Name: Spicy Chicken Nuggets with Ground Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Chicken Mixture:; 1 pound ground chicken; ¼ cup Italian bread crumbs; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¾ teaspoon salt; 1 large egg (or 2 medium eggs); 2 tablespoons water; Panko Coating:; 1 cup panko bread crumbs; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; Cooking spray

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Crispy, golden, and packed with bold flavor, these Spicy Chicken Nuggets are made with ground chicken for a tender bite and seasoned with a vibrant spice blend. Air-fried or oven-baked to perfection, they’re a healthier twist on a fast-food favorite—perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These nuggets are a flavor explosion with the perfect balance of heat, crunch, and juiciness. The ground chicken ensures a moist, tender interior, while the spiced panko coating delivers irresistible crispiness without deep-frying. They’re easy to make, customizable to your preferred spice level, and can be cooked in either the air fryer or oven. Plus, they’re great for meal prep and kid-friendly with a simple adjustment to the spice mix. Spicy Chicken Nuggets with Ground Chicken

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken Mixture:
1 pound ground chicken
¼ cup Italian bread crumbs
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¾ teaspoon salt
1 large egg (or 2 medium eggs)
2 tablespoons water

Panko Coating:
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
Cooking spray

Directions

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Italian bread crumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix until just combined.
Divide mixture into 20 balls, flatten slightly into nugget shapes, and place on a baking sheet.
In a shallow bowl, whisk egg and water.
In another shallow bowl, combine panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, paprika, and salt.
Dip each nugget into the egg mixture, shake off excess, then coat in seasoned panko. Return to baking sheet.

Air Fryer Method:
6. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
7. Arrange 10–15 nuggets in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding. Spray tops with cooking spray.
8. Air fry for 5 minutes, flip, spray tops again, and air fry another 5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Repeat with remaining nuggets.

Oven Method:
9. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place nuggets on a baking sheet and spray tops with cooking spray.
10. Bake for 12 minutes, flip, spray tops again, and bake another 10 minutes until crispy and cooked through.

Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

Servings: 20 nuggets
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Calories: 230 kcal per nugget

Variations

Reduce cayenne pepper for a milder nugget, or increase it for extra heat.
Add grated Parmesan to the panko coating for a cheesy flavor boost.
Swap Italian seasoning for Cajun, taco, or curry seasoning for a twist.
Use ground turkey instead of chicken.
Make them gluten-free by using gluten-free bread crumbs and panko.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooked nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, place in a 375°F (190°C) oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the coating crunchy.

FAQs

Can I make these nuggets ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them up to the coating step, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Can I freeze uncooked nuggets?

Yes, freeze on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How do I keep the nuggets juicy?

Avoid overmixing the chicken mixture and cook just until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Can I shallow-fry these instead of baking or air frying?

Yes, cook in a skillet with about ½ inch of oil over medium heat until golden and cooked through.

Can I make them without eggs?

Yes, use milk or buttermilk to help the coating stick.

Are these kid-friendly?

Yes—reduce or omit the cayenne pepper for a milder flavor.

Can I use seasoned panko instead of plain?

Yes, just reduce the added seasoning slightly to avoid overpowering flavors.

What dipping sauces work best?

Ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or a spicy aioli pair perfectly.

How do I ensure the coating sticks well?

Pat the nuggets dry before dipping and press the panko firmly onto the surface.

Can I cook them entirely in the oven without flipping?

Flipping is recommended for even browning, but you can skip it if you don’t mind one side being less crisp.

Conclusion

Spicy Chicken Nuggets with Ground Chicken are a quick, flavorful, and healthier take on a comfort food classic. With their crispy coating, tender interior, and bold seasoning, they’re perfect for game day snacks, easy weeknight dinners, or meal prep. Once you try them, you’ll want to keep a batch ready in your freezer for whenever the craving hits.

Emma