If you are craving a crispy, flavorful snack or a family-friendly dinner, this Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe is going to become your new best friend. These nuggets are perfectly golden on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and made with simple ingredients that come together effortlessly. Unlike traditional fried nuggets, these are baked to a delightful crunch while keeping things a bit healthier, so everyone wins at the dinner table. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or preparing a party platter, this recipe has you covered with unbeatable taste and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All of these ingredients are simple staples you likely have in your kitchen, yet each plays a crucial role in making your baked chicken nuggets irresistibly delicious. From the flavorful Parmesan to the crunchy breadcrumbs, everything works in harmony to create that perfect bite.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 1/2 pounds): Cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick, even cooking.
- Plain breadcrumbs or panko (1 cup): Panko provides extra crunch, while plain breadcrumbs add a traditional coating.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a savory, cheesy depth that elevates the flavor.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses the coating with a warm, aromatic punch.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall savory taste without overpowering.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings a subtle smokiness and lovely color to the crust.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances and brightens all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of mild heat.
- Large eggs (2): Acts as the glue to help the breadcrumbs stick perfectly.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Lightens up the egg wash for an even coating.
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray: Ensures crispiness and golden color during baking.
How to Make Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Surface
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F to ensure that when your nuggets go in, they’ll bake quickly and develop that beautiful golden crust. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it; if you want extra crispy nuggets, place a wire rack on top so the heat circulates around the chicken pieces evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. This mixture will help your breadcrumb coating stick to every nugget, making sure no delicious crust is left behind.
Step 3: Prepare the Seasoned Breadcrumb Coating
In another bowl, combine the plain breadcrumbs or panko with grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This flavorful blend creates the signature crispy and tasty outer layer your baked chicken nuggets will proudly wear.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Pieces
Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off, then press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture so it’s evenly coated. Taking this extra care ensures every bite is packed with flavor and crunch.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the coated chicken nuggets in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet or rack, making sure they do not touch for proper crisping. Lightly spray them with cooking spray to help achieve that golden color. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway through to brown both sides evenly, until the nuggets are crisp and the chicken is fully cooked.
How to Serve Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Garnishes
Garnish your baked chicken nuggets with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for a pop of color and a touch of fresh flavor that keeps things bright and inviting.
Side Dishes
These nuggets pair amazingly well with classic sides like crispy oven-baked fries or a crunchy garden salad to balance the meal. For a comforting combo, creamy mashed potatoes or steamed veggies also make lovely companions that kids and adults will enjoy alike.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or jazz up weeknight dinners? Serve the nuggets in colorful bento boxes with little dipping bowls filled with ketchup, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. Alternatively, try skewering them with grilled vegetables for a fun and interactive finger-food experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover baked chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes an excellent quick snack or little protein boost when you’re short on time.
Freezing
To freeze, place the baked nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or container. Frozen nuggets will keep well for up to 2 months, ready to be reheated whenever hunger strikes.
Reheating
For the best crispness when reheating leftovers, warm the nuggets in the oven or an air fryer at 375°F for about 10 minutes. This method revives that freshly baked texture much better than microwaving, which can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe?
Absolutely! Using boneless skinless chicken thighs will add a bit more juiciness and flavor, though the cooking time might vary slightly. Keep an eye on them to ensure they cook through without drying out.
What is the best breadcrumb to use for extra crunchy nuggets?
Panko breadcrumbs are your best bet for an extra crunchy texture. Their larger, flaked pieces create a wonderful crisp that holds up beautifully during baking.
Can I make these nuggets gluten-free?
Definitely! Substitute the plain breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal. Just make sure your other seasonings and ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Is it possible to bake these without using cooking spray?
Yes, you can lightly brush the nuggets with olive oil instead of using cooking spray. This will help them brown nicely while adding a subtle richness to the coating.
How long can I leave coated chicken before baking?
For the best results, bake the nuggets immediately after coating. If you need to prepare ahead, you can refrigerate the coated chicken for up to an hour, but avoid letting them sit too long to keep the coating crisp.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe is a real crowd-pleaser that combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps to yield a delicious, crispy, and healthier alternative to fried nuggets. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual parties, or even a fun family cooking project, these nuggets are bound to become a regular favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy every crunchy, flavorful bite together!
Print
Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Baked Chicken Nuggets are a healthier alternative to traditional fried nuggets, offering a crispy, golden-brown exterior and juicy chicken inside. Perfect for a kid-friendly dinner or a quick, satisfying meal, they’re easy to prepare and pair wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
Breading
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs or panko
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
Others
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Optionally, place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to help the nuggets crisp evenly on all sides.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the two large eggs and two tablespoons of milk until fully combined. This will help the breading stick to the chicken pieces.
- Mix Breading: In another bowl, combine the plain breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch), grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to distribute evenly.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then coat the chicken thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place each coated chicken piece in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack, ensuring pieces are not touching for even cooking.
- Add Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the tops of the coated chicken pieces with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This promotes a golden, crispy texture while baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes. Halfway through cooking, flip each nugget to ensure both sides become evenly crispy and golden brown.
- Check for Doneness: Confirm the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink inside by cutting into a nugget or using a food thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the nuggets from the oven and serve warm with your choice of dipping sauces such as ketchup, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Notes
- For a crunchier texture, opt for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- These nuggets pair well with ketchup, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce for dipping.
- Leftover nuggets can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
- Using a wire rack while baking helps air circulate around the nuggets, promoting even crisping.
