Description
This recipe for Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets offers a healthier, oven-baked alternative to fried nuggets. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these chicken bites are seasoned perfectly and coated with crunchy panko breadcrumbs, making them an irresistible snack or meal for any occasion. Perfectly baked, they require minimal oil and come together quickly, ideal for busy weeknights or weekend treats.
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 Mixture
- 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 the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
- Prepare breadcrumbs: Spread panko breadcrumbs evenly on a large baking sheet. Spray them generously with nonstick olive oil cooking spray. Bake for 2 minutes, then stir or shake the pan to redistribute, and bake for another 2-4 minutes until golden brown. Keep the oven heated.
- Mix spices: Transfer toasted breadcrumbs to a medium bowl. Add salt, black pepper, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to combine and set aside.
- Combine eggs and milk: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and almond milk until fully blended. Set aside.
- Prepare baking setup: Line a large baking sheet with an oven-safe wire rack. Spray the wire rack generously with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Coat chicken: Dip each chicken cube into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Using tongs, transfer each piece to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Place coated chicken on the wire rack about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Lightly spray the tops of the chicken nuggets with nonstick spray. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.
Notes
- Using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs is recommended for gluten-free options.
- The panko breadcrumbs are crucial for achieving a crispy texture—don’t skip this step.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like BBQ, honey mustard, or ketchup.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 nugget (approximate, based on total divided by 4 servings)
- Calories: 227 kcal
- Sugar: 1.6 g
- Sodium: 702 mg
- Fat: 4.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 29.2 g
- Cholesterol: 78 mg
