Forget store-bought nuggets that taste like disappointment! These homemade baked chicken nuggets are about to revolutionize your dinner game. Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly crispy, golden-brown nuggets that are not just healthier than fast-food versions, but packed with more flavor and love than you've ever experienced. Whether you're cooking for picky kids or craving a nostalgic comfort food, this recipe will have everyone at the table begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Prepare three separate shallow dishes for the breading station: one with beaten eggs, another with breadcrumbs, and the third with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cut the chicken breast into uniform bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-
- 5 inches in size to ensure even cooking.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly seasoned.
- Dip each chicken piece first into the beaten eggs, making sure it's completely coated and allowing excess egg to drip off.
- Roll the egg-coated chicken piece in the breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well to the chicken.
- Place the breaded chicken nuggets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece to allow for even air circulation and crispy coating.
- Spray or lightly brush the chicken nuggets with olive oil to help them brown and become crispy during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Remove from the oven and let the nuggets rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Tips
- Cut chicken pieces uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs for maximum crispiness - they create a crunchier coating than pre-packaged versions.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet; give nuggets space to allow hot air circulation.
- For extra flavor, add herbs like dried parsley or garlic powder to your breadcrumb mixture.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F (74°C).
- Let nuggets rest briefly after baking to retain moisture and enhance flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Meal prep tip: These nuggets freeze beautifully! Cool completely, then store in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
