Super Simple Homemade Chicken Nuggets

What kid doesn’t like chicken nuggets? I haven’t yet met one that’s refused them.

(I know there will be children who don’t like them, and there will be vegetarians that do not eat them – but I needed a strong first line for this post 😉 so went with a blanket statement)

But do you, as the parent, ever wonder what is in the processed ones you buy?

It may be best not to think about it. I still wake up in a cold sweat after watching Jamie Oliver demonstrate how chicken nuggets are made in the UK.

(Here’s a US version)

Please be aware if clicking on the UK clip – Jamie isn’t shy in using the F word, even when Gordon Ramsey isn’t around.

So without being too dramatic about it… I like to make my own and here’s how you can too.

You will need approximately half a chicken breast per child (I buy free-range. That’s my preference, but it’s not compulsory!).

Cut into equal size pieces, approximately 1″ square cubes will do. I tend to cut mine in strips as we very often place in wraps with salad. These would be 2″ strips about ½” thick.

Beat one egg (again I use free-range) in a large bowl and drop the cut chicken into it.

Coat the chicken in the egg.

Here is where you have a choice. Use either fine homemade breadcrumbs or cornflakes.

If using cornflakes the easiest way to crumb them is to place a couple of large handfuls in a bag and crush them with your hands or a rolling pin.

Cornflakes will produce a crunchier coating.

Pour the crumbs into the bowl and coat as evenly as possible with a fork.

Place the coated chicken pieces on a non-stick baking tray, spreading them out.

In a pre-heated moderate oven (180°C/356°F – Gas Mark 4) cook for 10-15 minutes until cooked throughout.

How simple is that?

I tend to make a grown-up version at the same time. By adding a little grated parmesan and black pepper to the crumbs you get this;

Very tasty!

** Please note that I am not a qualified nutritionist or professional cook.  My recipes are what I put together at home and all amounts etc… are approximate. What I write is my own experience of cooking the recipe.  Ovens and ingredients do vary – just go with it,  have fun and apply common sense at all times!  Practice makes perfect!**