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how to make My Favorite Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

My Favorite Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

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
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: My Favorite Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Servings: 4
Calories: 227kcal

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

Serving: 183g | Calories: 227kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 7.2g | Saturated Fat: 2.2g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 1357mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g
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