Pan-Seared Chicken Nuggets with Honey-Mustard Dip

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender homemade chicken nuggets pan-seared to golden perfection, served with a sweet and tangy honey-mustard dipping sauce perfect for kids and adults alike. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 25 minutes blends ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground chicken, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Crack 1 large egg into a small bowl and whisk it. Add the egg to the chicken mixture and fold in evenly, making sure the mixture sticks together.
  3. Step 3: Form the mixture into 16 small nugget-sized patties, about 1.5 inches each.
  4. Step 4: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the nuggets and cook for 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
  5. Step 5: While the nuggets cook, prepare the honey-mustard dip by whisking together 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 2 tbsp mayonnaise in a small bowl until smooth.
  6. Step 6: Remove nuggets from the skillet and let rest on paper towels for 2 minutes to drain excess oil. Serve warm with the honey-mustard dip on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Nuggets with Honey-Mustard Dip take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken Nuggets with Honey-Mustard Dip?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Nuggets with Honey-Mustard Dip?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Chicken Nuggets with Honey-Mustard Dip for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken Nuggets with Honey-Mustard Dip?

American kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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