Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets: Your Go-To for Happy Tummies

Get ready to win dinner with these unbelievably delicious and easy Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets! Imagine tender, juicy bites of chicken coated in a perfectly seasoned, golden-brown crispy crust – all baked to perfection, not fried! What makes these homemade nuggets truly special is how they deliver that irresistible crunch and savory flavor everyone loves, but in a healthier, homemade way. Perfect for picky eaters, a fun family meal, or when you simply crave a satisfying, dippable delight without the guilt. You won’t believe how simple it is to make these crowd-pleasing nuggets that will have everyone asking for more!

Prep Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35-40 mins (includes baking time)
Servings: 4 (makes about 20-24 nuggets)

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breastsnugget-sized
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 large Eggs
  • 1 tbsp Milk 
  • 1.5 cups Panko Breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese 
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper 
  • Olive Oil Spray 
  • Your Favorite Dipping Sauces: Ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ranch, sweet chili sauce

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil spray. This prevents sticking and helps with cleanup.
  2. Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three shallow dishes or plates for your breading station:
    • Dish 1: Combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
    • Dish 2: In another dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
    • Dish 3: In the third dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese (if using), paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly.
  3. Cut Chicken: If you haven’t already, cut the chicken breasts into uniform 1.5 to 2-inch pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels. Drying the chicken helps the breading adhere better.
  4. Bread the Chicken: Working with one piece of chicken at a time, follow this breading process:
    • Dredge the chicken piece in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
    • Dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
    • Finally, press the chicken firmly into the Panko breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated on all sides. You can gently pat the breadcrumbs on to help them stick.
  5. Arrange on Pan: Place the breaded chicken nuggets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there’s a little space between each nugget. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or they won’t get as crispy. Use two pans if needed.
  6. Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the tops of the chicken nuggets with olive oil spray. This helps them get golden brown and crispy during baking.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through, until they are golden brown, crispy, and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
  8. Check for Doneness: The exact baking time will depend on the thickness of your nuggets. They should be beautifully golden and firm to the touch.
  9. Serve Hot and Enjoy!: Remove the nuggets from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two – they’ll be hot! Serve immediately with your family’s favorite dipping sauces. Get ready for smiles all around!

Recipe Notes:

  • Chicken Cut: Chicken breasts are lean and work perfectly. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for slightly juicier nuggets, though they might require a couple of extra minutes of baking.
  • Panko Power: Panko breadcrumbs are key for that extra crispy texture. If you only have regular breadcrumbs, they will work, but the nuggets might not be as crunchy.
  • Seasoning is Key: Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the breadcrumb mixture to your family’s liking. A pinch of cayenne for a little kick, or some dried Italian herbs would also be delicious.
  • Parmesan Perfection: The grated Parmesan adds a lovely salty, umami flavor. Use freshly grated if possible, but pre-grated works too.
  • Uniform Size: Try to cut your chicken pieces into similar sizes to ensure they cook evenly.
  • Breading Technique: Using one hand for the dry ingredients (flour, breadcrumbs) and the other for the wet ingredients (egg) can help prevent your fingers from getting overly clumpy and messy.
  • Don’t Skip the Spray: The olive oil spray is important for achieving that golden, crispy exterior when baking.
  • Make-Ahead/Freezing: You can bread the nuggets, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding about 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
  • Air Fryer Option: These nuggets are fantastic in an air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C). Cook in a single layer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. You may need to work in batches.
  • Dipping Sauces Galore: Part of the fun of nuggets is the dipping! Offer a variety to please everyone.

There you have it – a super simple and utterly delicious recipe for Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets that your whole family will adore! They’re so much better (and better for you!) than anything you can get from a drive-thru. Happy nugget making!


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