Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Nuggets
These baked chicken nuggets are crispy and golden without deep-frying, using a double-coating technique and a light oil spray for perfect crunch and juicy interior.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper
- Cooking spray or 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
- Prepare breading stations: mix flour with half the seasoning blend (½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ¼ tsp salt, pinch of pepper) in one bowl; beat eggs in a second bowl; combine panko breadcrumbs with remaining seasoning in a third bowl.
- Pat chicken pieces dry.
- Coat chicken pieces by dredging in seasoned flour, dipping in beaten eggs, then pressing into seasoned panko. For extra crunch, double coat by repeating egg and panko step once more.
- Place coated nuggets on wire rack, ensuring they do not touch.
- Lightly spray or brush nuggets with olive oil.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then flip nuggets, spray with more oil, and bake for another 10-12 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Pat chicken dry to ensure crispiness. Use panko breadcrumbs and a wire rack for best texture. Double coating and oil spray enhance crunch. Flip halfway through baking. For gluten-free, substitute almond flour and gluten-free panko. For dairy-free, replace eggs with flax eggs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 4 ounc
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 1.5
- Protein: 28
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