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The Ultimate Crispy Baked Homemade Chicken Nuggets

A pile of crispy, golden homemade chicken nuggets on a white plate, with one nugget broken open showing white meat.

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Create restaurant-quality, crispy, and juicy homemade chicken nuggets right in your oven. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner the whole family enjoys.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
  2. Set up a standard breading station with three shallow dishes.
  3. In the first dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well.
  4. In the second dish, place the beaten eggs.
  5. In the third dish, place the Panko breadcrumbs.
  6. Take one piece of chicken and dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
  7. Dip the floured chicken piece into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
  8. Press the chicken firmly into the Panko breadcrumbs to coat all sides evenly.
  9. Place the coated chicken nugget onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with all remaining chicken pieces, ensuring they do not touch.
  10. Spray the tops of the nuggets generously with cooking spray to promote browning and crispiness.
  11. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through the cooking time.
  12. Continue baking until the nuggets are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  13. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces for a quick chicken dinner.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken pieces in 1/2 cup of buttermilk for 30 minutes before starting the breading process.
  • To achieve maximum crispiness in the oven, use Panko breadcrumbs, as they create a lighter, crunchier crust than regular breadcrumbs.
  • If you prefer an air fryer, cook the nuggets at 380°F (195°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

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