Baked Chicken Nuggets
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
290 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Lunch
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Cuisine
American
Baked Chicken Nuggets
Description
This Baked Chicken Nuggets recipe prepares bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a crispy panko breadcrumb mixture that is toasted with olive oil and seasoned with garlic, onion powder, salt, and paprika. The chicken is first dredged in flour, then dipped in beaten eggs to help the seasoned breadcrumb coating adhere. Baking on a rack allows the heat to circulate evenly, creating a crunchy crust without frying.
The method uses a high oven temperature (400°F) and a short bake time (10-15 minutes) to cook the chicken fully while maintaining crispness. The chicken breast pieces become juicy inside with a golden exterior, satisfying a craving for crispy nuggets without deep frying.
These nuggets work well served with dipping sauces or alongside vegetables for a casual meal or snack. Pounding the chicken breast to an even thickness before cutting can improve cooking consistency and tenderness.
Using pre-toasted seasoned breadcrumbs helps develop a flavorful crust and reduces overall bake time. Monitoring internal temperature to 165°F ensures food safety. The recipe suggests handling the egg coating gently to maintain breading adhesion.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large egg
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breast cut into 1½-inch nuggets, boneless, skinless
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a medium bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil. Spread onto a rimmed baking sheet and bake until golden-brown and crisp, 4-5 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly, then transfer to a large bowl and stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and paprika, if using.
- Place a large baking rack on top of the rimmed baking sheet and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Add flour to a medium-sized bowl. In another medium bowl, beat eggs together until combined.
- One at a time, dredge the chicken pieces in the flour, then dip in the egg. Shake off the excess egg, then roll in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to encourage them to stick to the chicken as much as possible. Transfer the breaded chicken pieces to the oiled baking rack.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until crisp and cooked through (a thermometer should read 165°F). Serve immediately.
Notes
- Pound chicken breast to an even thickness to ensure consistent cooking of the nuggets.
- Toast the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil before coating to add crispness and flavor.
- Bake nuggets on a greased rack to allow air circulation and even browning on all sides.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 290 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 290kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 19g | 6% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 0.02g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 127mg | 42% |
| Sodium | 553mg | 23% |
| Potassium | 487mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 154IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 44mg | 4% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.