Home-Made Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Why Make Your Own Chicken Nuggets?

In a world where convenience often trumps quality, why should you take the time to make your own chicken nuggets? The answer lies in the quality and control over ingredients. Store-bought nuggets often contain preservatives, additives, and questionable meat sources. By making your own, you ensure that your nuggets are made from real chicken, free from unwanted chemicals, and can even be organic if you choose.

Health Benefits

• No Preservatives: Homemade nuggets are free from artificial preservatives.
• Quality Control: You know exactly what goes into your food.
• Freshness: Homemade nuggets are fresher than store-bought options.

Preparation Tips

The preparation time is relatively short, around ten minutes. However, for the crispiest results, allow the nuggets to dry in the fridge for up to two hours before frying. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crunch.

Breadcrumb Quality

The quality of breadcrumbs significantly impacts the final product. Fresh, slightly dry breadcrumbs are superior to the powdery, pre-packaged varieties. If you have stale (but not moldy) bread, whizz it up in a food processor and store it in the freezer for future use.

Ingredients

Note: These quantities are a rough guide. Adjust according to the amount of chicken you wish to cook.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cut the Chicken: Slice the chicken breast fillets into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare Coating Stations:
   • Bowl 1: Mix sieved flour with chicken spice, salt, and pepper.
   • Bowl 2: Beat the egg with a pinch of salt and half a tablespoon of water or vegetable oil.
   • Bowl 3: Place breadcrumbs.
   • Bowl 4: For the finished nuggets.
3. Coat the Chicken:
   • Dip each piece of chicken in the flour mix, shaking off excess.
   • Next, dip it into the beaten egg.
   • Finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs and place it on the plate to dry.
4. Drying Time: Place the coated chicken pieces in the fridge for at least ten minutes, but preferably up to two hours.
5. Frying:
   • Heat approximately 3 tablespoons of sunflower or vegetable oil in a wide frying pan.
   • Add the nuggets without crowding the pan.
   • Turn when golden on one side and cook until all sides are golden.
   • Remove and drain on kitchen paper.

Versatility

You can use the same method to make fish fingers by substituting chicken with fish strips. This versatility can earn you the "supermom" award for the year!

Interesting Stats

• Chicken Consumption: The average American consumes about 93 pounds of chicken per year (Source: National Chicken Council).
• Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Homemade chicken nuggets can have up to 50% fewer calories and 60% less fat compared to some store-bought brands (Source: Healthline).

Conclusion

Making your own chicken nuggets is a rewarding experience that ensures you serve your family a healthier, tastier meal. With minimal preparation time and the ability to control the ingredients, homemade chicken nuggets are a superior choice to their store-bought counterparts. Plus, the versatility of this recipe allows you to experiment with different meats and spices, making it a staple in your culinary repertoire.

By taking control of what goes into your food, you not only provide a healthier option for your family but also enjoy the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch. So, next time your children crave comfort food, consider making these homemade chicken nuggets.