How To Make 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.

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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.

Ingredients to make Baked Chicken Nuggets

Chicken Breasts – The star of the show! Tender chicken breasts are the main ingredient for these delicious nuggets.

Egg (Beaten) – A beaten egg is what makes the nuggets extra crispy and golden when baked.

Flour – Flour is used to coat the chicken and helps create that perfect crunchy outside.

Milk – Milk is combined with the egg to make a coating that sticks to the chicken, making it super yummy.

Dried Breadcrumbs (or more, we used panko) – Breadcrumbs give the nuggets their satisfying crunch. Panko breadcrumbs are an excellent choice for that extra crispiness.

Olive Oil – A touch of olive oil adds a lovely flavour and helps make the nuggets golden and crispy.

Salt and Pepper – Seasoning with salt and pepper is what makes these nuggets taste just right.

Paprika – Paprika adds a hint of smokiness.

Garlic Powder – Garlic powder brings a tasty and aromatic element to the nuggets.

To Serve: Spicy Mayo – A delightful dipping sauce made from mayonnaise and sriracha. It’s the perfect companion for your crispy chicken nuggets!

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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

Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Nuggets: After coating the chicken in breadcrumbs, mix in grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savoury and cheesy twist. Bake until crispy and golden.

Honey Mustard Glazed Nuggets: Drizzle honey mustard sauce over the nuggets before baking for a sweet and tangy taste.

Buffalo Chicken Nuggets: Toss the baked nuggets in buffalo sauce for a spicy kick. Serve with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks for a classic Buffalo chicken experience.

Herb and Garlic Chicken Nuggets: Add a blend of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley to the breadcrumb mixture for a fragrant and flavorful coating.

Asian-Inspired Chicken Nuggets: Combine soy sauce, ginger, and garlic in the egg mixture for an Asian twist. Serve with a side of sweet chilli sauce for dipping.

BBQ Chicken Nuggets: Brush the nuggets with barbecue sauce before baking to give them a smoky and tangy hint. Perfect for a BBQ-themed meal.

Pesto Chicken Nuggets: Coat the chicken in basil pesto before breading for a burst of fresh, herby taste.

Crispy Coconut Chicken Nuggets: Mix shredded coconut into the breadcrumb mixture for a tropical flair. Serve with a sweet mango chutney dipping sauce.

Ranch Seasoned Nuggets: Add a packet of ranch seasoning mix to your breadcrumbs for a zesty coating. Perfect for ranch lovers!

Sesame Ginger Chicken Nuggets: Incorporate sesame seeds and ground ginger into your breadcrumbs for an Asian-inspired twist. Serve with a soy-based dipping sauce.

Cajun-Style Chicken Nuggets: Season the breadcrumbs with Cajun seasoning for a spicy and flavorful kick. Great with a side of remoulade sauce.

Cheesy Bacon Chicken Nuggets: Wrap each chicken piece with a slice of bacon before breading. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese for a rich and indulgent treat.

Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend to make these nuggets suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Vegetable-Infused Nuggets: Add finely grated zucchini, carrots, or spinach to the chicken mixture for extra nutrients and a colourful twist.

Dill Pickle-Brined Nuggets: Marinate the chicken in dill pickle juice before breading for a unique and tangy taste.

More Chicken Recipes

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

Leftovers

Wondering What to Do with Leftover Baked Chicken Nuggets? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered with some tasty ideas for repurposing those nuggets!

1. Chicken Nugget Wrap: Create a scrumptious chicken nugget wrap with some tortillas, lettuce, and your favourite condiments. Slice the leftover nuggets into smaller pieces and wrap them up for a quick and satisfying meal.

2. Chicken Nugget Salad: Turn your leftovers into a delightful chicken nugget salad. Slice the nuggets, add them to a bed of greens, and top with veggies, cheese, and your preferred salad dressing.

3. Chicken Nugget Sliders: Use small buns or dinner rolls to make adorable chicken nugget sliders. Add some coleslaw or lettuce for a refreshing crunch and enjoy mini sandwiches.

4. Chicken Nugget Pizza: Get creative and transform your nuggets into a pizza topping. Spread some tomato sauce, sprinkle with cheese, and arrange the nuggets on top. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

5. Chicken Nugget Stir-Fry: Chop the nuggets into bite-sized pieces and toss them into a stir-fry with your choice of vegetables and a tasty stir-fry sauce.

6. Chicken Nugget Tacos: Fill your tacos with chopped nuggets, lettuce, cheese, and your favourite taco toppings. These nuggets work wonderfully as a taco filling.

7. Chicken Nugget Breakfast Hash: For a unique breakfast twist, create a chicken nugget breakfast hash by dicing the nuggets and mixing them with potatoes, onions, and your preferred breakfast seasonings.

Storage

Storage Tips: 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.

Recipe FAQs

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer. They can add a bit more flavor and tenderness to your nuggets.

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

Yes, you can freeze the nuggets before baking. After coating, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw; simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Common dipping sauces include ketchup, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, and, as mentioned in the recipe, spicy mayo. Get creative with your favorites!

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 375°F (190°C), 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.

The nuggets should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are cooked through.

Here are serving suggestions for this recipe

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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 254 kcal

Equipment

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

Ingredients
  

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 3-4 tbsp flour
  • 50 ml milk
  • 75 g 100g dried breadcrumbs or more (we used panko)
  • olive oil
  • salt and pepper
  • paprika
  • garlic powder
  • *feel free to add or replace with your favourite seasonings
  • 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.
  • In the meantime, preheat the oven to the grill setting, at medium heat or level 3.
  • Mix the eggs with the milk and season with salt and pepper, then incorporate the flour until it’s smooth with no lumps.
  • Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl, dip the chicken pieces in the egg batter then coat completely with 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 flavor twist or accommodate dietary preferences, you’ll find options to suit your needs.
Storage: These baked chicken nuggets store 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 flavor 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 around 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 flavor to your meal.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 254kcal
Keyword 10 minutes meal, baked to perfection, chicken nuggets, crispy chicken nuggets, dipping sauce, easy chicken nuggets, family favourites, famiy-friendly recipe, finger food, homemade chicken nuggets, quick and delicious
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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.