Homemade Chicken Nuggets: 15 Crispy Kid Favorites That Beat the Drive-Thru, Plus Easy Dips

Homemade chicken nuggets might be the one dinner every kid says yes to. They are also some of the most watched cooking videos online. A homemade nugget recipe for kids’ lunch boxes from the channel Tiffin Box has more than 35 million views, and Nick DiGiovanni’s giant nugget video has more than 27 million. Making them at home is easier than most parents think. You need real chicken, a simple crunchy coating and a sheet pan or air fryer. Make a big batch, freeze the extras and you are ready for the busiest school nights and holiday weeks. Here are the versions kids ask for again and again..

Homemade Chicken Nuggets With Real Chicken

Every kid on earth says yes to chicken nuggets. The secret to great ones at home is a three step breading station: flour, egg, then crumbs. Toasting the panko in a skillet first gives baked nuggets that deep golden color without frying. Always cook chicken to 165F inside. What do your kids dip their nuggets in..

You will need: 1 1/2 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs cut in 1 1/2 inch pieces, 1/2 cup flour, 2 eggs, 1 1/2 cups panko, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, cooking spray.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 425F and line a sheet pan. 2. Toast the panko in a dry skillet until golden, then mix in the spices. 3. Set out bowls of flour, beaten eggs and panko. 4. Coat each piece in flour, then egg, then panko. 5. Spray the tops with oil. 6. Bake 15 to 18 minutes until 165F inside.

Classic Crispy Baked Homemade Chicken Nuggets

These are the everyday homemade chicken nuggets to master first. Pieces of chicken breast get the flour, egg and toasted panko treatment and bake on a hot sheet pan. They come out crunchy outside and juicy inside. Flip them halfway for even color. Cut the pieces the same size so they cook evenly. Breast meat or thighs?

You will need: 1 1/2 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs cut in 1 1/2 inch pieces, 1/2 cup flour, 2 eggs, 1 1/2 cups panko, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, cooking spray.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 425F. 2. Cut the chicken into even pieces. 3. Bread each piece in flour, egg and toasted panko. 4. Lay them on a lined sheet pan and spray with oil. 5. Bake 8 minutes, flip, and bake 7 to 10 more. 6. Check that the thickest piece is 165F.

Air Fryer Homemade Chicken Nuggets in 10 Minutes

The air fryer makes nuggets that taste fried with just a spray of oil. Cook them in a single layer so the hot air can reach every side, and work in batches if you need to. They are done in about 10 minutes, faster than a drive-thru line. Do you use your air fryer every day?

You will need: 1 1/2 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs cut in 1 1/2 inch pieces, 1/2 cup flour, 2 eggs, 1 1/2 cups panko, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, cooking spray.

How to make it: 1. Heat the air fryer to 400F. 2. Bread the chicken pieces. 3. Spray the basket and the nuggets with oil. 4. Cook in one layer for 5 minutes. 5. Flip and cook 4 to 6 minutes more. 6. Check for 165F and serve hot.

Panko Parmesan Nuggets

Parmesan cheese mixed into the crumbs makes these homemade chicken nuggets extra golden and a little nutty. Kids who love cheesy foods go crazy for them. A pinch of Italian seasoning adds flavor without heat. Serve them with warm marinara for dipping, like little chicken parm bites. Marinara or ranch for these?

You will need: 1 1/2 lb chicken in bite-size pieces, 1/2 cup flour, 2 eggs, 1 cup panko, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, marinara for dipping.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 425F. 2. Mix panko, Parmesan, Italian seasoning and garlic powder. 3. Coat the chicken in flour, egg and the cheesy crumbs. 4. Spray with oil. 5. Bake 15 to 18 minutes, flipping once. 6. Serve with warm marinara.

Pretzel Crusted Chicken Nuggets

Crushed pretzels give homemade chicken nuggets the crunchiest coating of all, with a salty flavor kids love. Pulse them in a blender or crush them in a zip bag with a rolling pin. Honey mustard is the perfect dip for these. They are a fun twist for game day or a family movie night. Have you ever cooked with pretzels?

You will need: 1 1/2 lb chicken pieces, 1/2 cup flour, 2 eggs, 1 tbsp mustard, 2 cups mini pretzels finely crushed, cooking spray, honey mustard to serve.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400F and set a rack on a sheet pan. 2. Whisk the eggs with the mustard. 3. Coat the chicken in flour, then egg, then pretzel crumbs. 4. Set them on the rack and spray with oil. 5. Bake 18 to 20 minutes until 165F. 6. Serve with honey mustard.

Cornflake Crusted Chicken Tenders

This is a classic church cookbook trick: crushed cornflakes make a crispy coating with no frying at all. Use tenders or strips of chicken breast so they bake fast. A little melted butter mixed into the crumbs helps them brown. Grandma made these long before air fryers. Did your family use cornflakes or crackers?

You will need: 1 1/2 lb chicken tenders, 1/2 cup flour, 2 eggs, 3 cups cornflakes crushed, 2 tbsp melted butter, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp salt.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400F. 2. Mix the crushed cornflakes with butter, paprika and salt. 3. Coat the tenders in flour, egg and cornflakes. 4. Lay them on a lined sheet pan. 5. Bake 18 to 20 minutes until golden. 6. Check for 165F inside.

Popcorn Chicken Bites for Movie Night

Popcorn chicken is just tiny homemade chicken nuggets, but somehow kids think it is twice as fun. Cut the chicken into small cubes, toss in seasoned flour and a quick buttermilk dip, then air fry or bake. Serve them in paper cones or bowls for a family movie night. How many could your kids eat?

You will need: 1 lb chicken breast in 3/4 inch cubes, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, oil spray.

How to make it: 1. Soak the chicken cubes in buttermilk for 15 minutes. 2. Mix flour, cornstarch and spices. 3. Toss the chicken in the flour mix until coated. 4. Spray with oil. 5. Air fry at 400F for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking once, or bake at 425F for 15 minutes. 6. Check for 165F.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

For a special treat, nothing beats real fried tenders. A buttermilk soak makes the chicken tender and helps the craggy coating stick. Fry in a heavy pot with a thermometer, and keep the kids away from the stove. Serve with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce for the grown-ups. Is fried chicken a weekend treat at your house?

You will need: 1 1/2 lb chicken tenders, 1 cup buttermilk, 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, vegetable oil for frying.

How to make it: 1. Soak the tenders in buttermilk for 30 minutes or overnight. 2. Mix flour and spices. 3. Dredge each tender, dip it back in buttermilk and dredge again. 4. Heat 2 inches of oil to 350F in a heavy pot. 5. Fry 4 to 5 minutes, turning once. 6. Drain on a rack and check for 165F.

Fun Shaped Nuggets With a Cookie Cutter

Want homemade chicken nuggets that make kids squeal? Use ground chicken and cookie cutters to make stars, hearts and dinosaurs. Mix the chicken with a little cheese and breadcrumbs, press it flat, cut out shapes and bread them. They are perfect for birthday parties and picky eaters. What shape would your kids pick?

You will need: 1 lb ground chicken, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, plus flour, 2 eggs and 1 1/2 cups panko for coating.

How to make it: 1. Mix ground chicken, cheese, breadcrumbs and seasoning. 2. Press it 1/2 inch thick on parchment and freeze 15 minutes. 3. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters. 4. Bread them in flour, egg and panko. 5. Bake at 425F for 15 minutes, flipping once. 6. Check for 165F.

Sheet Pan Nugget Dinner With Fries and Veggies

Homemade chicken nuggets become a full dinner with one pan to wash. Spread frozen fries on one side of a big sheet pan, nuggets in the middle and broccoli or carrots on the other side. Everything roasts together and comes out at the same time. Add a quick cabbage slaw on the side. Fries or tater tots with yours?

You will need: 1 1/2 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs cut in 1 1/2 inch pieces, 1/2 cup flour, 2 eggs, 1 1/2 cups panko, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, cooking spray, 4 cups frozen fries, 3 cups broccoli florets, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 425F. 2. Spread the fries on one side of a large sheet pan and bake 10 minutes. 3. Add the breaded nuggets to the middle. 4. Toss broccoli with oil and salt and add to the pan. 5. Bake 15 to 18 minutes more. 6. Check the chicken is 165F and serve.

Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

When kids get tired of plain homemade chicken nuggets, toss the crispy bites in a sticky honey garlic glaze. It is sweet, a little salty and very kid friendly. Serve them over rice with a side of green beans for a takeout-style dinner at home. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for the grown-ups. Sweet or spicy?

You will need: 1 lb crispy baked or air fried chicken bites, 1/3 cup honey, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 3 cloves garlic minced, 1 tsp cornstarch, 2 tbsp water, sesame seeds.

How to make it: 1. Cook the chicken bites until crispy and 165F. 2. Simmer honey, soy sauce and garlic for 2 minutes. 3. Mix cornstarch and water and stir it in. 4. Cook until thick and glossy. 5. Toss the chicken in the glaze. 6. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve over rice.

Turkey Tenders for Thanksgiving Week

Thanksgiving week is busy, and kids often need something simple before the big meal. Turkey breast cutlets make lean, mild tenders that bake just like chicken. Add a pinch of sage and thyme to the crumbs for a holiday flavor. Leftover cranberry sauce makes a fun dip. Would your kids try cranberry dip?

You will need: 1 1/2 lb turkey breast cutlets cut in strips, 1/2 cup flour, 2 eggs, 1 1/2 cups panko, 1/2 tsp dried sage, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp salt, cranberry sauce to serve.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 425F. 2. Mix panko with sage, thyme and salt. 3. Coat the turkey strips in flour, egg and crumbs. 4. Spray with oil. 5. Bake 15 to 18 minutes, flipping once, until 165F. 6. Serve with cranberry sauce.

Freezer Batch Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Make a double batch on Sunday and you will thank yourself on every busy night. Bread the nuggets, freeze them on a tray, then move them to bags. Bake straight from frozen, just add a few extra minutes. Label the bag with the date and use within 3 months. How many nights a week do you need a quick dinner?

You will need: 1 1/2 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs cut in 1 1/2 inch pieces, 1/2 cup flour, 2 eggs, 1 1/2 cups panko, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, cooking spray, freezer bags, a marker.

How to make it: 1. Bread the nuggets as usual. 2. Freeze them in a single layer on a lined tray for 2 hours. 3. Move them to freezer bags and label with the date. 4. Freeze up to 3 months. 5. Bake from frozen at 425F for 20 to 25 minutes. 6. Check for 165F before serving.

Nugget Wraps for Lunch Boxes

Leftover nuggets make the best lunch box wraps. Roll them in a soft tortilla with lettuce, cucumber, cheese and a little ranch. Wrap tightly in foil and pack with an ice pack. The Tiffin Box lunch box video that inspired millions shows how much kids love nuggets at school. Want more ideas? See our kids lunch box ideas they will actually eat. Would your kids trade their sandwich for this?

You will need: 6 to 8 cooked homemade nuggets, 2 large flour tortillas, lettuce, sliced cucumber, shredded cheese, 2 tbsp ranch.

How to make it: 1. Warm the nuggets and slice them in half. 2. Spread ranch on each tortilla. 3. Add lettuce, cucumber and cheese. 4. Line up the nuggets in the middle. 5. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly. 6. Wrap in foil and pack with an ice pack.

Five Easy Dipping Sauces for Homemade Chicken Nuggets

The dip is half the fun. Make a quick tray of five sauces from things in your fridge: honey mustard, ranch, barbecue, sweet chili and a cool yogurt dill. Let kids taste them all and vote for a winner. Watch the Tiffin Box nugget video for more inspiration. Which dip wins at your house?

You will need: Honey mustard: 1/4 cup mayo, 2 tbsp mustard, 2 tbsp honey. Yogurt dill: 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 tsp dill, pinch of salt, squeeze of lemon. Plus ranch, barbecue sauce and sweet chili sauce.

How to make it: 1. Stir mayo, mustard and honey for the honey mustard. 2. Mix yogurt, dill, salt and lemon for the dill dip. 3. Spoon ranch, barbecue and sweet chili sauce into small bowls. 4. Set all five on a tray. 5. Serve with hot nuggets. 6. Let everyone vote for a favorite.