10+ Chicken Nugget Recipes to Try at Home for Delicious Fun Meals

Chicken nuggets—honestly, who doesn’t crave them now and then? They’re easy to eat, totally delicious, and you can whip them up in so many ways.

Some folks love them extra crispy, others go for baked, and you can get creative with flavors if you’re feeling bold. There’s a whole world of nuggets out there to mess around with.

Chicken nugget recipes give you simple ways to make a delicious meal at home using ingredients you can find easily. When you make your own nuggets, you decide what goes in them. That means you get to experiment with new seasonings or just keep it classic.

Let’s dig into some easy recipes that won’t stress you out or take all night.

1) The Best Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets

You can bake up crispy chicken nuggets at home with just a handful of basics. Baking instead of frying keeps things lighter, but you still get that crunch outside and juicy inside.

Coat your chicken pieces really well with a mix of breadcrumbs and seasonings. Don’t forget a little oil or a spritz of cooking spray—this helps them actually crisp up in the oven.

They’re ready in about 30 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Perfect for a quick dinner or a snack when you’re just not in the mood to fuss.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl.
3. Coat chicken pieces in the breadcrumb mix.
4. Place nuggets on a baking sheet and spray lightly with oil.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and cooked through.

2) Baked Parmesan Chicken Nuggets

Baked Parmesan chicken nuggets are a nice twist if you’re after something cheesy. Dip your chicken in melted butter first, then roll it in a breadcrumb and Parmesan mix for extra flavor.

Pop them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until they’re golden. No deep frying, no oily mess—just a lighter, crispy bite.

Serve these with your go-to dipping sauce. They’re a solid pick for lunch or a quick dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into nuggets
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Dip chicken pieces into melted butter.
3. Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and salt in a bowl.
4. Coat chicken in breadcrumb mixture.
5. Place nuggets on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy and cooked through.

3) Homemade Chicken Nuggets with Garlic and Herbs

Garlic and herbs bring a fresh kick to homemade chicken nuggets. Simple stuff like fresh parsley and dried thyme make a difference without much effort.

Garlic powder gives the nuggets a mild but noticeable punch. You can use crushed seasoned croutons or panko for that crunchy coating.

A little grated Parmesan adds a cheesy twist. These are baked, so you get the crunch without the guilt.

It’s honestly a fun way to make nuggets at home. I’ve seen both kids and grown-ups go for seconds.

Ingredients:

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ cup crushed seasoned croutons or panko crumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, beat eggs with water, parsley, thyme, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Dip chicken pieces into the egg mixture.
4. Coat each piece with the croutons and Parmesan mixture.
5. Place nuggets on a greased baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
7. Serve warm with your favorite sauce.

For more ideas, check herbed chicken nuggets recipes from Allrecipes or That’s Skinny Chick Can Bake.

4) Buffalo Style Chicken Nugget Sandwich

If you’re into spicy food, you’ve got to try a buffalo chicken nugget sandwich. Just toss crispy nuggets in your favorite hot sauce—Frank’s is a classic—and pile them on a soft bun.

Add pickles for some crunch. Ranch or blue cheese dressing cools things down if you want.

Want it gooey? Toast the sandwich and melt a little cheese on top of the nuggets.

Ingredients:

• 2 boxes chicken nuggets
• 12 potato rolls or buns
• 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
• 12 pickle slices
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)
• Shredded cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook chicken nuggets as directed on the package.
2. Toss hot and crispy nuggets in hot sauce.
3. Toast rolls if you want melted cheese.
4. Place nuggets on the rolls, add pickles.
5. Add dressing if using, close the sandwich, and serve.

Find a similar recipe for a buffalo chicken nugget sandwich here.

5) Chicken Nugget Charcuterie Board

A chicken nugget charcuterie board is honestly a fun way to serve snacks at a party or just for family movie night. Arrange cooked nuggets with fresh veggies, fruits, and pickles for a mix of flavors.

Carrot sticks, celery, apple slices, and grapes all work well. Everyone gets to pick their favorites and make their own little combos.

Add some ranch or honey mustard dip on the side. It really ties the whole thing together.

Bake frozen nuggets at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes for best results. Give them a light spray with cooking oil to help them brown up.

Ingredients

• Frozen chicken nuggets
• Carrot sticks
• Celery sticks
• Apple slices
• Green grapes
• Pickle slices
• Ranch or honey mustard dip

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
3. Arrange nuggets in a single layer.
4. Lightly spray nuggets with cooking spray.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.
6. Arrange nuggets, veggies, fruits, and pickles on a board.
7. Serve with your favorite dips.

You can check out more details on the Chicken Nugget Charcuterie Board recipe.

6) Nugget Nachos with Cheese and Jalapeños

Nugget nachos are a fun twist—seriously, why not? Start by layering tortilla chips with cooked chicken nuggets and sprinkle cheese on top.

Add jalapeño slices for a little heat. If you’re in the mood, toss on diced red onion or cilantro for extra flavor.

Bake everything until the cheese melts and bubbles. It’s perfect for a snack or a really casual meal.

Serve with salsa or your favorite dip on the side.

Ingredients

• Tortilla chips
• Cooked chicken nuggets
• Shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
• Sliced jalapeños
• Optional: diced red onion, chopped cilantro

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a layer of tortilla chips on a baking sheet.
3. Cut chicken nuggets into pieces and scatter over chips.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.
5. Add sliced jalapeños and optional toppings.
6. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until cheese melts.
7. Serve warm with dipping sauce if you like.

7) Chicken Nugget Parmesan Sliders

Chicken nugget parmesan sliders are a fast, crowd-pleasing meal. Use cooked chicken nuggets, marinara sauce, and cheese, all tucked inside sweet Hawaiian rolls.

Cook the nuggets, slice the rolls, and spread marinara on the bottom. Layer on the nuggets and cheese, then pop the tops back on and bake until everything’s melty and warm.

You can always add extra herbs or spices if you’re feeling creative.

Ingredients

• 12 Hawaiian rolls
• 12 cooked chicken nuggets
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 6 slices mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half.
3. Spread marinara sauce on the bottom halves.
4. Place cooked chicken nuggets evenly on the sauce.
5. Add mozzarella slices and sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.
6. Cover with the top halves of the rolls.
7. Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts.
8. Serve warm and enjoy.

More details can be found on this chicken nugget parmesan sliders recipe.

8) Chicken Nugget Buffalo Wrap

You can throw together a Chicken Nugget Buffalo Wrap in no time, especially if you’ve got frozen chicken nuggets and some buffalo sauce on hand.

Just warm up the nuggets and toss them in the sauce for that spicy punch.

Lay the saucy nuggets onto a tortilla.

Sprinkle on shredded cheese and pile up some lettuce.

A drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing adds a creamy, cool contrast.

If you’re feeling it, toss in extras like shredded carrots or a few avocado slices.

Wrap everything up nice and snug.

Heat it for a minute or two if you want the cheese gooey and the whole thing warm.

Ingredients

• 4 frozen chicken nuggets
• 1 tablespoon buffalo wing sauce
• 1 tortilla
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing
• Optional: lettuce, shredded carrots, avocado slices

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat chicken nuggets according to package directions.
2. Toss nuggets in buffalo wing sauce.
3. Warm tortilla slightly in a pan or microwave.
4. Place nuggets on tortilla, add cheese and veggies.
5. Drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing on top.
6. Wrap tightly and heat in a pan or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes if you want it extra melty.

9) Chick-fil-A Style Chicken Nuggets

If you want to try making Chick-fil-A style chicken nuggets at home, start by soaking chicken pieces in dill pickle juice.

That little trick makes the chicken extra tender and gives it a tangy flavor you’ll notice.

After the soak, dunk the chicken in a mixture of milk and egg so your coating actually sticks.

For the breading, blend flour, powdered sugar, and a bit of paprika.

Peanut oil works best for frying and gives the nuggets a crisp, golden shell.

Fry the nuggets at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until they’re golden and cooked through.

Ingredients:

• Boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into chunks
• Dill pickle juice
• Milk
• Egg
• All-purpose flour
• Powdered sugar
• Paprika
• Peanut oil (for frying)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Soak chicken pieces in pickle juice for at least 30 minutes.
2. Mix milk and egg in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and paprika.
4. Dip chicken in milk mixture, then coat in flour mixture.
5. Heat peanut oil to 350°F (175°C).
6. Fry nuggets until golden and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve.

10) Chicken Nuggets with Sweet ‘n’ Sour Sauce

You can whip up this classic dish at home without much fuss. The sweet and sour sauce packs a tangy punch that really livens up crispy chicken nuggets.

Honestly, it’s a quick meal, but the flavor feels like you put in extra effort. The sauce blends apricot jam, vinegar, and a bit of corn syrup for that sweet-tangy combo.

Serve it over rice or maybe toss some veggies on the plate if you’re feeling ambitious. The ingredients are all pretty standard, nothing fancy.

It works for family dinners or just a snack when you’re craving something a little nostalgic.

Ingredients

• Chicken nuggets (frozen or homemade)
• 1/2 cup apricot jam or preserves
• 2 tablespoons corn syrup
• 2 tablespoons water
• 5 teaspoons distilled white vinegar

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook chicken nuggets by following the package or your favorite recipe.
2. In a small saucepan, combine apricot jam, corn syrup, water, and vinegar.
3. Warm the sauce over medium heat, stirring until it’s smooth.
4. Toss the hot nuggets in the sauce or just serve the sauce on the side.
5. Dig in and enjoy those sweet ‘n’ sour chicken nuggets!

You can check out a similar recipe with more sauce details here.