Skip the drive-thru—these crispy baked chicken nuggets are just as satisfying as the fast-food version but healthier, budget-friendly, and made right in your oven. Coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection, this recipe is a must-have for weeknight dinners, kid-friendly meals, or guilt-free snacking.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside
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Kid-approved and adult-friendly
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A healthier alternative to deep-fried nuggets
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Perfect for meal prep, lunchboxes, or dipping into your favorite sauces
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Made with simple pantry staples—no preservatives or mystery ingredients
Ingredients Breakdown:
For the Chicken:
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cut into bite-sized pieces, they form the tender, protein-rich core of the nuggets.
For the Seasoning:
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1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds savory depth and aroma.
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1 teaspoon paprika – Gives a mild, smoky flavor and golden color.
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Salt and pepper, to taste – Enhances all the flavors.
For the Coating:
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1 cup all-purpose flour – First coating to help the egg stick.
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2 eggs, beaten – Binds the flour and breadcrumbs.
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2 cups panko breadcrumbs – Provide a super-crunchy, oven-baked texture.
For Baking:
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Non-stick cooking spray or olive oil – Helps the nuggets brown and crisp in the oven without deep frying.
Tips and Tricks
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Use a cooling rack on top of your baking sheet for maximum crispness all around.
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Cut chicken pieces evenly so they cook at the same rate.
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Air fryer option: Cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Season your panko with Italian herbs, parmesan, or cayenne for extra flavor.
Variations and Customizations
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Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and panko.
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Spicy kick: Add cayenne or hot sauce to the egg wash.
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Cheesy coating: Mix finely grated parmesan into the breadcrumbs.
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Chicken tenders: Leave the chicken in longer strips for homemade tenders.
Pairing Suggestions
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Dipping sauces: Honey mustard, ranch, BBQ, or sriracha mayo
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Sides: Sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables
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Beverages: Lemonade for kids, light beer or iced tea for adults
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes or air fry for 4–5 minutes.
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Freeze: Freeze uncooked breaded nuggets on a tray, then store in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen for 25–30 minutes.
Popular Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Bread the chicken in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving for best results.
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Are these nuggets crispy without frying?
Absolutely! Panko breadcrumbs + high oven heat = maximum crunch with no deep frying required.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and offer extra juiciness.
PrintCrispy Baked Chicken Nuggets
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Fast-food flavor without the guilt! These golden nuggets are coated in crunchy panko, perfectly seasoned, and oven-baked to crispy perfection. Kid-approved, meal-prep friendly, and ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1½-inch chunks
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs, beaten
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2 cups panko breadcrumbs
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Non-stick cooking spray or olive oil, for greasing
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Lightly grease a baking sheet with non-stick spray or olive oil. Set aside.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
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In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Toss chicken pieces in the spice blend until evenly coated.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken Nuggets
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Dredge each seasoned chicken piece in flour, shaking off any excess.
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Dip into beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off.
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Coat generously with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so they stick well.
Step 4: Bake the Nuggets
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Arrange the nuggets in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp should reach 165°F).
Step 5: Rest and Serve
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Let the nuggets rest for 2–3 minutes on a cooling rack to maintain crispiness.
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Serve hot with dipping sauces or your favorite sides.
Notes
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For best texture, avoid overcrowding the pan—airflow is key to crispiness.
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Double the recipe and freeze half for quick weeknight meals.
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Want extra crunch? Toast your panko in the oven before coating the chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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