If you’re craving the ultimate homemade comfort food, look no further than the BEST Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe. These golden nuggets are everything you love about your childhood favorite—tender, juicy, and super crunchy, but baked instead of fried for a lighter twist. You’ll love every bite, whether you’re serving these for family dinner, Sunday game night, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing snack. Once you try these nuggets, you’ll understand why this recipe is a must-have for every home cook who wants flavor, fun, and a touch of nostalgia—all in under an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that work together to create irresistible nuggets. Each component adds something special, from juicy chicken to a crispy coating, so don’t skip any of them for the most incredible crunch and flavor.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect blank canvas—they stay moist and tender during baking and are easy to cut into nuggets.
- Buttermilk: The tangy buttermilk marinade helps tenderize the chicken and adds subtle flavor while ensuring every bite is juicy.
- Garlic powder: Just the right touch of savory depth to season the chicken without overpowering the other flavors.
- Paprika: Adds a mild kick and a gorgeous golden color to the finished nuggets—smoked paprika brings an extra layer of flavor if you have it.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together and making the chicken truly pop.
- Black pepper: A touch of heat to balance out the tanginess of the buttermilk and richness of the cheese.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are unrivaled for their crispy, airy crunch—don’t substitute regular breadcrumbs here!
- Regular breadcrumbs: They add some structure to the coating and help everything stick together beautifully.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses the crust with a nutty, salty complexity and helps the nuggets brown beautifully.
- Olive oil or melted butter: Moistens the breadcrumb coating so it crisps up without frying—choose butter for a richer flavor or olive oil for a lighter touch.
- Cooking spray: Helps lock in that golden exterior and prevents sticking so your nuggets look as fantastic as they taste.
How to Make BEST Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Toss your chicken pieces into a big bowl (or a resealable zip-top bag) along with the buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well or seal and shake until every nugget is bathed in the creamy, flavorful marinade. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—or up to 4 hours. This step is essential, as it guarantees every bite will be juicy, tender, and packed with flavor.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Station
When marination time is up, crank your oven up to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set a wire rack over the top and hit it with a light mist of cooking spray. This setup lets air circulate all around the nuggets so they bake up remarkably crisp—no soggy bottoms here!
Step 3: Make the Crunchy Coating
Pour the panko, regular breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and your choice of olive oil or melted butter into a shallow bowl. Mix until everything is evenly coated and looks a little like damp sand. The oil or butter is the secret to getting those breadcrumbs beautifully golden and shatteringly crisp right in the oven.
Step 4: Dredge and Coat the Chicken
One by one, take the marinated chicken pieces out and let any excess marinade drip off. Drop them into the breadcrumb mixture, turning and pressing each nugget so it’s fully enrobed in that tasty, cheesy crust. Arrange them on your wire rack in a single, spaced-out layer for even browning and maximum crunch.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Mist the tops of all the nuggets with cooking spray, then slide everything into your hot oven. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the nuggets are a gorgeous golden-brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Give them a few moments to cool—if you can wait!—then dive in with your favorite dipping sauces.
How to Serve BEST Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Garnishes
Take your nuggets over the top by sprinkling them with fresh chopped parsley or chives as soon as they come out of the oven. For even more flavor, hit them with a pinch of flakey sea salt and a dusting of extra Parmesan. It’s a little restaurant flair that makes a big impression!
Side Dishes
The BEST Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe is incredibly versatile. Serve it with shoestring fries, roasted sweet potato wedges, a fresh green salad, or classic coleslaw for a satisfying meal. For a lighter touch, pair with crisp cucumber slices or crunchy carrot sticks—the nuggets complement just about anything.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these nuggets into chicken sliders with mini buns and a tangy slaw, or lay them over a bed of mixed greens for an easy chopped salad. If you’re hosting a party, pile them high on a platter with a rainbow of dipping sauces—think honey mustard, ranch, BBQ, and even spicy sriracha mayo—so everyone can create their own flavor adventure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have extras, store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They stay surprisingly crisp and make perfect lunchbox or after-school snacks the next day.
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly! Once completely cooled, lay the nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container and stash them away for up to 2 months. Having a stash of the BEST Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe on hand is a lifesaver for busy nights.
Reheating
The key to keeping them crispy: use the oven or an air fryer! Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or use the air fryer at the same temp for 5 to 6 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can soften the coating. Your nuggets will taste just as fresh and crunchy as day one.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit richer and stay extra juicy, so feel free to swap them in if you prefer. Just be sure to cut them into even bite-sized nuggets for even baking.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make your own: combine 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, stir, and let it sit for 5 minutes before using in the marinade.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Look for gluten-free panko and breadcrumbs at your local store, and you’ll get the same satisfying crunch. Double-check that your Parmesan is also gluten-free if you’re highly sensitive.
How do I keep the nuggets crispy if I’m making a big batch?
If you’re doubling the BEST Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe, bake them on two racks, rotating halfway and using convection heat if you have it. Serve promptly, or keep them warm in a low oven (around 200°F) on a wire rack while the rest finish baking.
What dipping sauces work best with these nuggets?
You can’t go wrong with classic choices like honey mustard, ranch, BBQ, or ketchup. For a grown-up twist, try chipotle mayo, creamy pesto, or even a spicy buffalo dip for an extra zing!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as sharing the BEST Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe with loved ones—trust me, they’ll disappear faster than you expect! Give this recipe a try and bring a little crispy, cheesy joy to your next meal. I can’t wait for you to taste just how fun and delicious homemade nuggets can be!
Print
BEST Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make the best crispy baked chicken nuggets that are tender on the inside and perfectly crunchy on the outside. These homemade nuggets are a healthier alternative to fried versions and are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized nuggets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup regular breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- cooking spray
Chicken Nuggets:
Breadcrumb Coating:
Additional:
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine the chicken pieces, buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top, coating it with cooking spray.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: In a shallow bowl, mix panko, regular breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and olive oil. Dredge marinated chicken in the breadcrumb mixture and place on the prepared rack.
- Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, toast the breadcrumbs before coating the chicken.
- These can also be made in an air fryer at 400°F for 12–14 minutes.
- Delicious with honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6–8 nuggets
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
