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Crispy Sheet Pan Chicken Nuggets and Fries

crispy sheet pan chicken nuggets and fries - featured image

A quick and easy homemade recipe for crispy chicken nuggets and perfectly roasted fries, ideal for busy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup (120g) panko breadcrumbs (Japanese-style preferred)
  • ยฝ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten (room temperature)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Cooking spray or 2 tbsp olive oil (for crispiness)
  • 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425ยฐF (220ยฐC). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
  2. Peel and cut the potatoes into evenly sized fries, about ยผ-inch thick. Place them in a large bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Spread fries in a single layer on one side of the baking sheet.
  3. Set up your dredging stations: In one bowl, place the flour seasoned lightly with salt and pepper. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Working in batches, dredge each chicken piece first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned panko mixture. Place each coated piece on a wire rack or a clean plate to keep the coating intact.
  5. Lightly spray or brush the nuggets with olive oil for extra crispiness. Place them on the baking sheet next to the fries, ensuring they arenโ€™t touching.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. Flip the fries and nuggets gently after about 12 minutes to ensure even crisping. Nuggets should register 165ยฐF (74ยฐC) internally.
  7. Optional: Broil the nuggets and fries for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra crunch, watching closely to avoid burning.
  8. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard or smoky BBQ sauce.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure crispiness. Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, flakier coating. Lightly oil the nuggets before baking for best crunch. Flip halfway through baking to prevent soggy bottoms. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165ยฐF (74ยฐC). For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Reheat leftovers in the oven at 375ยฐF for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken nuggets, sheet pan dinner, crispy chicken, homemade fries, easy dinner, weeknight meal, baked chicken nuggets