Golden Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe: Kid-Friendly Delight!

Chicken nuggets have a special place in our hearts, especially when crafted with a perfect crispy baked chicken nuggets recipe that promises golden, crunchy delights.

These bite-sized morsels pack a flavor punch that turns an ordinary meal into a memorable feast.

Home cooks love how simple ingredients can create something so irresistibly delicious.

The secret lies in the right blend of seasonings and a smart baking technique that locks in moisture while achieving that coveted crispy exterior.

Each nugget comes out beautifully golden and packed with juicy tenderness that makes everyone at the table smile.

Serve these homemade nuggets alongside your favorite dipping sauce for a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Kitchen Tools For Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

• Baking Sheet: Essential for evenly baking chicken nuggets and catching any drips.
• Shallow Bowls (2): Perfect for mixing egg wash and breadcrumb coating.
• Whisk: Helps blend egg and milk smoothly for an even coating.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures precise seasoning for consistent flavor.
• Cooking Spray or Olive Oil Mister: Creates extra crispy exterior for nuggets.
• Meat Thermometer (optional): Confirms chicken reaches safe internal temperature.

Steps To Make Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a sizzling 400F and get a baking sheet ready by lining it with parchment paper or giving it a quick spray of cooking oil.

• Create Crunchy Coating

Mix panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a wide, shallow dish to create a flavor-packed crunch.

• Whip the Egg Wash

Grab another dish and blend egg and milk into a smooth, silky mixture that’ll help the coating stick like glue.

• Transform Chicken Pieces

Dunk each chicken piece into the egg wash, then roll generously in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Press the coating firmly to ensure maximum crispiness.

• Arrange and Prep for Baking

Spread the coated nuggets across the baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle or spritz with olive oil to boost that golden, crispy exterior.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the tray into the hot oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Flip the nuggets halfway through to ensure even browning. They’re done when they’re golden and reach an internal temp of 165F.

• Serve and Savor

Let the nuggets cool briefly, then serve with your favorite dipping sauces and watch them disappear!

Tips For Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe Crunch

• Game-Changing Crunch Technique: Pat chicken pieces completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness and help breadcrumbs adhere perfectly.
• Gluten-Free Magic: Swap panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free corn flakes for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Protein Power Boost: Replace chicken with turkey breast or tofu for alternative protein options that follow the same coating method.
• Spice Adventure: Experiment with different seasoning blends like cajun, ranch, or Italian herbs in the breadcrumb mixture to create exciting flavor profiles that match your mood or meal.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare and freeze uncooked nuggets in a single layer, then transfer to freezer bags for quick weeknight meals – bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to cooking time.

How To Serve Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

• Crispy Dip Delights: Serve these golden nuggets with classic ranch, tangy honey mustard, or zesty barbecue sauce for a crowd-pleasing combo.
• Family Fun Platter: Create a colorful spread with sliced carrots, cucumber sticks, and cherry tomatoes alongside the nuggets for a balanced, kid-friendly meal.
• Game Night Favorite: Pair with crispy sweet potato fries and a light coleslaw for the ultimate casual dinner that everyone will love and devour quickly.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining nuggets into a delicious wrap with fresh lettuce, cheese, and a quick drizzle of your favorite sauce for a quick next-day lunch.

How To Store Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container within the refrigerator. These tasty morsels stay fresh for 3-4 days when sealed properly, maintaining their delicious flavor and texture.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Restore crispiness by warming nuggets in a preheated oven at 350F for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwave heating, which can make the coating soggy and compromise the crunchy exterior.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Prepare an extra batch and freeze uncooked nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to freezer bags, keeping them fresh for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to baking time.
• Portion Control Hack: Separate nuggets into individual serving sizes before refrigerating or freezing. This method allows easy grab-and-go meals and prevents unnecessary thawing of the entire batch.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 288 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s Inside Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

• Chicken Breast: Lean, tender meat that provides the main protein punch, choose fresh, boneless cuts for optimal texture and easy preparation.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Create a crispy, golden exterior with rich, savory notes, select Japanese-style panko for extra crunchiness.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Infuse deep, aromatic flavors without overwhelming the chicken's natural taste.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful reddish hue to the coating.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that amplifies and balances the overall flavor profile.

• Egg, Milk: Act as a crucial adhesive for the breadcrumb mixture, helping create a smooth, even coating that locks in juiciness.
• Olive Oil: Provides a light, heart-healthy sheen and helps achieve a golden, crisp exterior.

Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy homemade chicken nuggets bring restaurant-style flavor directly to kitchen tables. Seasoned breading and oven-baking create a healthier alternative to deep-fried favorites that you will eagerly devour.

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Ingredients

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• 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 1 cup panko or regular breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsps olive oil or melted butter
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsps milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or cooking spray for optimal cooking surface.
2. Coating Creation: Combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish to craft a flavorful, crispy exterior.
3. Binding Liquid Assembly: Whisk egg and milk together in a separate container until thoroughly integrated.
4. Chicken Transformation: Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage, then meticulously coat with the seasoned breadcrumb blend, pressing gently to create a uniform, adherent crust.
5. Baking Arrangement: Position the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them to promote optimal crispness and even cooking.
6. Pre-Baking Enhancement: Lightly mist or drizzle olive oil across the nuggets to promote golden browning and rich flavor.
7. Roasting Process: Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping midway to ensure consistent browning and thorough cooking, guaranteeing a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
8. Serving Preparation: Rest the nuggets briefly after removing from the oven, then plate with preferred dipping sauces for a delightful culinary presentation.

Notes

• Optimize Breading Technique: Press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto chicken to create a thick, even coating that locks in moisture and maximizes crunchiness.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to elevate nuggets, allowing hot air to circulate and crisp all sides evenly.
• Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Customize Flavor Profiles: Experiment with alternative spice blends like smoked paprika, herbs de Provence, or ranch seasoning to transform the basic recipe into exciting variations.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 288
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 62 mg