Baked Chicken Nuggets

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Baked Chicken Nuggets are a super tasty and healthy kid-friendly snack. These nuggets are made with real chicken and are so much better for you than the fast food kind. They’re super crunchy and yummy!

Golden crispy baked chicken nuggets

Kids will love them, and so will grown-ups. Get ready for a flavour explosion with these homemade chicken nuggets. Perfect for lunch or dinner. Enjoy these golden nuggets of joy!

You can also try this chicken and pepper stew or a super easy-to-make chickpea and roasted peppers dish, both recipes go beautifully with some freshly baked bread or some homemade rice. Give them a try, I am certain you will love them!

Even more easy recipes to test Baked Cornflake Chicken Nuggets, Lemon ChickenEasy 15-minute Udon NoodlesTurkey Mince Noodles, or Gnocchi made easy with Pesto and Zucchini for a quick delicious lunch or dinner.

Why this recipe works 

Why this Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe is So Great! This yummy recipe for chicken nuggets is a total winner. It’s not only super tasty but also easy to make. You can find all the ingredients at your local store.

These nuggets are baked, not fried, which makes them a healthier choice. Even picky eaters will gobble them up! Kids and grown-ups alike will be asking for more of these crispy, golden nuggets. You’ll love making and munching on this recipe.

Substitutions

  • Chicken Breasts – If you’re looking for a non-chicken alternative, you could try using tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian or vegan version of these nuggets. Turkey breast works as well just extend the cooking time by 5 minutes. 
  • Egg (Beaten) – For an egg-free option, you can use a mixture of water and ground flaxseed or chia seeds as a binding agent. This works great for vegan nuggets.
  • Flour – To make these nuggets gluten-free, swap the regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.
  • Milk – You can use non-dairy milk, such as almond milk or soy milk, to make these nuggets if you’re lactose intolerant or vegan.
  • Dried Breadcrumbs (or more, we used panko) – Opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes to keep these nuggets gluten-free.
  • Olive Oil – Any cooking oil of your choice, like vegetable oil or canola oil, can replace olive oil if that’s what you prefer.
  • Salt and Pepper – Season your nuggets with your preferred seasoning blend.
  • Paprika – Experiment with other spices or herbs like thyme, oregano, or curry powder to give your nuggets a different twist.
  • Garlic Powder – Swap garlic powder for onion powder or your preferred seasoning.
  • To Serve: Spicy Mayo – If you’re not a fan of spicy mayo, you can serve these nuggets with ketchup, honey mustard, or your chosen dipping sauce.

Feel free to get creative and tailor these substitutions to your taste and dietary preferences. These alternatives will help you customize your Baked Chicken Nuggets to perfection!

Looking for more? Check out these Dinner Recipes!

Variations

  • Buffalo Chicken Nuggets: Toss baked nuggets in buffalo sauce for a spicy kick. Serve with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
  • Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Nuggets: Coat chicken in breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy, crispy finish.
  • Honey Mustard Glazed Nuggets: Drizzle honey mustard sauce over the nuggets for a sweet and tangy flavour.
  • BBQ Chicken Nuggets: Brush the nuggets with barbecue sauce before baking for a smoky, tangy taste.
  • Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make nuggets perfect for those with dietary restrictions.

More Chicken Recipes

If you enjoy this Chicken Schnitzel recipe, youโ€™ll also love these other tasty and easy-to-make chicken dishes.

Looking for more? Check out +54 Best Mains Easy Recipes!

Storage

To keep your leftover baked chicken nuggets fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, use an oven or toaster oven for the best crispy texture. Microwaving may make them slightly less crispy, but they’ll still be delicious.

FAQs

Absolutely. You can use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for coating to make gluten-free chicken nuggets.

Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for the best results. Microwaving can make them less crispy, but they’ll still be tasty.

Absolutely! Preheat the air fryer to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC), place the coated nuggets in a single layer in the basket, and cook for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown, turning them halfway through.

You can pair chicken nuggets with various sides like french fries, coleslaw, a side salad, steamed vegetables, or even mac and cheese.

You can use egg substitutes like aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) or a mixture of water and ground flaxseed for a vegan or vegetarian version.


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Golden crispy baked chicken nuggets

Baked Chicken Nuggets

Claudia
These Baked Chicken Nuggets are the healthier version of the classic fried recipe. The meat is tender and the crust is crispy- simple, healthy and nutritious.
5 from 6 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer, main dish, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 338 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 baking pan
  • 1 medium bowl
  • 1 small bowl
  • 1 wooden spoon

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ยฝ tsp salt
  • ยฝ tsp pepper
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 50 ml milk
  • 100 g breadcrumbs (I used panko)

To serve: spicy mayo made out of mayonnaise and sriracha combined.

Instructions
 

  • Dice the meat into pieces about 2-3mm thick. Add the meat into a bowl and season with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Let it marinade while you prepare the batter.
    2 chicken breasts, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, ยฝ tsp salt, ยฝ tsp pepper
  • In the meantime, preheat the oven to the grill setting, at medium heat or level 3.
  • Mix the egg with the milk and season with a pinch of salt and a pinch of freshly grated pepper, then incorporate the flour until it's smooth with no lumps.
    1 egg, 50 ml milk, 3 tbsp flour
  • Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl, dip the chicken pieces in the egg batter then coat completely with breadcrumbs.
    100 g breadcrumbs
  • Place the well-coated chicken nuggets in a single layer on a pan lined with parchment paper.
  • Lightly sprinkle some olive oil on top, place the pan on the top shelf and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Serve with rice, baked wedges, a salad or whatever you fancy!
  • Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Step-by-Step Guide: You’ll find a helpful step-by-step guide with photos to make these baked chicken nuggets on my blog. The photos make it easy to follow along, ensuring your nuggets turn out crispy and delicious.
Substitutions & Twists: I’ve listed some great substitutions and variations in the post above, so you can customize the dish to your liking. Whether you’re looking to add a unique flavour twist or accommodate dietary preferences, you’ll find options to suit your needs.
Storage: These baked chicken nuggets are stored well in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. However, they taste their absolute best when enjoyed fresh out of the oven. For optimal flavour and texture, consider reheating them in the oven to restore their delightful crispiness.
Tip 1: Choose the Right Chicken – Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh meat for the best results. It ensures your nuggets are tender and flavorful.
Tip 2: Properly Season and Coat – Thoroughly marinate your chicken pieces in a seasoned egg mixture, followed by a generous coating of breadcrumbs. This double-coating technique guarantees a crispy and flavorful crust.
Tip 3: Bake on a Rack – For extra crispiness, place a baking rack on the baking sheet and arrange your coated chicken nuggets on top. This allows hot air to circulate the nuggets, ensuring an even crunch all around.
Tip 4: Homemade Dipping Sauces – Elevate your nugget experience with homemade dipping sauces. From tangy honey mustard to zesty barbecue, these sauces add an extra layer of flavour to your meal.
Nutrition Facts
Baked Chicken Nuggets
Amount per Serving
Calories
338
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
13
g
20
%
Saturated Fat
 
3
g
19
%
Trans Fat
 
0.02
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
7
g
Cholesterol
 
115
mg
38
%
Sodium
 
626
mg
27
%
Potassium
 
531
mg
15
%
Carbohydrates
 
24
g
8
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
2
g
2
%
Protein
 
30
g
60
%
Vitamin A
 
362
IU
7
%
Vitamin C
 
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
 
77
mg
8
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition

Calories: 338kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 30gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 626mgPotassium: 531mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 362IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 77mgIron: 2mg
Keyword chicken nuggets, easy chicken nuggets
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5 from 6 votes

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Recipe Rating




8 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    My kids love chicken nuggets and they’ve been a staple in my kitchen for years. I love making them homemade, and your recipe is similar to what I make – absolutely delicious, and a kid favorite! I used to bake them but tend to use the air fryer more these days. Thanks for sharing!!

  2. 5 stars
    Chicken is always a hit. I love the fact you can make these from scratch. The store bought frozen ones are full of preservatives and too much salt.

  3. 5 stars
    Yum! These baked chicken nuggets are a favorite with my kids (and me!). Great to have a healthy alternative to fried nuggets. The coating is delish and the chicken is tender and juicy.