Start by rinsing your chicken breasts and patting them dry with a paper towel. This helps the breading stick better. Next, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. To make sure they cook evenly, try to keep the pieces about the same size. If you’re using chicken thighs, you can cut them into smaller chunks as well.

You’ll require three shallow bowls for this step:

Bowl 1: Place the flour, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper. Mix them together so everything is evenly distributed.

Bowl 2: Crack the eggs into this bowl and whisk them until fully combined. You want a smooth, well-beaten egg mixture.

Bowl 3: Combine your breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and paprika in this final bowl. Mix well.

This is where the magic happens! Take each chicken piece and coat it in the following order:

Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully covered.

Immerse it in the egg mixture, letting any excess run off.

Dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing slightly to make sure it sticks.

Fun Dipping Stations with Sauces for Homemade Dino Nuggets

Repeat this process for all the chicken pieces. If you want an extra crispy coating, you can double-dip the chicken—just repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps.

Now it’s time to cook those nuggets to crispy perfection! You have a few options here:

For frying: heat 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test by dropping a breadcrumb in—it should sizzle), carefully add the chicken nuggets to the pan in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry the nuggets for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Set the coated chicken pieces on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness. If you want extra crunch, you can spray the nuggets lightly with oil before baking.

Air Fryer: Heat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Position the nuggets in a single layer, with some space between them. Air fry for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy.

Once the nuggets are cooked, place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Let them rest for a couple of minutes to cool down slightly and firm up the coating.

Now the fun part—dipping! Serve your homemade dino nuggets with your favorite sauces and enjoy the crispy, juicy bite in every piece. Whether you’re serving them to kids or enjoying a nostalgic snack for yourself, these nuggets are sure to be a hit!