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The Best Crispy Baked Homemade Chicken Nuggets

A pile of crispy, golden homemade chicken nuggets on a white plate, one nugget is broken open showing the white interior.
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Make crispy, juicy homemade chicken nuggets without deep frying. This simple baked recipe uses Panko breadcrumbs for a crunch everyone loves, making it a perfect, quick family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs
  • Cooking spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil for brushing

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss to coat evenly.
  3. Set up a standard breading station with three shallow dishes. Place the flour in the first dish.
  4. In the second dish, whisk together the egg and water until combined. This is your egg wash.
  5. Place the Panko breadcrumbs in the third dish.
  6. Take one piece of seasoned chicken and dredge it thoroughly in the flour, shaking off any excess.
  7. Dip the floured chicken piece into the egg wash, letting excess drip off.
  8. Press the chicken piece firmly into the Panko breadcrumbs, coating all sides completely. This step is key for maximum crispiness.
  9. Place the coated nugget on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with all remaining chicken pieces.
  10. Lightly spray the tops of the coated nuggets generously with cooking spray or brush lightly with olive oil. This helps them brown evenly.
  11. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through the cooking time. They are done when they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  12. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces for a quick chicken dinner.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken pieces in 1/4 cup of pickle juice for 30 minutes before seasoning. This helps keep the chicken juicy.
  • If you prefer an air fryer, cook the nuggets at 380°F (195°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
  • To make these ground chicken nuggets, pulse the chicken breast in a food processor until coarsely ground, form into small shapes, and then proceed with the breading steps.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/homemade-chicken-nuggets-crispy-baked/