Baked Chicken Nuggets: Perfectly Crispy and Delicious Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate baked chicken nuggets recipe, you’re in the right place! These nuggets are crispy, flavorful, and baked to golden perfection, offering a healthier alternative to traditional fried nuggets. Unlike their deep-fried counterparts, these baked nuggets provide all the deliciousness without the excess oil and calories. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or a kid-friendly snack, this recipe is versatile, easy, and delicious. Whether you’re looking to whip up a quick dinner or prepare a batch for the week ahead, these baked chicken nuggets are sure to satisfy.

The best part? They’re incredibly simple to make. With just a few basic ingredients—chicken breast, breadcrumbs, and seasonings—you can create a dish that’s both tasty and nutritious. For extra flavor, you can experiment with different spices or add a touch of grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb coating.

Serve these baked chicken nuggets with your favorite dipping sauces, like honey mustard or barbecue sauce, to elevate the flavor even further. You can also pair them with a side of fresh veggies or a salad for a balanced, satisfying meal. Regardless of how you enjoy them, these baked chicken nuggets will quickly become a family favorite, making mealtime a breeze.

Why You’ll Love These Baked Chicken Nuggets

• Healthier Choice: These baked chicken nuggets are a guilt-free alternative to fried versions, reducing fat and calories without sacrificing flavor.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults, these crispy, homemade nuggets are perfect for any age. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces for added fun.
• Customizable: Easily adapted to suit various dietary needs. Make them gluten-free, low-carb, or vegan by using the right substitutes like gluten-free breadcrumbs, almond flour, or plant-based proteins.
• Quick Prep Time: Ready in just 30 minutes, these baked nuggets are perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or a quick snack.

Ingredients for the Best Baked Chicken Nuggets

• 2 large chicken breasts, cubed into nugget-sized pieces
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Olive oil or cooking spray

How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets at Home

Prepare the Chicken and Coating

• Preheat the Oven:
• Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is key to achieving the perfect crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy on the inside. Make sure the oven is fully preheated before placing the chicken nuggets inside. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the nuggets from sticking.

• Prepare the Chicken:
• Next, take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into evenly sized pieces, approximately 1-2 inches in length. The uniform size ensures that all the chicken nuggets cook evenly. For best results, try to keep the pieces similar in thickness, as this will help prevent some from overcooking while others are undercooked. You can also trim away any excess fat for a leaner, cleaner result. Once your chicken is cut, you’re ready to move on to the next step of breading.

Create the Perfect Coating

• Prepare the Breading:
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and your choice of spices. You can use a classic combination of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, or get creative with paprika, dried herbs, or even a dash of cayenne for some heat. The Parmesan adds a savory, rich flavor that pairs wonderfully with the crispy texture of the breadcrumbs. Mix the ingredients thoroughly so that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumbs. This ensures each nugget will have a flavorful coating.
• Beat the Eggs:
• In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and beat them until smooth and fully blended. This egg wash will help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken pieces. For a fluffier texture, you can lightly beat the eggs with a fork or whisk until they become slightly frothy. This step ensures that the coating will stick well, giving your chicken nuggets that satisfying crispy crunch once they’re baked.

Coat the Nuggets and Bake

• Coat the Chicken:
• Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring that it is fully coated. The egg wash helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken, creating a crispy outer layer once baked. Make sure to shake off any excess egg before moving to the next step to avoid a soggy coating.
• Bread the Chicken:
• Next, roll each piece of chicken in the breadcrumb mixture. Gently press down on the breadcrumbs to ensure they adhere well to the chicken. This step is crucial for creating that delicious, crunchy crust. Coat each piece evenly, making sure every side is covered in the breadcrumb mixture for maximum crispiness.
• Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
• Place the breaded chicken nuggets onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced out evenly. For an extra crispy result, drizzle each nugget lightly with olive oil or spray them with cooking spray. This will help them achieve that golden, crispy texture without frying. The oil also promotes even browning, ensuring that every side of the nugget cooks to perfection.
• Bake to Perfection:
• Bake the chicken nuggets in your preheated oven for 18–20 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the nuggets over to ensure even browning. The nuggets should be golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Variations of Baked Chicken Nuggets to Try

Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets

• Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a gluten-free version.

Keto-Friendly Baked Nuggets

• Use crushed pork rinds as a breadcrumb substitute to keep it low-carb and crispy.

Vegan Nuggets

• Swap chicken for tofu or cauliflower and use aquafaba or flaxseed as an egg replacement. Omit Parmesan for a fully vegan dish.

How to Serve Your Baked Chicken Nuggets

• Pair with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha mayo.
• Add to Mediterranean quinoa bowls for a nutritious meal.
• Serve alongside roasted stuffed bell peppers for a wholesome dinner.

Nutrition Facts for Baked Chicken Nuggets (Per Serving)

FAQs About Baked Chicken Nuggets

1. Can I make these baked chicken nuggets gluten-free?
Yes! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use crushed gluten-free crackers or cornflakes as an alternative.

2. Can I freeze these baked chicken nuggets?
Absolutely! To freeze, arrange the breaded chicken nuggets on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer the nuggets to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat, bake them straight from the freezer at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are slightly juicier and more flavorful, but make sure to adjust the cooking time if needed since thighs may take slightly longer to cook.

4. How can I make these baked chicken nuggets lower in fat?
To reduce the fat content, you can skip the oil or cooking spray and bake the nuggets without it. You can also use leaner cuts of chicken, such as chicken tenderloins, and opt for a lighter breadcrumb option, such as whole-wheat or panko breadcrumbs.

5. Can I bake these without Parmesan cheese?
Yes! If you prefer to make the nuggets dairy-free or simply don’t have Parmesan, you can omit it or substitute with a non-dairy cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

7. How do I know when the chicken nuggets are fully cooked?
The chicken nuggets should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can also check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be fully cooked.