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The Ultimate Crispy Baked Homemade Chicken Nuggets

A stack of golden, crispy homemade chicken nuggets, with one nugget broken open showing the white, juicy chicken inside.
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Make juicy, crispy chicken nuggets at home using a simple baking method. This recipe is kid-friendly and a healthier alternative to deep-frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or ground chicken
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup milk (any kind)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. If using chicken breasts, cut them into uniform, bite-sized nugget shapes. If using ground chicken, form the mixture into nugget shapes and chill for 15 minutes.
  2. Set up a standard breading station with three shallow dishes. Place flour in the first dish. Whisk the 2 eggs and milk in the second dish. Place Panko breadcrumbs in the third dish.
  3. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sprinkle half of this seasoning mix over the flour.
  4. Dredge each chicken piece first in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
  5. Dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, letting excess drip off.
  6. Press the chicken firmly into the Panko breadcrumbs to coat completely. Place coated nuggets on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
  7. Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets generously with cooking spray to help them brown.
  8. Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  9. Spray the second side lightly with cooking spray before flipping. Continue baking until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
  10. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

  • For an air fryer method, cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, ensuring you spray both sides with oil before cooking.
  • To make these freezer friendly, place uncooked, breaded nuggets on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer frozen nuggets to a freezer bag and cook directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.
  • You can substitute half of the Panko with crushed cornflakes for extra crunch.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdreams.com/homemade-chicken-nuggets-recipe-crispy-baked/