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The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 41 reviews
  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes (plus marinating time)
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Nut-Free

Description

This Best Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe delivers crispy, flavorful homemade nuggets that are healthier than traditional fried versions. The chicken is marinated in buttermilk and spices for tenderness and coated with a crunchy mixture of panko, plain breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Baked to golden perfection, these nuggets are perfect for a family meal or snack and pair wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauces.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Breading

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • Cooking spray, for spraying

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to infuse and the chicken to tenderize.
  2. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
  3. Make the Breading Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, plain breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil or melted butter. Mix thoroughly until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated and slightly moist from the oil or butter, which will help achieve a crispy texture.
  4. Coat the Chicken Nuggets: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure full coverage on all sides. Place the coated nuggets evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
  5. Add Extra Crispiness: Lightly spray the tops of the breaded chicken nuggets with cooking spray. This step helps them brown more evenly and develop a crisp exterior when baked.
  6. Bake the Nuggets: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Flip the nuggets halfway through baking to ensure both sides become golden brown and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
  7. Optional Broil for Extra Crisp: For even crispier nuggets, broil them for an additional 2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
  8. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the nuggets from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch, or ketchup for a delicious meal or snack.

Notes

  • For extra crisp nuggets, broil the last 2 minutes of baking but watch carefully to avoid burning.
  • Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or ketchup for added flavor.
  • You can substitute Greek yogurt for buttermilk if needed for the marinade.

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Find it online: https://quickkitchenfix.com/the-best-baked-chicken-nuggets-recipe/