Description
These Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets are a healthier alternative to fried nuggets, offering a perfectly golden, crunchy coating using toasted panko breadcrumbs and baked to juicy perfection. Coated in a flavorful blend of spices and baked in the oven, they make a delicious and easy meal or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Coating
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- Nonstick olive oil cooking spray
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Chicken & Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
- Prepare breadcrumbs: Spread panko breadcrumbs evenly on a large baking sheet. Spray them generously with nonstick olive oil cooking spray. Bake for 2 minutes, then stir or shake the pan to redistribute, and bake for another 2-4 minutes until golden brown. Keep the oven heated.
- Mix spices: Transfer toasted breadcrumbs to a medium bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir to combine and set aside.
- Combine eggs and milk: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and almond milk until fully blended. Set aside.
- Prepare baking setup: Line a large baking sheet with an oven-safe wire rack. Spray the wire rack generously with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Coat chicken: Dip each chicken cube into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Using tongs, transfer each piece to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Place coated chicken on the wire rack about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Lightly spray the tops of the chicken nuggets with nonstick cooking spray. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.
Notes
- Make sure to toast the breadcrumbs before mixing with spices to enhance their crispiness.
- Using a wire rack allows air to circulate around the chicken for even crisping.
- To make a dairy version, substitute almond milk with regular milk.
- Check internal temperature to ensure chicken is fully cooked for food safety.
- This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for larger batches.
