Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Baked Chicken Nuggets are a healthier, yet equally delicious, alternative to the fried version. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture that’s easy to make. These homemade nuggets are perfect for kids, meal prepping, or just a quick dinner or snack.

Baked Chicken Nuggets

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch) or regular breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
• Optional: dipping sauces like honey mustard, ketchup, or ranch

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Coating:
   • In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg.
   • In another shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix evenly.
3. Coat the Chicken:
   • Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
4. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
   • Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush or spray the nuggets with olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven.
5. Bake:
   • Bake the chicken nuggets for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
6. Serve:
   • Let the nuggets rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, ketchup, or ranch.

Tips and Variations:

• Make them Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture for a bit of heat.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and check that the chicken is gluten-free to make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.
• Baking Tip: For extra crispiness, place a wire rack on the baking sheet and arrange the chicken on top. This allows air to circulate around the nuggets, helping them cook evenly and get crispier.
• Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers in an airtight container. They can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness, or frozen for later use.

Baked Chicken Nuggets are a healthier and customizable alternative to store-bought or fast food versions. They’re easy to make, tasty, and great for dipping!