Easy Chicken Nuggets

These Easy Chicken Nuggets not only deliver on the easy part of their name, but they’re insanely delicious too! They taste just as good (if not better) than fast food or store bought frozen nuggets and are made with simple ingredients. Kid’s go crazy for these! Why I Love This Recipe Homemade chicken nuggets are one…

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These Easy Chicken Nuggets not only deliver on the easy part of their name, but they’re insanely delicious too! They taste just as good (if not better) than fast food or store bought frozen nuggets and are made with simple ingredients. Kid’s go crazy for these!

Easy Chicken Nuggets on serving platter.

Why I Love This Recipe

Homemade chicken nuggets are one of the most requested recipes I’ve received since I started creating family-friendly meals for Weelicious. While I’ve made Baked Chicken Nuggets before, I wanted to create a version that closely resembles the fast food nuggets everyone loves. And so, this recipe was born! Chicken nuggets and french fries are convenient and undeniably loved by kids, so naturally have I several recipes for each.

This homemade chicken nugget recipe is incredibly easy to make and offers the same crispy, delicious taste as fast food—but with healthier ingredients! It comes together in under 30 minutes using ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Plus, you can make a large batch and freeze them for later, making these nuggets not only a budget-friendly recipe but also a huge time-saver when you need a quick meal.

The Ingredients

Easy chicken nuggets ingredients.
  • Chicken Breasts: The star of the show! We use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, a great protein source!
  • Old Fashioned Oats: Also known as rolled oats, this ingredient helps bind the chicken nuggets together. Plus, oats are high in fiber which adds some extra nutritional benefits.
  • Panko breadcrumbs: Panko is what gives these nuggets that irresistible crispy, crunchy exterior!
  • Grated parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds flavor to the nuggets, but if you need these to be dairy free you can omit it.
  • Seasonings: Dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and kosher salt add tons of flavor to this recipe!

Variations and Substitutions

  • Ground Chicken: If you don’t have a food processor, you can use ground chicken in this recipe. To do so, you’ll need to blend the oats into a finer consistency and then combine them with the ground chicken and remaining ingredients as instructed.
  • Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasonings to your taste preferences!
  • Gluten Free: Use certified gluten free oats and gluten free panko to make this recipe suitable for people with gluten sensitivities.

How to Make Easy Chicken Nuggets

Easy chicken nuggets mixture in bowl.

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the chicken chunks, oats and seasonings in a food processor until chicken is finely chopped and ingredients are combined.

Breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese combined in shallow bowl.

Step 2: Place the bread crumbs and parmesan cheese in a shallow bowl or on a plate and stir to combine.

Chicken nuggets on parchment paper.

Step 3: With moistened hands, roll about 1 tablespoon of chicken mixture between your palms and flatten it into a nugget shape.

Breaded chicken nuggets on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Gently press nuggets into bread crumbs to evenly coat them. Place nuggets on a parchment lined baking sheet. Lightly spray nuggets with cooking spray. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden.

Recipe Tip

If you want your nuggets to be even more golden brown, place under the broiler for 2 minutes after cooking.

How to Air Fry Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Making these homemade chicken nuggets in the air fryer is super easy! Simply form the nuggets as directed, spray each one with cooking spray, and place them in your air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Since every air fryer can vary, keep an eye on your nuggets while they cook to ensure perfect results!

Chicken nuggets in air fryer basket.
Cooked chicken nuggets in air fryer basket.

How to Freeze Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Many parents keep frozen chicken nuggets on hand as a quick meal solution, but have you ever looked closely at the ingredients in your favorite brand? Are they pronounceable? Are they things you want your kids eating? I was shocked when I first checked the labels, which is why I now make extra homemade chicken nuggets to freeze. This way, I always have a batch ready for when the craving hits, and I feel good knowing exactly what’s in them!

  1. Before cooking, place the coated, raw nuggets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze them for an hour.
  2. Put frozen nuggets in labeled zip-top bags and freeze for up to 4 months.
  3. When ready to eat, cook as directed, adding 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.

Tips and Tricks

  • Use Wet Hands for Shaping: Keep your hands slightly damp while shaping the nuggets to prevent the chicken mixture from sticking to your fingers.
  • Chill the Mixture: If the chicken mixture feels too soft to handle, place it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up. This makes shaping the nuggets easier and helps them hold their form while cooking.
  • Coat Nuggets Evenly: To get an even coating, press the nuggets gently into the breadcrumb mixture, turning them a few times. This ensures a crispy coating all over.
Easy Chicken Nuggets served with BBQ sauce and ketchup for dipping.

More Kid-Approved Chicken Recipes

Crispy on the outside, tender inside, freshly made easy chicken nuggets your kids will beg for everyday. What could be more simple, economical, nutritious and yummy than that?

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Easy Chicken Nuggets

There's no recipe more kid friendly than easy chicken nuggets. These nuggets are just as good (if not better) than fast food or store bought frozen nuggets and made with ingredients you can pronounce!
Course Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 199kcal

Equipment

  • Food Processor

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Place the first 6 ingredients in a food processor until chicken is finely chopped and ingredients are combined.
  • Place the bread crumbs and parmesan cheese in a shallow bowl or on a plate and stir to combine.
  • With moistened hands, roll 1 tablespoon of chicken mixture between your palms and flatten it into a “nugget” shape.
  • Gently press nuggets into bread crumbs to evenly coat them.
  • Place nuggets on parchment lined baking sheet and lightly spray nuggets with cooking spray.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden and serve. If you want your nuggets to be more golden brown, place under the broiler for 2 minutes after cooking. Air frying instructions are in the notes below!

Video

Notes

To Freeze: Before cooking, place the coated, raw nuggets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze them for an hour, then put them in labeled zip-top bags and freeze for up to 4 months. When ready to eat, cook as directed, adding 2 minutes to the cooking time.
To Air Fry: Form the nuggets as instructed and spritz each one will cooking spray. Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Since every air fryer can vary, keep an eye on your nuggets while they cook to ensure perfect results!
If you don’t have a food processor, you can use ground chicken in this recipe. To do so, you’ll need to blend the oats into a finer consistency and then combine them with the ground chicken and remaining ingredients as instructed.

Nutrition

Calories: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 527mg | Potassium: 468mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 45IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg

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Good Morning Protein Cookies

Looking for a breakfast treat that’s both delicious and packed with protein? My Good Morning Protein Cookies are the perfect solution! Whether you need a quick grab-and-go breakfast or a healthy snack for the kids, these cookies will hit the spot. They’re soft, chewy and incredibly easy to make. Why I Love This Recipe The Ingredients Variations and…

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Looking for a breakfast treat that’s both delicious and packed with protein? My Good Morning Protein Cookies are the perfect solution! Whether you need a quick grab-and-go breakfast or a healthy snack for the kids, these cookies will hit the spot. They’re soft, chewy and incredibly easy to make.

Good morning protein cookies on purple serving platter.

Why I Love This Recipe

  • Healthy and Filling: With a mix of oats, seeds, and nut butter, these cookies provide a healthy dose of protein and fiber to keep you full all morning. Looking for something similar? Try my Protein Bars recipe!
  • Kid-Friendly: What could be more kid-approved than a cookie for breakfast? Just like my other breakfast cookies recipe, these are naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey and have just the right amount of chocolate to make them a hit with kids.
  • Easy to Make: Minimal prep, one bowl, and you can refrigerate or freeze the dough to bake fresh anytime!
  • Versatile: Whether you prefer pumpkin puree or apple butter, raisins or dried cherries, this recipe can be easily adapted to your preferences.
  • Allergy Friendly: These breakfast cookies are naturally gluten free since the flour you’d have in a traditional cookie is replaced with old fashioned oats, and they can be nut free if you use your favorite seed butter instead of peanut butter. Plus, they’re vegan and dairy free!

The Ingredients

Good Morning Protein Cookies ingredients.
  • Old-fashioned oats: Oats provide a hearty base that’s high in fiber and helps keep you full longer.
  • Banana: Bananas add natural sweetness and help bind the ingredients together. Choose a super ripe banana for extra sweetness!
  • Pumpkin Puree or Apple Butter: Both options add moisture and flavor. Pumpkin brings a boost of vitamins, while apple butter gives a sweet, fruity touch.
  • Nut or seed butter of choice: Choose your favorite! Peanut, almond, cashew, or sunflower butter all add healthy fats and protein.
  • Maple syrup or Honey: Natural sweeteners that complement the nut butter and fruit, adding just the right amount of sweetness.
  • Cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the flavor of the cookies and adds a little antioxidant boost.
  • Chia or hemp seeds: Both chia and hemp seeds provide extra protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Dried raisins or cherries:Dried fruit adds a chewy texture and natural sweetness to every bite.
  • Kosher salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
  • Chocolate chips: Because a little chocolate makes everything better! Milk chocolate adds sweetness, while dark chocolate offers a richer flavor and is dairy free.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Switch Up the Nut Butter: If you’re allergic to nuts or prefer something different, use seed butter like sunflower butter instead of peanut butter.
  • Try Different Sweeteners: Swap the maple syrup or honey with agave syrup or brown rice syrup for a different flavor.
  • Mix Up the Add-ins: Swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped apricots, or add nuts like walnuts or almonds for extra crunch.
  • Make It Vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey, and choose dairy-free dark chocolate chips.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free to keep this recipe gluten-free for those with sensitivities.

How to Make Good Morning Protein Cookies Recipe

Combined ingredients in mixing bowl.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Place all of the ingredients in a standing mixer or in a bowl to beat with a hand mixer and mix until throughly combined. Refrigerate dough for 30-60 minutes.

Protein cookies before baked.

Step 2: Using a 1/4 cup ice cream scoop, place mixture on a parchment or silicone mat lined baking sheet and use your palm to gently press into 1 inch thick circles.

Baked protein cookies on baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake cookies for 18-20 minutes or until starting to turn golden. Cool on baking sheet for 15 minutes and then transfer to rack to cool completely.

Tips and Tricks

  • Flatten the Cookies: These cookies aren’t going to spread in the oven. Make sure to flatten them out with your palm to shape them into cookies.
  • Storing the Cookies: Store these cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. They also freeze well if you want to save them for later.
  • Chocolate Chip Toppings: This is more of a note for aesthetic purposes, but save a few chocolate chips to place on top of the cookies so they each have a beautiful display of chocolatey goodness on top.
Protein cookies on purple platter.

More Grab and Go Breakfast Treats

These Good Morning Protein Cookies are perfect for busy mornings when you need a quick, nutritious bite. They’re also great to pack in lunchboxes for the kids or as a mid-day snack to keep you going. Let me know what you think of this recipe by leaving a comment and rating below!

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Good Morning Protein Cookies

Good Morning Protein Cookies are easy to make and super healthy. They're gluten free, vegan and the perfect grab and go breakfast or snack. 
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 12
Calories 278kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups old fashioned oats (gluten free if you have an intolerance)
  • 1 banana, mashed
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin puree or apple butter
  • 1 cup nut or seed butter of choice (peanut butter, almond, cashew or sun butter work)
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon chia or hemp seeds
  • 1/2 cup dried raisins or cherries
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup milk or dark chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325°F.
  • Place all of the ingredients in a standing mixer or in a bowl to beat with a hand mixer and mix until throughly combined.
  • Refrigerate dough for 30-60 minutes.
  • Using a 1/4 cup ice cream scoop place mixture on a parchment or silicone mat lined baking sheet and use your palm to gently press into 1 inch thick circles. 
  • Bake cookies for 18-20 minutes or until starting to turn golden. Cool on baking sheet for 15 minutes and then transfer to rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Flatten the Cookies: These cookies aren’t going to spread in the oven. Make sure to flatten them out with your palm to shape them into cookies.
  • Storing the Cookies: Store these cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. They also freeze well if you want to save them for later.
  • Chocolate Chip Toppings: This is more of a note for aesthetic purposes, but save a few chocolate chips to place on top of the cookies so they each have a beautiful display of chocolatey goodness on top.

Nutrition

Calories: 278kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 0.1mg | Sodium: 200mg | Potassium: 318mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 808IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 2mg

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