Description
Homemade Baked Chicken Nuggets deliver crispy golden perfection without deep-frying, blending kid-friendly comfort with healthier cooking techniques. Crunchy exterior and tender meat make this simple recipe a quick weeknight dinner solution you’ll want to add to your regular menu rotation.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
Dry Coating Ingredients:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Wet Binding Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Prepare a pristine baking surface by heating the oven to 400F (200C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or applying a light layer of cooking spray.
- Craft a crispy coating by blending panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a shallow dish.
- Create a binding liquid by whisking egg and milk together in a separate shallow container until thoroughly combined.
- Transform chicken pieces into crispy morsels by first dunking each morsel into the egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage, then carefully rolling in the seasoned breadcrumb blend, pressing gently to create a uniform, adherent coating.
- Strategically arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each nugget to ensure optimal crispness.
- Enhance the potential for golden perfection by delicately misting or drizzling olive oil across the nuggets.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, executing a mid-cooking flip to guarantee even browning and consistent internal temperature.
- Allow the nuggets to rest for a brief moment after removing from the oven, then serve alongside preferred dipping sauces for a delectable culinary experience.
Notes
- Crisp Up Perfectly by ensuring breadcrumbs are firmly pressed onto chicken, creating a crunchy exterior that seals in moisture and flavor.
- Prevent Burning by checking nuggets midway through baking, rotating the pan if your oven has uneven heat distribution to guarantee uniform golden-brown coloring.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation can be achieved by swapping panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed rice cereal or almond flour, maintaining the same delightful crunch.
- Meal Prep Hack involves cooking a larger batch, then freezing individual portions for quick reheating, ensuring a convenient protein option for busy weekdays.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg