Description
These Baked Chicken Nuggets are a healthy, crispy alternative to traditional fried nuggets. Made with tender chicken breast pieces coated in a flavorful breadcrumb and spice mixture, then oven-baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a kid-friendly snack without the mess of frying.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 large skinless boneless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
Breading Mixture
- 1 cup bread crumbs (use gluten-free crumbs for gluten-free version)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 3 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3 teaspoons minced thyme
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
Wet Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
Additional
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the nuggets.
- Prepare Chicken: Fillet the chicken breasts and cut them into 1-2 inch cubes. Set aside the chicken pieces for breading.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine bread crumbs, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, minced thyme, and cayenne pepper. Stir well until thoroughly combined and set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully blended.
- Bread the Chicken: Working in batches of 1-2 cups, dip the chicken pieces into the egg and milk mixture, then use a slotted spoon to transfer them into the breadcrumb mixture. Toss or spoon gently until each piece is evenly coated with the breading mixture.
- Arrange on Baking Pan: Place the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer on a large baking pan to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle the breaded chicken pieces with olive oil to help achieve a golden, crispy crust as they bake.
- Bake: Bake the chicken nuggets in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they are crispy on the outside and fully cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the nuggets to cool for a few minutes before serving to enjoy their perfect texture and flavor.
Notes
- These nuggets offer a consistent golden crisp texture without the oil mess of frying, making them a healthier choice for families.
- You can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Perfect for meal prepping as they reheat well without losing crispiness.
- A kid-friendly recipe that works great for game days, quick lunches, or casual snacks.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 191 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 622 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.01 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 69 mg
