Cozy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

The smell of savory garlic and roasting breadcrumbs always pulls my family into the kitchen before dinner is even ready. I rely on this Baked Chicken Nuggets recipe whenever I need a meal that feels fun but still provides wholesome nutrition.

By toasting the breadcrumbs first, you achieve that coveted golden crunch that usually only comes from frying. These nuggets stay tender on the inside while offering the snap and texture everyone craves.

Why This Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe is a Keeper

What makes this dish truly special is the incredible texture contrast between the exterior and the meat. You get a audible crunch with every bite that rivals any fast-food favorite.

I appreciate how simple the cleanup is since there is no pot of hot oil to manage. Baking these on a wire rack ensures hot air circulates underneath for even crisping.

You can feel good about serving these because you control exactly what goes into the coating. It is a fresh, homemade take on a freezer aisle classic that tastes significantly better.

If you enjoyed this crispy delight, you might also like my Easy Shrimp Stir Fry with Snap Peas for another quick weeknight win. For a comforting pasta dish to add to your menu, try the The Best Mushroom Pasta Recipe which is always a crowd pleaser.

Ingredients for Homemade Baked Chicken Nuggets

Here is the simple list of pantry staples you need to get started:

• Chicken breast: Boneless and skinless cuts work best for lean, tender nuggets.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breadcrumbs are essential here for the lightest, crispest coating.
• Olive oil: This helps brown the crumbs and adds a rich flavor to the crust.
• All-purpose flour: Creating a dry layer helps the egg wash and breadcrumbs adhere properly.
• Eggs: These act as the glue that binds that crunchy coating to the chicken.
• Garlic powder: A pantry staple that adds savory depth to the breading mixture.
• Onion powder: This provides a subtle aromatic flavor that rounds out the seasoning profile.
• Paprika: A touch of this spice gives the nuggets a beautiful color and mild warmth.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors of the chicken and the spices.

How to Make the Best Baked Chicken Nuggets

Let’s get cooking and make these crispy bites:

1. Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F so it is nice and hot when you are ready to bake. In a medium bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil until they are evenly coated, then spread them onto a rimmed baking sheet and bake for about 4 to 5 minutes until they turn a golden brown color.
2. Once the breadcrumbs are toasted, transfer them to a large bowl and let them cool down slightly. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and paprika until the spices are well distributed throughout the crunchy mixture.
3. Set up your dredging station by placing a large baking rack on top of a rimmed baking sheet and spraying it with non-stick spray. Place the flour in one medium bowl and beat the eggs in a separate medium bowl until they are fully combined.
4. Working with one piece at a time, coat the chicken in the flour and shake off any excess powder. Dip the flour-coated chicken into the beaten egg, allowing the extra liquid to drip off before moving to the next step.
5. Roll the chicken in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to ensure a thick layer of crumbs sticks to the surface. Place the breaded Baked Chicken Nuggets onto the prepared wire rack, spacing them out so they do not touch.
6. Bake the nuggets for 10 to 15 minutes until they are crisp on the outside and cooked through. You can check for doneness with a meat thermometer, which should read 165 degrees F internally.

My Secrets for Perfect Baked Chicken Nuggets

The most critical step in this entire recipe is pre-toasting the panko breadcrumbs. If you skip this, the nuggets will be pale and lack that signature deep crunch we all want.

Using a wire rack set inside a baking sheet is another game-changer for oven-baked breaded foods. This setup allows heat to reach the bottom of the Baked Chicken Nuggets, preventing the underside from becoming soggy.

I always recommend pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cutting them into pieces. This ensures every single nugget cooks at the same rate so you don’t end up with some dry pieces and some undercooked ones.

Serving Your Baked Chicken Nuggets

These nuggets are incredibly versatile and pair well with almost any dipping sauce you have on hand. I like to set out small bowls of honey mustard, barbecue sauce, and ranch so everyone can choose their favorite.

For a complete meal, I serve these alongside roasted sweet potato wedges or a crisp green salad. The fresh vegetables balance out the savory richness of the Baked Chicken Nuggets beautifully.

Follow me on Pinterest for more easy family dinner inspiration.

Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

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• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 38 min
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: None

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Description

Crispy, golden homemade chicken nuggets baked to perfection using toasted panko breadcrumbs. A healthier, family-friendly alternative to frying.

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Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for crisping.
2. Mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil in a bowl, then spread them on a baking sheet. Bake for 4-5 minutes until golden brown, stirring halfway through.
3. Transfer the toasted crumbs to a bowl and mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and paprika.
4. Prepare a baking sheet by placing a wire rack on top and spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
5. Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with the seasoned panko mixture.
6. Dredge each chicken piece in flour, dip into the egg, and then press firmly into the breadcrumbs to coat.
7. Arrange the nuggets on the wire rack and bake for 12-16 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy.

Notes

Pounding the chicken to an even thickness helps ensure uniform cooking. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cooling Time: 5 min
• Cook Time: 18 min
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 553mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0.02g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 29g
• Cholesterol: 127mg

Keywords: Baked Chicken Nuggets, homemade chicken nuggets, healthy chicken recipe, oven baked nuggets, easy dinner