Description
This Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional fried nuggets, delivering juicy, tender chicken pieces coated in a crunchy breadcrumb and Parmesan crust. Perfect for a family-friendly meal or snack, these nuggets are oven-baked to golden perfection and can be paired with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Breading
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Other
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Add the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack, and spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and help the nuggets crisp up.
- Make the breading: In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, plain breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil or melted butter. Stir until the mixture is evenly coated and slightly moist, which will create a flavorful, crispy crust.
- Coat the chicken: Remove chicken pieces from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well. Place the breaded chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake the nuggets: Bake the nuggets in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. The nuggets are done when they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Optional crisping step: For extra crispiness, broil the nuggets for 1 to 2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Serve the crispy baked chicken nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch dressing.
Notes
- You can make these nuggets gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Freeze uncooked nuggets by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen and add 5 to 7 minutes to the cook time.
- Ensure chicken pieces are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- The seasoning can be adjusted to taste – add cayenne or chili powder for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus at least 30 minutes marinating)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 6–8 nuggets
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
