Make crispy, juicy homemade chicken nuggets using chicken breast. This easy recipe bakes them to golden perfection, offering a healthier, kid-friendly alternative to fried versions.
Author:miasmeals
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:20 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Cooking spray
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
Set up a standard breading station with three shallow dishes. Place the flour in the first dish.
Place the beaten eggs in the second dish.
Combine the Panko breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in the third dish. Mix well.
Take one piece of chicken and dredge it thoroughly in the flour, shaking off any excess.
Dip the floured chicken piece into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
Press the chicken piece firmly into the Panko mixture until it is completely coated.
Place the coated chicken nugget onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process for all chicken pieces, ensuring they do not touch.
Spray the tops of the coated nuggets generously with cooking spray. This helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
Bake for 10 minutes. Flip the nuggets over, spray the second side lightly with cooking spray, and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
Serve immediately with your favorite chicken nugget dipping sauces.
Notes
For an air fryer method, cook the coated nuggets at 380°F (195°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
You can make these ahead; freeze the raw, coated nuggets on the baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cook time.
Use pickle juice to soak the chicken pieces for 30 minutes before breading if you want a copycat flavor profile.