Description
This recipe for the BEST Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets offers a delicious and healthier alternative to fried nuggets. Using panko breadcrumbs and a simple baking method, these nuggets turn out perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Ideal for a quick family dinner or snacks, they are customizable with your favorite dipping sauces and seasonings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Breadcrumb Coating
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Nonstick olive oil cooking spray
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons almond milk (or milk of choice)
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it reaches the right temperature by the time you’re ready to bake the nuggets.
- Prepare breadcrumb coating: Spread the panko breadcrumbs evenly on a large baking sheet, spray with nonstick olive oil, then bake for 2 minutes. Stir the breadcrumbs and bake for an additional 2-4 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and transfer to a medium bowl.
- Season breadcrumbs: Add salt, black pepper, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper to the breadcrumbs. Mix well and set aside.
- Prepare egg mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and almond milk until smooth.
- Set up for coating: Line a wire rack on a baking sheet and spray generously with nonstick spray. This allows the chicken to bake evenly and get crispy.
- Coat chicken: Dip each chicken cube into the egg mixture, then use tongs to toss it in the seasoned breadcrumbs until fully coated. Place each coated nugget on the prepared wire rack about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Spray the tops of the nuggets with nonstick spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning once if desired, until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute gluten-free panko breadcrumbs if needed to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust seasoning and spice levels to taste, adding more cayenne for extra heat or herbs for variety.
- Ensure chicken pieces are of uniform size for even cooking.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like BBQ, honey mustard, or ketchup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 nugget (about 50g)
- Calories: 227 kcal
- Sugar: 1.6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 4.7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29.2g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
