Let me tell you, these baked chicken nuggets are a total game changer! They’re super simple to whip up and taste way better than anything you’d find in a drive-thru. Trust me, my kids devour them every time I make them, and I love that I can sneak in some extra flavor and nutrition without them even noticing. The joy of watching their little faces light up when they see these golden, crispy nuggets on the table is priceless! Plus, the best part? You can customize them with your favorite spices or dipping sauces! This recipe is perfect for busy families looking for a quick and delicious meal that everyone will love. You’ve got to give it a try!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs, beaten
How to Prepare the Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your nuggets get that lovely golden-brown color and crispy texture we all crave. While the oven heats up, you can get everything else ready—multi-tasking for the win!
Prepare the Coating Mixture
Now, let’s make the magic happen! In a large bowl, combine your breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. I love this blend because it packs a punch of flavor without being overwhelming. Just mix it all together until it’s well combined—you want every nugget to be coated with that deliciousness!
Coat the Chicken
Next up, it’s time to coat those chicken pieces! Take each bite-sized piece of chicken and dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully covered. This helps the breadcrumb mixture stick like glue. Then, roll it in your breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure each nugget is thoroughly coated. This step is key for that nice crunch and flavor explosion in every bite!
Bake the Nuggets
Place your coated chicken nuggets onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper—this makes clean-up a breeze! Bake them in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and cooked through. I like to give them a little peek halfway through; if they look like they need more time, just pop them back in! They should be sizzling and delicious!
Serve and Enjoy
Finally, it’s time to dig in! Serve these baked chicken nuggets with your favorite dipping sauces—think honey mustard, barbecue, or even a spicy ranch! Every time I make these, my kids come running to the table, and I love that we can all sit down together to enjoy such a tasty meal. Trust me, these nuggets will become a family favorite in no time!
Nutritional Information
These baked chicken nuggets are not just delicious; they’re also packed with good nutrition! Each serving, which is about four nuggets, contains approximately 250 calories, 10g of fat, and a hefty 25g of protein. Plus, they have just 1g of sugar and 18g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a great idea of what you’re enjoying with this tasty recipe. Perfect for a balanced meal!
FAQ Section
Can I make these healthy chicken nuggets gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs, and you’re all set. Your nuggets will still be crispy and delicious!
How can I add extra flavor to my chicken nuggets?
If you want to spice things up, you can marinate the chicken in buttermilk or yogurt for a few hours before coating. This not only adds flavor but also helps keep the nuggets juicy.
Can I make these chicken nuggets ahead of time?
You can definitely prep them in advance! Just coat the chicken and store it in the fridge for a few hours before baking. This way, you’ll have a quick meal ready to go!
What dipping sauces work best with these nuggets?
I love serving them with honey mustard or barbecue sauce, but feel free to get creative! Ranch, buffalo sauce, or even a zesty aioli are all fantastic choices!
How do I reheat leftover baked chicken nuggets?
The best way to reheat them is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them crispy, unlike microwaving, which can make them soggy. Enjoy your leftovers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 35 minutes!
- Easy to make, requiring minimal cooking skills.
- Healthier alternative to fried nuggets, packed with protein.
- Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
- Customizable with your favorite spices and sauces.
- Perfect for family dinners or a fun snack!
- Great for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy throughout the week.
Tips for Success
To ensure your baked chicken nuggets come out perfectly crispy and flavorful, here are my top tips! First, consider marinating the chicken in buttermilk for a few hours before coating—it makes them super juicy and tender. When you coat the nuggets, make sure to press the breadcrumb mixture onto the chicken; this helps create that delicious crunch. Also, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; leave some space between the nuggets for even cooking. Lastly, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, and reheat in the oven for best results!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your leftover baked chicken nuggets fresh, simply place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. When it’s time to enjoy them again, the oven is your best friend! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the nuggets for about 10-15 minutes, until they’re nice and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you can; it tends to make them a bit soggy. Trust me, reheating in the oven keeps that lovely crunch intact!
Print
Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe: 5 Reasons to Love Them
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious baked chicken nuggets recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated chicken nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken in buttermilk for a few hours before coating.
- You can use whole wheat breadcrumbs for a healthier option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 nuggets
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: baked chicken nuggets, chicken nuggets recipe, healthy chicken nuggets
