This Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Nuggets Recipe is a crispy and juicy recipe, which is made with chicken breasts and paprika. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Jump to RecipeGordon Ramsay’s Chicken Nuggets Recipe Ingredients
- 500g chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- 240g all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of cayenne
- 3 eggs, whisked
- Vegetable oil, for frying
How To Make Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Nuggets
- Heat the oil: Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot. Heat over medium heat until a thermometer reads 350°F (175°C).
- Set up breading stations: Prepare two shallow bowls. In the first, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
- Double-coat the chicken: Working with one piece at a time, dredge a chicken chunk in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg, and then dredge it back in the flour mixture a second time. Press the coating on firmly.
- Fry the nuggets: Carefully place the coated chicken nuggets into the hot oil, working in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Fry for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are deep golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain and serve: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked nuggets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Recipe Tips
- How do I get the crispiest chicken nuggets? The double coating is the secret. The first layer of flour helps the egg stick, and the second layer of flour creates that thick, ultra-crunchy crust. Make sure to press the final coating on firmly.
- How do I know the oil is the right temperature? A thermometer is the most accurate way to maintain a steady 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have one, you can test it by dropping a small pinch of flour into the oil; it should sizzle immediately and vigorously.
- Why shouldn’t I overcrowd the pan? Frying in small batches is essential. Adding too many nuggets at once will cause the oil temperature to drop significantly, resulting in greasy, soggy nuggets instead of light and crispy ones.
- What’s the best way to cut the chicken? For a more authentic, homemade feel, cut the chicken into slightly uneven, bite-sized chunks rather than perfect cubes. This creates more nooks and crannies for the crispy coating to cling to.
What To Serve With Chicken Nuggets
These classic chicken nuggets are a crowd-pleaser. Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces and simple sides:
- French fries or tater tots
- Ketchup, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard
- A simple coleslaw or a side salad
- Ranch dressing
How To Store Chicken Nuggets
Refrigerate: Store leftover cooked nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat: For the best results and to regain their crispiness, reheat the nuggets in a 400°F (200°C) oven or an air fryer for 5-10 minutes until hot and crispy again.
Chicken Nuggets Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
Nutrition information is estimated per serving and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I bake these chicken nuggets instead of frying them?
Yes. For a baked version, place the coated nuggets on a wire rack set on a baking sheet. Spray them generously with cooking spray. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Absolutely. Air frying is a great option. Place the coated nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spray with cooking spray, and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs would also be delicious. They are naturally juicier than chicken breasts, but the cooking time will be similar.
Try More Recipes:
- Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
- Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Ballotine Recipe
- Gordon Ramsay’s Sticky Lemon Chicken Recipe
Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Course: AppetizersCuisine: American-InspiredDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes15
minutes300
kcalClassic, golden, and extra-crispy homemade chicken nuggets with a juicy, tender inside, perfect for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
500g chicken breasts, cut into chunks
240g all-purpose flour
2 tsp paprika
1½ tsp garlic powder
1½ tsp onion powder
1½ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
3 eggs, whisked
Vegetable oil, for frying
Directions
- Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
- In one bowl, mix the flour and all seasonings. In another bowl, whisk the eggs.
- Coat each chicken chunk in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg, then coat in the flour again.
- Fry the nuggets in small batches for 4-5 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot with your favorite sauces.
Notes
- The double coating (flour -> egg -> flour) is the key to an extra-crunchy crust.
- Maintaining a steady oil temperature of 350°F (175°C) is crucial for crispy, non-greasy results.
- Cut the chicken into slightly irregular chunks for a better texture and appearance.
- These nuggets are best enjoyed immediately after frying for maximum crispiness.