These turkey nuggets are super tasty and easy to make! Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, they’re perfect for kids and adults alike. Plus, you can use chicken if you prefer!
I love whipping these up for family movie night. They’re great with dipping sauces, and honestly, who can resist a crunchy nugget? They’re a guaranteed hit every time! 🍗🎬
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey or Chicken: Both work well, but I usually lean towards ground turkey for a slightly leaner option. If you’re looking for a vegetarian twist, try using mashed chickpeas or a plant-based ground meat substitute!
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give nuggets a fantastic crunch. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs can work too, but the texture won’t be as light and crispy. Consider adding a sprinkle of cornmeal to regular breadcrumbs for some extra crunch.
Parmesan Cheese: It’s great for flavor! However, you can swap it with another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or even leave it out for a dairy-free version. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor too.
Egg: This binds the mixture together. If you’re vegan or allergic, a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water) works well as a substitute.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crunch on My Nuggets?
The secret to crispy nuggets lies in how you coat them! Ensuring they’re evenly coated will help keep them crunchy. Here’s how to do it right:
- First, dredge in flour to create a base layer. This helps the egg stick better.
- Next, dip in beaten egg for a wet layer that sticks the breadcrumbs.
- Finally, roll them in the panko and Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the nuggets; this helps fry them quickly and prevents them from absorbing excess oil.
Finally, draining on a paper towel will help keep them crispy until serving. Enjoy your cooking!
Turkey Nuggets (or Chicken)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground turkey or ground chicken
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for coating)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
Optional Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp hot sauce or smoked paprika
- Fresh herbs (such as oregano) for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time and about 15 minutes for cooking. So in total, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun weekend treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Nugget Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey or chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and egg. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined. It’s important to mix it thoroughly for even flavor in every bite!
2. Shape the Nuggets:
Take a portion of the mixture and shape it into small nugget-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches each. Aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly!
3. Set Up Your Dredging Station:
Prepare three shallow dishes: in the first dish, place the flour; in the second, put the beaten egg; and in the third, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese. This will help you coat the nuggets proper!
4. Coat Each Nugget:
Now it’s time to coat! Start by rolling each nugget in the flour to create a base layer—shake off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten egg, making sure it’s fully coated. Lastly, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well. Repeat until all nuggets are coated.
5. Fry the Nuggets:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the nuggets in batches, cooking them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Avoid crowding the pan, so they fry evenly!
6. Drain Excess Oil:
Once your nuggets are golden and delicious, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
7. Make the Dipping Sauce:
For the dipping sauce, mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, and hot sauce (or smoked paprika) in a small bowl. Adjust the ingredients to your liking! You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a pop of color and flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm, crispy turkey or chicken nuggets with the dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy the crunchy, juicy goodness! They make for a fantastic snack or a fun meal
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead?
While the recipe is designed for turkey or chicken, you can definitely use ground beef if you prefer! Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be slightly different, and beef may require more seasoning for the best taste.
How Do I Keep Leftover Nuggets?
Store any leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to keep them crispy, or use the microwave for a quick option, but they may lose some crunch.
Can I Bake These Nuggets Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray them lightly with cooking oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
What Dipping Sauce Can I Use Besides the One Listed?
The options are endless! Sweet and sour sauce, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or even a ranch dressing are great alternatives. Feel free to get creative with flavors that you love!