These tasty turkey (or chicken) nuggets are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them perfect for any meal or snack time! Kids love them, and so do adults!
These nuggets are super easy to make. Just season, coat, and bake (or fry if you prefer!). I love serving them with a side of my favorite dipping sauce—so good! 🍗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: Ground turkey gives a lean option for the nuggets. If you prefer chicken, chicken breast is a great choice. If you’re looking for a beef alternative, lean ground beef also works.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a wonderful crunch. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs will do, but the texture might be slightly less crispy. You can also use crushed cornflakes for a unique twist.
Seasonings: Garlic and onion powders bring fantastic flavor. Feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste. Adding Italian herbs or a pinch of cayenne for heat could be delicious too!
Dipping Sauce: The mayo, ketchup, and hot sauce mix is a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for a lighter dip, try yogurt mixed with herbs or a simple ranch dressing!
How Do I Ensure My Nuggets Are Crispy?
Getting that perfect crunch is key to delicious nuggets. Here’s how to ensure they are crispy:
- Use panko breadcrumbs! They create a light, crunchy coating.
- Don’t rush the frying or baking—cooking at the right temperature makes a big difference. For frying, medium heat is best.
- If baking, make sure to spray the tops with oil to help them crisp up nicely. Flip halfway through to brown both sides.
By following these tips, your nuggets will be golden and crispy, just the way everyone loves them!
Turkey Nuggets (or Chicken Nuggets)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground turkey (or chicken breast cut into nugget-sized pieces)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Cooking oil for frying (about 1-2 cups) or cooking spray if baking
- Optional for dipping sauce: ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp hot sauce or sriracha
Time Estimate:
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep and an additional 20-25 minutes for cooking, depending on whether you choose to fry or bake. In total, you should be ready to enjoy your nuggets in about 40-45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey or Chicken:
If you’re using ground turkey, simply form it into bite-sized nugget shapes. If you opted for chicken breast, cut it into pieces that are about 1-2 inches each. This size helps with even cooking!
2. Set Up the Breading Station:
Grab three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, mix the flour with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth and put the panko breadcrumbs in the last bowl. You’re ready to bread those nuggets!
3. Bread the Nuggets:
First, take each nugget and dip it into the seasoned flour, making sure to shake off any extra. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Lastly, coat it thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs. Place the breaded nuggets on a plate and repeat until all are coated!
4. Frying or Baking the Nuggets:
For frying: Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Fry the nuggets in batches for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove them and let them drain on paper towels.
For baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the nuggets on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re crisp and fully cooked.
5. Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and hot sauce to create a spicy dipping sauce (if desired). This is optional, but it adds a great flavor!
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the warm turkey or chicken nuggets hot alongside your dipping sauce. Enjoy every crispy bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken or Turkey for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken or turkey, but make sure to thoroughly thaw it before cooking! Ideally, thaw it in the fridge overnight or in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for quicker results.
Can I Make These Nuggets Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to keep the recipe gluten-free while still achieving that crispy texture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best results to regain that crispiness, rather than using a microwave.
How Do I Spice Up the Flavor?
Feel free to customize the seasoning! You can add more spices like cayenne pepper for heat, Italian herbs for an extra flavor kick, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese in the panko for a cheesy crust!