Description
Discover the ultimate crispy baked chicken nuggets recipe that combines flavor, crunch, and healthiness. Perfectly seasoned chicken chunks are coated with toasted panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection, making for a delicious and versatile snack or meal option that’s easy to prepare and kids-friendly.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the 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)
For the Egg Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons almond milk (or milk of choice)
For the 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).
- Toast Breadcrumbs: Spread panko breadcrumbs on a large baking sheet. Spray evenly with nonstick olive oil spray. Bake for 2 minutes, then stir or shake the pan, and bake for an additional 2-4 minutes until golden brown. Keep the oven heat on.
- Prepare Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Transfer toasted breadcrumbs to a medium bowl. Whisk in salt, black pepper, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Set aside.
- Make Egg Mixture: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until combined. Set aside.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with an oven-safe wire rack. Spray generously with nonstick cooking spray.
- Bread Chicken Cubes: Dip each chicken cube into the egg mixture, then use tongs to transfer it into the breadcrumb mixture, coating completely. Place coated chicken on the wire rack about 1 inch apart.
- Coat and Bake: Spray the tops of the chicken nuggets with nonstick spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring crispy golden crust.
Notes
- Using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs is optional but recommended for gluten-free diet.
- To ensure maximum crispiness, do not overcrowd the baking sheet.
- You can serve these nuggets with your favorite dipping sauces like BBQ, honey mustard, or ketchup.
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 3 oz)
- Calories: 227 kcal
- Sugar: 1.6 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 4.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 29.2 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
