Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe: Guilt-Free Yum

Crispy, golden baked chicken nuggets bring a delightful twist to your dinner routine without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Homemade versions crush store-bought options with their fresh ingredients and customizable seasonings.

Kids and adults alike will devour these crunchy protein bites that feel indulgent yet remain surprisingly healthy.

Lean chicken breast becomes a canvas for exciting spice combinations that spark mealtime excitement.

Seasoned breadcrumbs create an irresistible exterior that locks in juicy meat while delivering satisfying crunch.

Simple kitchen techniques turn ordinary ingredients into something spectacular and crowd-pleasing.

Baked Chicken Nuggets Everyone Will Love

• Unleash Quick Weeknight Magic: Whip up these chicken nuggets in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a delicious meal without complicated steps.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Swap herbs, experiment with different cheese types, or add spicy seasonings to create unique variations that match your taste preferences.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Crispy exterior and tender chicken make these nuggets irresistible for children, transforming mealtime into a joyful experience that gets everyone excited.
• Healthier Homemade Comfort: Baking instead of deep-frying reduces oil content, allowing you to enjoy a classic favorite with less guilt and more nutritional benefits.

Ingredient Combo in Baked Chicken Nuggets

• Chicken Breast: The star of the dish, tender and juicy white meat that creates delicious nuggets. Boneless and skinless cuts work best, with even thickness for consistent cooking.

• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Creates a crispy, flavorful exterior with rich cheesy notes. Preferably use fine breadcrumbs for smoother coating.
• Flour: Helps breading stick to chicken and provides base for crispy layer. All-purpose flour recommended.

• Buttermilk: Tenderizes chicken and helps breading adhere. Adds subtle tangy flavor and helps create juicy meat.
• Eggs, Melted Butter: Provide moisture and help breading stick. Eggs act as binding agent, butter adds richness.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall flavor of chicken. Freshly ground black pepper recommended for better taste.
• Herbs: Adds aromatic dimension to the nugget's coating. Fresh or dried herbs like parsley or thyme work well.

• Nonstick Spray: Ensures nuggets don't stick to baking rack and promotes even browning. Any neutral cooking spray works.
• Foil: Helps with easy cleanup and prevents baking sheet from getting messy.

Baked Chicken Nuggets Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Crank up your oven to a sizzling 400°F.

Grab a rimmed baking sheet and line it with aluminum foil.

Spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray.

Set a wire rack on top of the sheet and give it a light spray too.

Step 2: Get the Chicken Ready

Take your chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.

Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces about 1½ inches.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Buttermilk

Let the chicken hang out and soak up those delicious flavors.

Step 3: Create the Crunchy Coating

Grab three separate dishes for your coating station.

• Breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Dried herbs

In a second dish, place flour.

In the third dish, combine melted butter and beaten eggs.

Step 4: Coat Each Nugget

Drain any excess buttermilk from the chicken.

Now comes the fun part!

• Dust with flour
• Dip in the butter-egg mixture
• Roll in the herbed breadcrumb mixture

Place each coated nugget onto the wire rack.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven.

Bake for 20-30 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through.

You want them golden brown and super crispy.

For extra crunch, switch to broil for a few minutes at the end.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out your sizzling nuggets and serve immediately.

Grab your favorite dipping sauces and get ready for a taste explosion!

Chicken Nugget Baking Tips For Crunch

• Buttermilk helps tenderize chicken, ensuring juicy nuggets with a soft interior while keeping the outside crispy.
• Pat chicken dry before coating to help breading stick better and create a crunchier exterior.
• Using a wire rack allows hot air to circulate around the nuggets, creating an even, crispy coating on all sides.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices in the breadcrumb mixture to personalize the nuggets' taste profile.
• These nuggets freeze wonderfully – cool completely, store in airtight containers, and reheat in the oven for a quick future meal.

Chicken Nuggets That Stay Crunchy In The Fridge

• Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Arrange cooled nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen nuggets maintain quality for up to 3 months.
• Restore crispiness by placing nuggets on a baking sheet at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even heating.
• For quick reheating, warm nuggets on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds, but expect a softer texture compared to oven reheating.

Smart Picks For Chicken Nuggets

• Pair with Tangy Ranch Dressing: Create a zesty homemade ranch dip by mixing buttermilk, sour cream, fresh herbs, and a dash of garlic powder for a creamy, flavor-packed companion to the crispy nuggets.
• Serve with Crisp Coleslaw: Whip up a light, crunchy coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light vinegar-based dressing to balance the richness of the chicken nuggets and add a refreshing texture.
• Complement with Sparkling Apple Cider: Pour a chilled glass of sparkling apple cider to cut through the savory coating and provide a sweet, effervescent counterpoint to the baked nuggets.
• Match with Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges: Slice sweet potatoes into wedges, toss with olive oil and herbs, then roast until crispy, creating a nutritious and delicious side that echoes the nuggets' golden-brown crunch.

Chicken Nugget Breadings

• Gluten-Free Nuggets: Swap wheat flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko crumbs. Use cornstarch as a coating alternative for crispy texture.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond meal. Use heavy cream instead of buttermilk to reduce carbohydrates and maintain moisture.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute buttermilk with unsweetened coconut milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for similar savory flavor. Coconut oil works perfectly as butter replacement.
• Spicy Herb Nuggets: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to breadcrumb mixture. Mix in dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary for extra herbal kick. Incorporate smoked paprika for deeper flavor profile.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for these nuggets?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. They’re lean, tender, and easy to cut into consistent nugget-sized pieces. Make sure the chicken is fresh and of good quality for the best flavor and texture.

• Can I use a different type of milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to create a similar tangy, tenderizing effect. Greek yogurt also works as an alternative marinade.

• How do I ensure the nuggets are crispy and not soggy?

The key is to use a wire rack on the baking sheet, which allows air circulation and prevents moisture buildup. Also, don’t skip patting the chicken dry before marinating and make sure to coat the nuggets thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.

• Are these nuggets healthier than deep-fried versions?

Absolutely! Baking significantly reduces the oil content, making these nuggets lower in calories and fat. The use of lean chicken, herbs, and a light coating means you’re getting a more nutritious version of the classic nugget.

Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy golden “Baked Chicken Nuggets” promise a healthier twist on classic comfort food. Home cooks can savor these lean protein bites that deliver maximum flavor with minimal guilt, making dinner both delicious and nutritious.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

Seasonings and Cheese:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon herb blend (optional)

Liquids and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Arrange the oven rack in the middle position and heat to 400°F. Meticulously line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, then generously coat with nonstick spray. Position a wire rack atop the sheet and lightly mist with additional spray.
2. Transform chicken into uniform bite-sized morsels by patting completely dry and cutting into consistent 1½-inch pieces. Transfer to a mixing bowl, season thoroughly with salt and pepper, then immerse in buttermilk, ensuring complete coverage. Allow to marinate while preparing subsequent components.
3. Craft the textural coating by blending breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan and fragrant herbs in one container. Separately, arrange three distinct stations: a flour dish, a butter-egg mixture, and the seasoned breadcrumb blend.
4. Carefully drain excess buttermilk from chicken pieces. Methodically dredge each morsel first in flour, ensuring complete and even coating. Immediately submerge into butter-egg mixture, then roll generously in herbed breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere maximum coating.
5. Strategically arrange coated nuggets on prepared wire rack, maintaining space between pieces for optimal heat circulation. Slide into preheated oven and bake 20-25 minutes, rotating sheet midway to guarantee uniform golden-brown crispiness.
6. For enhanced crunch, activate broiler during final minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Remove when exterior transforms to deep golden hue with crispy edges.
7. Transfer immediately to serving platter, accompanying with preferred dipping sauces. Recommend mustard, ranch, or honey-based condiments for complementary flavor profiles.

Notes

• Moisture Control: Pat chicken thoroughly to remove excess liquid, ensuring a crispier coating that adheres perfectly during baking.
• Coating Technique: Double-dip each nugget through flour, butter-egg mixture, and breadcrumbs for maximum crunch and flavor absorption.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour and gluten-free panko for celiac-friendly version without compromising texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg