Description

These Baked Chicken Nuggets offer a healthier, crispy alternative to fried nuggets, combining tender chicken breast with crunchy coatings and flavorful seasonings. Perfect for kids and adults, they’re quick to prepare, customizable with spices and coatings, freezer-friendly, and ideal for family meals or snacks.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 to 1.5 inch bite-sized pieces
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or seasoned breadcrumbs)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Cooking spray or 2 tbsp olive oil

Optional Variations

Gluten-Free: Use crushed gluten-free cereal, almond flour, or gluten-free panko in place of breadcrumbs
Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 tsp chili powder or cayenne pepper to seasoning mix
Herb Infusion: Mix in 1 tbsp fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary to breadcrumbs
Cheesy Nuggets: Incorporate shredded cheddar or mozzarella inside chicken pieces
Asian-Inspired: Splash of soy sauce and 1/4 tsp ginger powder added to panko

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into uniform bite-sized chunks, about 1 to 1.5 inches, to ensure even cooking throughout.
Set Up Your Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls or plates: one with the seasoned flour (flour mixed with salt and pepper), one with beaten eggs, and one with seasoned breadcrumbs combined with optional Parmesan cheese or herbs.
Coat the Nuggets: Dip each chicken piece first in the flour, shaking off any excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere well.
Arrange for Baking: Place the coated nuggets in a single layer on a greased baking sheet or one lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle a little olive oil over the tops to promote crispiness.
Bake Until Golden: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the nuggets for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure both sides become golden brown and crispy.
Serve Hot and Enjoy: Remove the nuggets once cooked through and steaming hot. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces or enjoy them straight from the tray.

Notes

Cut chicken pieces uniformly for even cooking and juicy results.
For extra crunch, double dip chicken by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier texture than traditional breadcrumbs.
Let coated nuggets rest for 5 minutes before baking to help the coating set firmly.
Do not overcrowd the baking sheet; allow space for air circulation to crisp nuggets evenly.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze cooked nuggets in a single layer before transferring to freezer bags; they keep up to 2 months.
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving alone.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4-5 nuggets (approx. 120g)
Calories: 220 kcal
Sugar: 0.4 g
Sodium: 400 mg
Fat: 6 g
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: baked chicken nuggets, healthy chicken nuggets, crispy chicken nuggets, kid-friendly snacks, easy chicken recipes, gluten-free chicken nuggets