Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—these baked chicken nuggets are a healthier alternative to fried nuggets, but just as delicious! Perfect for kids and adults alike.
Author:Beth
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner, Snack
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
Scale
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
For the Egg Mixture:
1 egg
2 tbsp milk
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
Prepare the coating: In a shallow bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Whisk the egg mixture: In another shallow bowl, whisk the egg and milk together.
Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to help them stick.
Place on the baking sheet: Arrange the nuggets in a single layer. Lightly drizzle or spray with olive oil for extra crispiness.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Serve & enjoy: Let them cool for a few minutes, then serve with your favorite dipping sauces!
Notes
For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Swap Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free alternative if needed.
Make ahead: Coat the nuggets and freeze them on a baking sheet before storing in a bag. Bake from frozen for 22-25 minutes.