Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Chicken breast: The main protein, cut into bite-sized pieces.

Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy coating for the nuggets.

Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the coating.

Garlic powder: Enhances the flavor with a hint of garlic.

Paprika: Adds a mild, smoky flavor and a bit of color.

Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the flavor.

Eggs: Helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken pieces.

To ensure your chicken nuggets come out extra crispy, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Panko has a coarser texture, which creates a crunchier coating. Additionally, for even browning, place a wire rack on your baking sheet and arrange the chicken pieces on the rack. This allows hot air to circulate around the nuggets, ensuring they cook evenly and stay crispy on all sides.

• chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast is lean and has a similar texture and flavor profile to chicken breast.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier, providing a similar texture to regular breadcrumbs.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes add a crunchy texture and can be a gluten-free alternative.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and tangy flavor, making it a good substitute for Parmesan.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is a vegan alternative.

• garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder offers a different but complementary flavor to garlic powder.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a more intense and aromatic garlic flavor.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor along with the mild heat of regular paprika.

• paprika - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds more heat and a slightly different flavor profile.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with umami flavor.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a different texture and sometimes a more complex flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor profile, often used in lighter-colored dishes.

• black pepper - Substitute with chili flakes: Chili flakes add heat and a slightly different flavor.

• eggs - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can help the breadcrumbs adhere and adds a tangy flavor.

• eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: A mixture of flaxseed meal and water can act as a vegan binding agent.

• Allow the baked chicken nuggets to cool completely after removing them from the oven. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Transfer the cooled chicken nuggets to an airtight container. If stacking them, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the nuggets within 3-4 days. This keeps them fresh and ready for a quick reheat.
• For longer storage, place the cooled chicken nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours or until they are solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the nuggets to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• To reheat refrigerated chicken nuggets, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the nuggets on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
• For frozen chicken nuggets, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the nuggets on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are hot and crispy.
• Avoid microwaving the nuggets as it can make them rubbery. The oven method ensures they remain crispy and delicious.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the leftover baked chicken nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and regain their crispy texture. This method ensures the nuggets stay crunchy on the outside while being warm and juicy inside.

• Air Fryer Method: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating. This method is quick and keeps the nuggets crispy.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Place the chicken nuggets in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through. This method adds a slight crispiness to the nuggets while keeping them moist.

• Microwave Method: Place the chicken nuggets on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated. This method is the fastest but may result in less crispy nuggets.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken nuggets on the toaster oven tray and heat for 8-10 minutes, or until they are warmed through and crispy. This method is a good balance between speed and maintaining texture.

• Oven: Used to bake the chicken nuggets at the specified temperature of 400°F (200°C).

• Baking sheet: A flat sheet used to place the coated chicken pieces for baking.

• Mixing bowl: Used to mix the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

• Small bowl: Used to hold the beaten eggs for dipping the chicken pieces.

• Knife: Used to cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.

• Cutting board: A surface to safely cut the chicken breast.

• Tongs: Used to dip the chicken pieces into the beaten eggs and then into the breadcrumb mixture.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the ingredients such as breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the spices like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

• Grater: Used to grate the parmesan cheese if not using pre-grated cheese.

• Parchment paper: Optional, but can be used to line the baking sheet for easier cleanup.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and measure out the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese the night before.

Use a baking rack: Place the chicken nuggets on a baking rack over the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and save time flipping them.

Double the batch: Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick meal later. Just reheat in the oven.

Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.