Description
Oven-baked chicken nuggets with an ultra-crispy panko crust and juicy interior. Kid-approved and adult-loved, these nuggets are perfect for dipping and come together in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1.5 cups (90g) panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 3 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line baking sheet with parchment and place wire rack on top. Spray rack with cooking spray.
- Breading stations: Set up three bowls: 1) flour + salt/pepper, 2) beaten eggs + milk, 3) panko + Parmesan + spices.
- Coat chicken: Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg mixture, then press firmly into panko mixture to adhere.
- Bake: Arrange nuggets on rack. Drizzle with melted butter. Bake 10 minutes, flip, then bake 8-10 more minutes until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Crisp: Broil 1-2 minutes for extra crunch if desired.
- Serve: With favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- For extra crispiness: Double-dip in egg and panko
- Make ahead: Freeze unbaked nuggets on tray, then transfer to bags for up to 3 months (add 5 mins to bake time)
- Gluten-free option: Use GF panko and flour
- Air fryer version: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway
- Kid-friendly tip: Use cookie cutters for fun shapes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 nuggets
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 160mg