Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Craving the ultimate snack or kid-approved dinner? These Baked Chicken Nuggets are perfectly golden, irresistibly crunchy, and secretly wholesome—thanks to a smart baking method and a shower of Parmesan in the coating. Whether you’re looking for a lighter alternative to fried nuggets or simply want to delight your family with a homemade favorite, this recipe delivers everything you love about classic chicken nuggets with a fresh-from-your-oven upgrade. Easy to whip up and versatile for dipping and serving, Baked Chicken Nuggets promise big flavor in every bite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Baked Chicken Nuggets is that every ingredient plays a starring role—simple, pantry staples come together to create crave-worthy taste and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why each item is non-negotiable.

• Chicken Breast: Lean, boneless, and skinless pieces provide juicy nuggets that cook quickly and evenly.
• Breadcrumbs: These soak up flavor, crisp in the oven, and form the irresistible crunchy crust everyone loves.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth and helps the coating brown up beautifully.
• Garlic Powder: Brings savory warmth and complements the natural taste of the chicken.
• Onion Powder: Lends subtle sweetness and a classic nugget aroma.
• Paprika: Invites gentle smokiness and a pop of color to each nugget.
• Salt: Brightens all the flavors and ensures each bite is perfectly seasoned.
• Black Pepper: Gives a mild kick and rounds out the spice blend.
• Eggs: Act as the “glue,” ensuring every nugget is cloaked in that crunchy, golden coating.
• Cooking Spray or Olive Oil Spray: Helps the nuggets crisp up in the oven without excess oil.

How to Make Baked Chicken Nuggets

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to give your Baked Chicken Nuggets maximum crispiness. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking or use a wire rack set over the baking sheet for extra airflow—this step is key for even browning on all sides.

Step 2: Mix the Coating Ingredients

In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re nicely blended and a bit frothy. In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This flavorful blend transforms your chicken into irresistibly savory nuggets with every bite.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Pieces

Set up a little nugget assembly line: Dip each 1-inch chicken piece first into the egg, letting any excess drip off, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture to fully coat. Don’t rush this step—press the coating on gently so it sticks and forms the perfect crust.

Step 4: Arrange and Spray

Place the coated chicken nuggets on your prepared baking sheet or wire rack, spacing them out for proper airflow. Give the tops a light mist with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This little touch guarantees a golden, crispy finish with no need for deep frying.

Step 5: Bake and Flip

Bake the chicken nuggets for 18–20 minutes, turning them over halfway through so both sides get that amazing crunch. The nuggets are ready when they’re golden brown and a thermometer registers 165°F (74°C) in the thickest piece.

How to Serve Baked Chicken Nuggets

Baked Chicken Nuggets Garnishes

Whether you’re serving these for a family dinner or a weekend get-together, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving adds instant color and flavor. A bit of lemon zest can also brighten things up if you want a zippy twist.

Side Dishes

Baked Chicken Nuggets pair well with classic sides like sweet potato fries, a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a dollop of creamy mac and cheese if you’re in a comfort food mood. Don’t forget plenty of dipping sauces—honey mustard, ranch, BBQ, or even a tangy hot sauce are all hits.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun spin, serve your Baked Chicken Nuggets on skewers with alternating veggies, or turn them into sliders by tucking a few nuggets onto mini buns with lettuce and sauce. They also make a great protein boost tossed over salads or in a grain bowl for a satisfying lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Chicken Nuggets keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container. This way, they stay juicy on the inside and hold onto as much crispy texture as possible.

Freezing

If you want nuggets on demand, these freeze beautifully. Place cooled nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, ready to hit the oven anytime you need a quick meal or snack.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven taste, reheat Baked Chicken Nuggets in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes, flipping once. This helps restore the crunch much better than the microwave and keeps them from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be a bit juicier and richer in flavor. Just trim any excess fat and cut into bite-sized pieces the same way you would with breasts.

What’s the secret to extra-crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets?

The magic is in the coating and the oven temperature. Using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular can take the crunch up a notch, and a wire rack lets hot air circulate all around each nugget. Don’t skip spritzing the tops with cooking spray for that gorgeous golden look.

Can these Baked Chicken Nuggets be made gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the breadcrumbs with your favorite gluten-free variety (there are some excellent panko-style options out there), and make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

You sure can make it dairy-free! Simply leave out the Parmesan cheese or swap in a plant-based “Parmesan” or nutritional yeast for that savory vibe.

Are these nuggets good for meal prepping?

Their crispiness makes them meal-prep superstars. After baking, cool and refrigerate or freeze as needed, and just reheat right before serving. Perfect for snacking, quick lunches, or to round out dinner on a busy weeknight!

Final Thoughts

So why not give these Baked Chicken Nuggets a try? They’re simple, crowd-pleasing, and way more flavorful than anything you’ll get from the freezer aisle. Whether you’re cooking for kids or just feeding your own inner child, you’ll love how quick these come together and how much everyone enjoys them. Happy nugget making!

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