Homemade Baked Chicken Nuggets
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
274 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Homemade Baked Chicken Nuggets
Description
Starting with diced chicken breast pieces, the nuggets are coated first with olive oil, then pressed firmly into a mix of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasonings. Baking at a high temperature crisps the coating while cooking the chicken to a safe internal temperature. The Parmesan in the breadcrumb mixture adds a gentle savory note and helps browning. These nuggets avoid frying and oil absorption by baking on a rimmed sheet, flipping partway through for even cooking. Various herbs like oregano, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne can be added for customized flavor.
Serve with dipping sauces such as ketchup, honey mustard, BBQ, or marinara. The recipe notes also provide substitutions for dairy-free or low-carb breadcrumb options, and suggest using chicken thighs if preferred. Leftovers can be frozen after flash freezing and reheated in the oven, retaining crispness and texture.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken breast about 2 large breasts
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat, unseasoned, see notes)
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Italian seasoning optional
- oregano
- thyme
- paprika
- garlic powder
- cayenne
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Cut the chicken into 1- 1.5 inch bite-sized pieces. Place in a bowl and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and coat evenly using a spoon.
- Mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, breadcrumbs (1/3 cup), grated parmesan (2 tablespoons), kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon), black pepper (1/4 teaspoon), and any other seasonings you are using in a bowl until everything is well-coated in the oil.
- Coat each piece of chicken evenly in the breadcrumb mixture, getting it as thick as possible and pressing it into the chicken so it sticks. Place on an ungreased rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes at 425 degrees F. Flip and bake for another 4-5 minutes, or until completely cooked through to 165 degrees F.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or marinara sauce.
Notes
- Substitute melted butter or other oils for olive oil if preferred.
- For a dairy-free option, replace Parmesan cheese with extra breadcrumbs and add more salt as needed.
- Romano or Asiago cheeses can replace Parmesan for flavor variation.
- Use pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs for a low-carb alternative.
- Chicken thighs can be used in place of breasts for a different texture.
- Choose gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- If using pre-seasoned breadcrumbs, omit added salt and pepper to avoid over-seasoning.
- Make a simple honey mustard dipping sauce by mixing mayo, mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar.
- To freeze cooked nuggets, flash freeze on a baking sheet for 30 minutes, then store airtight for up to two months; reheat at 350°F for 30 minutes, flipping halfway.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 274 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 274kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 27g | 54% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 76mg | 25% |
| Sodium | 546mg | 23% |
| Potassium | 437mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 66IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 64mg | 6% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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