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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or cooking spray for optimal cooking surface.
- 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.
- Binding Liquid Assembly: Whisk egg and milk together in a separate container until thoroughly integrated.
- 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.
- Baking Arrangement: Position the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them to promote optimal crispness and even cooking.
- Pre-Baking Enhancement: Lightly mist or drizzle olive oil across the nuggets to promote golden browning and rich flavor.
- Roasting Process: Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping midway to ensure consistent browning and thorough cooking, guaranteeing a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
- 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