Easy Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Introduction

These Easy Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets are a healthier alternative to fried nuggets without sacrificing any crunch or flavor. Perfect for a quick family meal or a kid-friendly snack, they are simple to prepare and baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, cubed
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley or 1 tablespoon parsley flakes
• 1 cup Panko bread crumbs

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic salt, black pepper, and parsley. Mix well to create the seasoning mixture.
3. Step 3: Dip each chicken cube into the butter mixture, then coat it thoroughly in the Panko bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Step 4: Place the coated chicken nuggets on the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly.
5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through, turning halfway to ensure even crisping.
6. Step 6: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauces.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, spray the coated nuggets lightly with cooking spray before baking.
• Try adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the butter mixture for a spicy kick.
• Use gluten-free Panko bread crumbs to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Serve with a homemade honey mustard or BBQ sauce for added flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes to maintain their crispiness, or use an air fryer if available.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier nugget, but the cooking time may vary slightly. Ensure the nuggets are cooked through before serving.

Is it necessary to use melted butter?

Melted butter helps the Panko crumbs adhere better and adds flavor, but you can substitute with olive oil if preferred for a slightly different taste.

Easy Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 98 reviews

These Easy Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets are a healthier, delicious alternative to fried nuggets. With a buttery, garlicky panko coating, they bake crispy and golden in the oven, making them perfect for a quick, family-friendly meal or snack.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Nuggets

• 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, cubed
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley or 1 tablespoon parsley flakes
• 1 cup Panko bread crumbs

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the chicken nuggets to a perfect crisp.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Cube the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
3. Mix Coating Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic salt, black pepper, and parsley, mixing well to create a flavorful coating for the chicken.
4. Coat the Chicken: Toss the chicken cubes in the butter and seasoning mixture until fully coated.
5. Add Panko Crumbs: Transfer the coated chicken pieces to a separate bowl or plate with the panko bread crumbs and press gently to cover all sides evenly.
6. Arrange for Baking: Place the breaded chicken nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased rack to allow air circulation underneath.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even browning and crispiness.
8. Check for Doneness: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before removing from the oven.
9. Serve: Let the nuggets cool for a few minutes before serving them with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

• You can substitute parsley flakes with other herbs like thyme or oregano for different flavors.
• For extra crispiness, broil the nuggets for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking but watch carefully to prevent burning.
• Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to promote even crisping by allowing heat to circulate under the nuggets.
• Leftover nuggets can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
• Using panko breadcrumbs is key to the extra crunchy texture.

Keywords: baked chicken nuggets, crispy chicken nuggets, healthy chicken nuggets, oven baked nuggets, easy chicken nugget recipe