Print

Crispy Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe Easy Baked to Perfection

crispy homemade chicken nuggets - featured image
Print Recipe

This recipe delivers golden, crispy, and juicy chicken nuggets baked to perfection without deep-frying. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual treats, these nuggets are easy, healthier, and irresistibly crunchy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (100 grams) panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Olive oil spray or cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top to allow air circulation for crispiness.
  2. Prepare the coating stations: whisk the eggs in one shallow bowl; combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a second bowl; mix panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese in a third bowl.
  3. Trim any fat from the chicken breasts and cut into roughly 1 to 1.5-inch bite-sized pieces, keeping sizes similar for even cooking.
  4. Dredge each chicken piece first in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, letting extra drip off, and finally press into the panko-Parmesan mixture to coat well.
  5. Arrange the coated chicken pieces spaced apart on the wire rack. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray to promote browning.
  6. Bake for 12 minutes, then flip each nugget, spray the other side lightly with oil, and bake for another 8-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
  7. Let the nuggets rest for 3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Use a wire rack to ensure even crispiness and avoid sogginess. Pat chicken dry before coating. Flip nuggets halfway through baking. For extra crunch, broil 1-2 minutes at the end but watch closely. For gluten-free, substitute flour and breadcrumbs accordingly. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan or use plant-based cheese. Air fryer adaptation: cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken nuggets, crispy chicken nuggets, baked chicken nuggets, homemade chicken nuggets, easy chicken recipe, kid-friendly chicken, healthy chicken nuggets

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/crispy-homemade-chicken-nuggets-recipe-easy-baked-to-perfection/