The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
If you crave comfort food that’s as wholesome as it is toothsome, let me introduce you to The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets. This recipe transforms everyday chicken breasts into golden, crispy bites you can feel great about sharing with everyone at your table. Fast, family-friendly, and supremely snackable, these nuggets skip the fryer without sacrificing any crunch or flavor, making them an irresistible and healthier alternative to takeout or frozen fare. Whether you’re planning weeknight dinners or fun party snacks, The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets always steal the spotlight!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry and fridge staples, you’re on your way to making truly memorable chicken nuggets. Each ingredient uniquely shines—some bringing bold flavor, others a crisp texture or gorgeous color—so don’t skip a single one!
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 ½ pounds): These provide lean, tender bites and soak up every bit of seasoning.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): The secret to that signature crunch—panko bakes up light and ultra-crispy.
- Plain breadcrumbs (½ cup): These help the nuggets evenly coat and add an extra layer of crisp.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Infuses each nugget with rich, nutty, umami flavor and perfect browning.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a hint of smokiness and beautiful warm color to the coating.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Brings savory, aromatic depth with no risk of burnt bits.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for bringing all the flavors together and seasoning the chicken.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Offers subtle heat and a savory finish in every bite.
- Large eggs (2): The binding agent that helps the crumbs cling and creates a golden “shell.”
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Loosens the egg wash so the coating goes on evenly—no bare spots here!
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray: A light mist makes the nuggets crisp up beautifully in the oven without excess oil.
How to Make The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Begin by heating your oven to a hearty 400°F—high enough to get those nuggets sizzling and golden. While the oven warms, line a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking, then give it a light sweep of cooking spray. This setup guarantees fuss-free cleanup and perfectly crisp bottoms every single time.
Step 2: Mix the Perfect Nugget Coating
In one shallow dish, combine the panko crumbs, plain breadcrumbs, Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This aromatic, savory mix promises every morsel is flavorful and textured. Don’t skip using both panko and regular breadcrumbs—they create that signature thick, crunchy shell that sets The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets apart.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Egg Wash
In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. This egg wash is the glue, helping the flavorful crumbs adhere to each chunky chicken piece and ensuring every nugget comes out coated and golden, with no bland or bare spots.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Nuggets
Now the fun part—assembly! Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash, turning to coat completely, then dredge through the breadcrumb mixture. Press the crumbs on gently so they really stick. Arrange the nuggets on your prepared baking sheet, spreading them out so every edge gets crispy. Finally, give the tops a light mist of cooking spray for maximum crunch.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the nuggets for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. You’ll know The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets are ready when they’re beautifully golden on both sides and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F. The aroma filling your kitchen is pure magic—crispy, cheesy, and just a little smoky. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces!
How to Serve The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets
Garnishes
Add a final flourish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color. A dusting of extra Parmesan never hurts, or toss the cooked nuggets with a pinch of flaky sea salt as soon as they come out of the oven. These simple touches take The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets from comforting to gourmet in seconds.
Side Dishes
Baked nuggets pair beautifully with oven fries, a crisp green salad, or roasted veggies for a balanced plate. For classic kid-friendly vibes, serve with carrot sticks, celery, and a trio of dipping sauces—think honey mustard, barbecue, and ranch! These nuggets fit right into any lunchbox or busy weeknight spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, thread nuggets onto skewers with cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices for playful “nugget kebabs.” Or create a “nugget board” with assorted dips, pickles, and crudités for crowd-pleasing shareables! With The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets, you’re only limited by your imagination.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover nuggets should be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making them perfect for meal prep or next-day lunchboxes.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange baked (and cooled) nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet and let them freeze solid. Then pile them into a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets keep their wonderful texture for up to 2 months—just pull out as many as you need for weeknight dinners or quick snacks!
Reheating
For the crispest results, reheat nuggets in a hot oven (375°F) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Skip the microwave if you can, since it softens the crust. A few minutes in the oven revives that just-baked crunch, making leftovers taste as good as fresh.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are deliciously juicy and add a richer flavor. Just trim excess fat and cut into similar-size pieces for even cooking.
Can I make The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets gluten free?
Definitely—simply swap in gluten-free panko and breadcrumbs, and choose a gluten-free Parmesan if needed. Every other step stays the same!
What are the best dipping sauces for these nuggets?
Classic options like ketchup and ranch are always popular, but don’t be afraid to try honey mustard, tangy barbecue sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo for bold twists.
Can I prep these nuggets ahead and bake later?
Yes! Coat the chicken and arrange on your lined baking sheet, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. When you’re ready, just bake as directed—great for stress-free entertaining!
How can I get the coating extra crispy?
For next-level crunch, toast your panko in a hot skillet with a little olive oil before breading the nuggets. This step makes The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets so irresistibly crispy, you might not even miss frying!
Final Thoughts
The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets are a crowd-pleasing classic you’ll turn to again and again. With unbeatable crunch, real flavor, and effortless prep, there’s every reason to skip the drive-thru and make these at home. Give them a try—you might just decide to double the batch next time!
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The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these crispy and flavorful Baked Chicken Nuggets that are healthier than traditional fried nuggets. They are easy to make and perfect for a family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Nuggets:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray.
- Prepare breadcrumb mixture: In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, plain breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk egg mixture: In another shallow dish, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Coat chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, toast the panko breadcrumbs in a skillet with a little olive oil before coating the chicken.
- These nuggets freeze well—reheat in the oven at 375°F until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 6 nuggets
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
