Description
These Baked Chicken Nuggets are a healthier alternative to fried favorites, offering a crispy, golden crust made from breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, seasoned with garlic and paprika. Perfectly baked in the oven, these kid-friendly nuggets are juicy on the inside and easy to prepare, making them an ideal appetizer or main course for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Binding
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Coating Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg thoroughly. In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Stir well until the mixture is evenly coated and feels slightly moist, which will help the coating stick to the chicken pieces.
- Coat the Chicken Pieces: Dip each piece of chicken breast first into the whisked egg, ensuring it is completely covered. Then roll it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Arrange the coated chicken nuggets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching to allow even baking.
- Bake the Nuggets: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Flip the nuggets halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Serve: Once golden brown and cooked through, remove the nuggets from the oven and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ketchup, or ranch dressing.
Notes
- To achieve extra crispiness, place the coated nuggets on a wire rack set over the baking sheet to allow air circulation around each piece during baking.
- For an alternative cooking method, you can air-fry the nuggets at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway to crisp all sides.
