. If you fry your nuggets, I recommend you to drain them on paper towels. If you bake them, make sure to space them enough, and preheat your oven and cook your nuggets at the right temperature.
What are the benefits of chicken nuggets ?
This ground chicken nuggets recipe is a good source of protein and can be customized with the seasonings of your choice.
How do you keep chicken nuggets from drying out ?
To keep chicken nuggets from drying out avoid overcooking and do not forget to use eggs in your ground chicken mixture.
How do you know if nuggets are undercooked ?
To know if your chicken nuggets are undercooked, cut one nugget in half, the meat should not be pink and the juices should be clear. For more accuracy you can check the internal temperature of your nuggets using a meat thermometer, you should find 165°F (74°C).
How do you keep nuggets crispy after frying?
Place fried nuggets on a wire rack instead of paper towels to maintain their crispiness. This prevents them from sitting in oil and becoming soggy.
How are chicken nuggets processed?
Homemade ground chicken nuggets are simply made by combining and seasoning ground chicken, shaping it, and cooking it with a crispy coating. This is a much simpler process compared to commercial methods.
Why do chicken nuggets taste so good?
The combination of juicy chicken, seasoning, and a crunchy crust creates a texture and flavor that is hard to resist. Dipping sauces add a balance of savory and tangy notes.
Are chicken nuggets junk food?
Homemade ground chicken nuggets are not junk food! With wholesome ingredients, less oil, and no added preservatives, they can be part of a balanced, nutritious meal.

Ground chicken nuggets recipe
Ingredients
- 500 g ground chicken
- Flour
- 1 egg
- Parmesan cheese
- Oil
Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Combine the Ingredients
- Start the ground chicken nuggets recipe by mixing your ground chicken with emmental cheese, 1 egg, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, salt and a bit of pepper. Mix thoroughly until the seasonings are completely incorporated into the mixture and let it on the side.
Prepare your dry mixture
- Mix the flour with the same seasonings (1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, salt and a bit of pepper).
Shape your nuggets
- Use the ground chicken mixture to shape your nuggets. Make sure that they are not too tick or too thin. Then put your nuggets in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. You should get around 20 to 22 nuggets with the quantities I gave you.
- TIP : Dry your hands or gloves wit oil spray or a bit of water to keep the ground chicken from sticking.
Coat the Nuggets
- Prepare a bowl with beaten eggs. Dip each nuggets in the flour then into the egg and finally into the flour again. Gently tap your nuggets to remove any excess of flour and place them on a baking sheet with baking paper.
Bake your ground chicken nuggets
- Preheat your oven to 200°C. Place your baking sheet with your nuggets in the oven and let them bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 180°C until you can see a golden color. Do not forget flipping your nuggets after 10 minutes.