Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—these Baked Chicken Nuggets are a total game-changer. Forget the deep fryer; we’re keeping things light and healthy without sacrificing any of that golden, crunchy goodness. These nuggets are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even as a fun party snack. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll never go back to frozen nuggets again!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about making chicken nuggets—it’s about creating a go-to meal that’s easy, delicious, and way better than takeout. Here’s why you’ll love it:
Healthier Alternative
No frying, no greasy mess—just perfectly crispy nuggets baked to golden perfection.
Budget-Friendly
Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Easy to Make
Simple steps, minimal prep, and no fancy equipment needed. Even beginners can nail this recipe!
Kid-Friendly
A guaranteed hit with picky eaters. Serve with their favorite dips, and watch them disappear.
Great for Meal Prep
Make a big batch, freeze extras, and enjoy homemade nuggets anytime!
Ingredients in Baked Chicken Nuggets
Here’s what makes these nuggets so irresistibly good:
Chicken Breast – Lean, tender, and perfect for cutting into nugget-sized bites.
Eggs – Helps the coating stick to the chicken for that perfect crispy crunch.
Flour – Creates the base for the breading, helping the coating adhere.
Panko Breadcrumbs – The secret to extra crunch without frying.
Parmesan Cheese – Adds a rich, savory flavor to the breading.
Garlic Powder – A little kick of flavor to elevate the nuggets.
Paprika – Gives the nuggets a subtle smoky warmth.
Salt & Pepper – Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
Olive Oil Spray – Helps the nuggets crisp up beautifully in the oven.
How to Make Baked Chicken Nuggets
Let’s dive into the steps to create these crispy, flavorful nuggets:
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with olive oil.
Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Try to keep them uniform in size for even cooking.
Set Up the Breading Station
In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another, combine flour, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken piece into the egg, letting the excess drip off. Then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure it sticks.
Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the coated nuggets on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re not touching. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil for extra crispiness.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Serve & Enjoy
Let the nuggets cool slightly, then serve with your favorite dips—ketchup, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch!
How to Serve Baked Chicken Nuggets
These nuggets are versatile and pair well with all kinds of sides. Here are a few serving ideas:
Classic Fries – Serve with crispy baked fries for a homemade fast-food experience.
Fresh Salad – A light, fresh salad balances out the crispy nuggets perfectly.
Steamed Veggies – A healthy, colorful side that complements the dish.
Mac and Cheese – For the ultimate comfort food combo.
Want to make it a meal? Pair with a dipping trio of BBQ, ranch, and honey mustard for extra fun!
Additional Tips
Make Ahead: Bread the nuggets in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to bake.
Spice It Up: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture for a little heat.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips: Bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to keep them crispy.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Yes! Chicken thighs will make the nuggets juicier, but they’ll still be delicious.
Q2: Can I make these in an air fryer?
A2: Absolutely! Cook at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Q3: Can I freeze these nuggets?
A3: Yes! Freeze them before or after baking. If frozen raw, bake for an extra 5 minutes.
Q4: How do I keep them crispy?
A4: Use Panko breadcrumbs and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet to allow proper airflow.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat them?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or in an air fryer for extra crispiness.
Q6: Can I skip the Parmesan cheese?
A6: Yes! It adds flavor, but the nuggets will still turn out crispy without it.
Q7: How do I make them dairy-free?
A7: Omit the Parmesan and use a dairy-free breadcrumb alternative.
Q8: What dipping sauces go best with these nuggets?
A8: Ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, buffalo sauce, or ranch are all great options.
Q9: Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of Panko?
A9: You can, but they won’t be as crispy. Panko gives the best texture.
Q10: Can I add extra seasoning to the breading?
A10: Absolutely! Try Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or even a little lemon zest for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Baked Chicken Nuggets prove that crispy, delicious nuggets don’t need to be deep-fried. They’re easy, healthier, and packed with flavor, making them a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or fun family meals. Whether you’re making them for kids, meal prep, or just because you’re craving something crunchy, these nuggets will not disappoint. So preheat that oven and get ready for nugget perfection!
Print
Baked Chicken NuggetsBaked Chicken NuggetsBaked Chicken Nuggets
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Baked Chicken Nuggets are crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor! Made with Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, and buttermilk, these nuggets are baked to golden perfection—no frying needed! A healthier alternative to traditional nuggets, they’re perfect for kids and adults alike. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal!
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon herb blend (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and grease it with nonstick spray. Place a wire rack on the sheet and spray lightly.
- Prep the chicken: Pat dry and cut into 1½-inch pieces. Place in a bowl, season with ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and coat with buttermilk. Set aside.
- Prepare the coating: In a dish, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and herbs. In separate dishes, place flour, melted butter, and eggs.
- Dredge the nuggets: Drain excess buttermilk, then coat each chicken piece in flour, dip into the butter-egg mixture, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Place on the wire rack.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy. If needed, broil for a few minutes for extra crispiness.
- Serve hot with dipping sauces. Enjoy!
Notes
- Swap panko for regular breadcrumbs if needed.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk for extra tang.
- Pair with honey mustard, ranch, or marinara sauce for dipping!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg