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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- For enhanced crunch, activate broiler during final minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Remove when exterior transforms to deep golden hue with crispy edges.
- 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