Baked Chicken Nuggets
These baked chicken nuggets are tender on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside, making them a healthier twist on a classic comfort food. They are incredibly easy to prepare and pair perfectly with your favorite dipping sauces.
- Prep time: 19 minutes
- Cook time: 27 minutes
- Total time: 46 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a baking sheet.
- In one bowl, whisk eggs; in another, mix flour and spices; in a third, combine panko and parmesan.
- Coat each chicken piece in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally press into the panko mixture.
- Arrange nuggets on the baking sheet in a single layer without touching.
- Drizzle the tops with olive oil for extra browning.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is deep golden brown.
Tips
- Use kitchen shears to cut the chicken breasts into uniform sizes for even cooking.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Do not crowd the pan; leave space between nuggets so they bake instead of steam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Chicken thighs are more flavorful and stay juicier, though they take slightly longer to cook.
How can I make these gluten-free?
Substitute the flour with cornstarch and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
Can these be frozen?
Yes, freeze them raw on a tray, then transfer to a bag; bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.