Ah, chicken nuggets—the quintessential comfort food that never seems to go out of style. With a perfect crunch and juicy interior, they’re loved by everyone, from toddlers to discerning adults. Today, I want to share with you my favorite crispy baked chicken nuggets.
I promise this isn’t just another recipe but a delightful expedition into the savory landscape of homemade goodness. Buckle up because this ride is going to be tasty, engaging, and full of juicy details that will leave you hungry for more!
What are My Favorite Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets?
These nuggets aren’t your average fast-food fare. They are baked to crispy perfection, infused with flavorful spices, and made with all-natural ingredients.
As a registered dietitian and food blogger, I aim to create recipes that are both healthy and indulgent. These chicken nuggets deliver the best of both worlds. Every bite bursts with flavor, yet you don’t have to empty your pockets or sacrifice your health.
I remember the first time I made these at home. After a long day, I was exhausted and craving something comforting. I rummaged through my pantry and the fridge, and with some basics on hand, I was off to create a crispy masterpiece. You could say it was love at first bite!
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Why You’ll Love These Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets
1. Healthier Option: With this baked recipe, you avoid the excessive oil typically found in fried nuggets. They are low in fat, high in protein, and really easy to make.
2. Quick and Simple: The recipe takes under an hour from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches.
3. Kid-Friendly: My kids can’t get enough of these nuggets. They’re not only fun to eat but also healthy enough that I don’t mind them having seconds.
4. Versatile and Customizable: You can switch up the spices and serve these nuggets with a variety of dipping sauces or sides.
5. Make Ahead: You can prepare a big batch of these nuggets and freeze them, making dinner prep a breeze on those hectic evenings.
The Ingredients
Gather around, friends! Here’s what you’ll need to create these crispy delights:
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ teaspoons coarse kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 ½ cups Japanese-style panko crumbs
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Nonstick olive oil spray
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Now that we’re all set in the ingredient department, let’s dive into the cooking process!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Your oven should be set to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken nuggets cook evenly and get golden brown.
Step 2: Prepare Your Chicken
Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. The uniform size helps the nuggets cook evenly. Place them in a bowl and drizzle with almond milk, then mix well. This step also helps the coatings stick better.
Step 3: Create the Coating
In another bowl, combine the panko crumbs, kosher salt, onion flakes, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, Italian herbs, and Parmesan cheese. Mix it until all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Egg Wash Time
In a separate bowl, take your beaten eggs. You can add a pinch of salt here if you like. Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
Now it gets fun! Roll each egg-coated chicken piece in the breadcrumb mixture. Press down a little to ensure they are fully covered. Place the coated nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each nugget so they can crisp up nicely.
Step 6: Olive Oil Spray
Give the nuggets a light misting with olive oil spray. This helps get that beautiful golden color and crispy texture.
Step 7: Bake
Now, pop those nuggets into the already-preheated oven. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and an internal thermometer reads 165°F (75°C).
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once done, let the nuggets sit for a few minutes. This helps them retain their crunch before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Here are some handy tips to help you perfect these chicken nuggets.
- Panko is Key: Don’t skip the panko. It contributes to the incredible crunch that makes these nuggets so good.
- Seasoning Variations: Feel free to experiment. Add cayenne for heat or Italian seasoning for a twist.
- Uniform Sizes: Cut your chicken into uniform pieces for a more even cooking experience.
- Make Ahead: Prepare they beforehand and freeze them uncooked. Bake from frozen and add a few minutes to the cooking time.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutrition Information
My Favorite Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe Nutrition Facts
Can I Store My Favorite Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets?
Absolutely! You can store any leftover nuggets in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re hot and crisp again.
For longer storage, consider freezing them. You can freeze them before cooking, or refrigerate already cooked nuggets. Just make sure they’re in a freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn.
What Can I Serve with My Favorite Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets?
These nuggets are incredibly versatile and can be served alongside various sides. Here are some fun ideas:
- French Fries: A classic pairing that will satisfy any cravings.
- Vegetable Sticks: Crunchy carrots or celery sticks add a fresh component.
- Salad: A crisp green salad can balance the richness of the nuggets.
- Dipping Sauces: Try different sauces, ranging from ketchup to homemade ranch.
- Mashed Potatoes: Comfort food at its finest, making for a filling meal.
Variations
Try these alternatives to spice things up:
- Buffalo Nuggets: Toss your baked nuggets in Buffalo sauce for a spicy kick.
- Honey Mustard Nuggets: Drizzle with honey mustard sauce before baking for a sweet touch.
- BBQ Nuggets: Brush with a bit of BBQ sauce right before baking for smoky flavor.
- Italian Herbs: Switch panko for seasoned breadcrumbs and add Italian herbs in the coating.
- Cheesy Nuggets: Mix in shredded cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for an added cheesy twist.
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 ½ teaspoons coarse kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 ½ cups Japanese-style panko crumbs
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Nonstick olive oil spray
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
- Your oven should be set to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken nuggets cook evenly and get golden brown.
Step 2: Prepare Your Chicken
- Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. The uniform size helps the nuggets cook evenly. Place them in a bowl and drizzle with almond milk, then mix well. This step also helps the coatings stick better.
Step 3: Create the Coating
- In another bowl, combine the panko crumbs, kosher salt, onion flakes, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, Italian herbs, and Parmesan cheese. Mix it until all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Egg Wash Time
- In a separate bowl, take your beaten eggs. You can add a pinch of salt here if you like. Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
- Now it gets fun! Roll each egg-coated chicken piece in the breadcrumb mixture. Press down a little to ensure they are fully covered. Place the coated nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each nugget so they can crisp up nicely.
Step 6: Olive Oil Spray
- Give the nuggets a light misting with olive oil spray. This helps get that beautiful golden color and crispy texture.
Step 7: Bake
- Now, pop those nuggets into the already-preheated oven. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and an internal thermometer reads 165°F (75°C).
Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Once done, let the nuggets sit for a few minutes. This helps them retain their crunch before serving.
Notes
- Panko is Key: Don’t skip the panko. It contributes to the incredible crunch that makes these nuggets so good.
- Seasoning Variations: Feel free to experiment. Add cayenne for heat or Italian seasoning for a twist.
- Uniform Sizes: Cut your chicken into uniform pieces for a more even cooking experience.
- Make Ahead: Prepare they beforehand and freeze them uncooked. Bake from frozen and add a few minutes to the cooking time.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They offer more flavor and are juicier but may require adjusting the cooking time slightly.
2. Are these nuggets gluten-free?
They can easily be made gluten-free by substituting regular panko with gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs.
3. How can I add more flavor to the nuggets?
Beyond the spices listed, consider marinating the chicken in buttermilk or your favorite marinade for a few hours before coating them.
4. Can I air fry these nuggets?
Certainly! Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for about 12-15 minutes for a deliciously crispy result.
5. What is the best dipping sauce for these nuggets?
While it ultimately boils down to personal preference, ranch, honey mustard, and BBQ are crowd-pleasers. You could even make a spicy dipping sauce blending mayonnaise and sriracha.
Conclusion
These crispy baked chicken nuggets hold a special place in my heart, and I hope they find their way to your dinner table too. Not only are they simple, but they also bring people together—nothing says ‘family dinner’ quite like a plate of golden nuggets!
Next time you’re in the mood for something comforting, give this recipe a go. You’ll be amazed at how easy and delightful it is to make chicken nuggets from scratch.
So, roll up your sleeves, grab those ingredients, and let’s create something delicious together! Happy cooking, everyone!
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more