Description
These Homemade Baked Chicken Nuggets feature a crispy, golden panko breadcrumb coating seasoned with garlic, onion, paprika, and black pepper. Baked to perfection in the oven, they offer a healthier alternative to fried nuggets without compromising on crunch or flavor. Perfect served with classic dipping sauces like honey mustard or Copycat Chick-Fil-A Sauce, they make a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Breading and Seasoning
- 1 1/4 cups panko bread crumbs
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
- 3/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
Coating Stations
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
Chicken
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 1/2″ pieces
- 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
Other
- Cooking spray
- Copycat Chick-Fil-A Sauce or honey mustard, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Toast Panko: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). In a large bowl, toss the panko bread crumbs with vegetable oil until evenly coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet and bake for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently every 2 minutes, until they turn a light golden brown.
- Season Bread Crumbs: While the toasted panko is still warm, return them to the bowl and add garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Toss thoroughly to combine all the seasoning evenly into the bread crumbs.
- Prepare Baking Rack and Coating Stations: Place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet and spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the all-purpose flour into a shallow dish. In a separate shallow dish, beat the egg until fully blended.
- Season and Coat Chicken Pieces: Season the chicken pieces all over with 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Then toss chicken in the flour, shake off excess, dip thoroughly into the beaten egg allowing excess to drip off, and finally roll in the seasoned panko bread crumbs, pressing them firmly to adhere. Arrange coated nuggets spaced evenly on the prepared wire rack.
- Bake Nuggets: Bake the chicken nuggets in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes until cooked through. Confirm doneness with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a nugget which should read 165°F (74°C).
- Season and Serve: While still hot, sprinkle with additional kosher salt if desired. Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce such as Copycat Chick-Fil-A Sauce or honey mustard.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, make sure to press the panko coating firmly onto the chicken pieces.
- Use a wire rack to ensure even heat circulation and crispy nuggets all around.
- You can substitute boneless chicken thighs for a juicier nugget, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Keep an instant-read thermometer handy to prevent overcooking and dryness.
- These nuggets are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
