Craving a golden, crispy bite that’s just as satisfying as your childhood favorite but so much better for you? These Baked Chicken Nuggets truly deliver! They pack juicy, tender chicken in a crunchy, flavorful coating, all without deep frying. Using a handful of easy ingredients and a clever oven technique, you’ll get perfectly crispy nuggets every time while skipping the guilt. If you love comfort food with a wholesome twist, Baked Chicken Nuggets will quickly become your go-to recipe for family dinners, game day snacks, or even meal prepping for the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for these Baked Chicken Nuggets takes only a few minutes, and each one brings something special to the table. From the juicy chicken to the cheesy, herby crust, you’ll notice every ingredient contributes to a crave-worthy texture or flavor pop.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces give you juicy, lean nuggets with every batch.
- Breadcrumbs: These form the crisp outer shell of the nuggets; panko breadcrumbs make them extra crunchy if you like!
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, salty depth to the crust and helps it turn an irresistible golden brown.
- Garlic powder: Delivers a gentle, aromatic kick that compliments the chicken beautifully.
- Paprika: Gives a gentle smokiness and eye-catching color to every bite.
- Salt: Enhances all the savory flavors so your nuggets taste lively, not bland.
- Black pepper: Offers a subtle heat and makes the coating sing.
- Eggs: Egg wash gives the coating something to cling to and ensures a lovely finish.
- Milk: Thins out the egg wash so you get an even coating without it being too thick.
- Nonstick or olive oil spray: Spritzing the tops before baking is the ticket to maximum crispness without the fry oil!
How to Make Baked Chicken Nuggets
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Get things started by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or place a wire rack on top and lightly grease it. The rack is optional, but it makes the nuggets even crispier by letting hot air circulate underneath—just like magic!
Step 2: Make the Flavorful Coating
In a shallow bowl, stir together your breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This is where all those signature savory, cheesy, and herby flavors come together. Give it an extra mix to really distribute those spices.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg Wash
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. This simple mixture acts as the glue for your flavorful crumb layer, ensuring every Baked Chicken Nugget is thickly and evenly coated.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Nuggets
Dip each chicken piece first into the egg wash, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture. A little tip: press down gently so the coating sticks well and gets those iconic craggy bits we love in a good nugget!
Step 5: Arrange and Spray for Crispiness
Set each breaded nugget onto your prepared baking sheet or rack in a single layer, leaving a bit of space between them. Lightly spray the tops with nonstick or olive oil spray—this is the secret how you get crispy, golden nuggets without frying.
Step 6: Bake and Flip for Even Color
Bake the nuggets for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F. They’ll smell so good you’ll want to sneak one as soon as they come out!
How to Serve Baked Chicken Nuggets
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a shower of extra grated Parmesan cheese just before serving your Baked Chicken Nuggets. It adds a touch of color, a hint of freshness, and extra flavor that pops against the crispy coating.
Side Dishes
Classic nuggets love classic sides! Think crispy sweet potato fries, fresh-cut veggies with ranch, or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, pair these Baked Chicken Nuggets with macaroni and cheese or buttery corn on the cob—total comfort food heaven.
Creative Ways to Present
Try skewering the nuggets for a playful party platter, or serve them in paper cones for a fun, street-food vibe. They’re also fantastic on top of salads, wrapped in tortillas for homemade chicken wraps, or tucked into lunchboxes with small containers of dipping sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Chicken Nuggets hold up beautifully in the fridge. Simply pop any extras into an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days. Their coating will lose a bit of initial crunch, but a quick reheat brings it all back.
Freezing
Want to save some batches for a super-quick weeknight dinner? After baking and cooling, freeze the nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll keep well for up to two months, ready for golden, crispy goodness anytime.
Reheating
For best results, reheat chilled or frozen Baked Chicken Nuggets in the oven or air fryer until piping hot and re-crisped. Skip the microwave if you can—while it works in a pinch, it tends to soften the breading and you want to bring back that perfect crunch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are slightly juicier and add even more flavor to your nuggets, though you might need to trim them and cut them into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Are Baked Chicken Nuggets gluten-free?
They can be! Just swap the regular breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free alternative, and double-check that your other ingredients (like Parmesan) are certified gluten-free if you have a sensitivity.
How do I keep the coating from falling off?
Make sure the chicken pieces are dry before dipping into the egg wash, and gently press the breadcrumb coating onto each nugget. Spraying with oil before baking also helps the crust bond to the chicken.
Can I make the nuggets spicier?
Definitely—just add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot paprika to the breadcrumb mixture, or serve the nuggets with your favorite hot sauce for some extra zing.
What sauces go best with Baked Chicken Nuggets?
The options are endless! Classic choices include honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch, ketchup, or even a fiery buffalo sauce. Mixing a little Sriracha into mayo makes a fun, spicy dip as well.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a foolproof, family-friendly recipe that delivers big smiles and zero leftovers, you simply have to try making Baked Chicken Nuggets. They’re quick, easy, and sure to become a regular favorite, whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or just want a nostalgic treat you feel good serving anytime!
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Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These homemade Baked Chicken Nuggets are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and much healthier than fried versions. Perfect for a family-friendly meal or a party snack, these nuggets are easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Nuggets:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Nonstick cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a lightly greased wire rack.
- Prepare Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Bake: Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with nonstick spray. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serve: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs.
- To make gluten-free nuggets, substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- These can also be frozen after baking and reheated in the oven or air fryer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
