Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces, this is the main protein for the nuggets.

Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crunchier coating than regular breadcrumbs.

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

Garlic powder: Enhances the flavor with a mild garlic taste.

Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and color to the coating.

Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall taste.

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

Eggs: Used to help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken pieces.

To achieve a perfectly crispy texture for your chicken nuggets, make sure to use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. The larger, airy flakes of panko create a crunchier coating. Additionally, when you flip the chicken pieces halfway through baking, use a pair of tongs to avoid disturbing the breadcrumb coating. This ensures that each nugget remains evenly coated and crispy on all sides.

• Chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast is lean and has a similar texture to chicken breast, making it a good alternative.

• Chicken breast - Substitute with tofu: For a vegetarian option, firm tofu can mimic the texture of chicken when baked.

• Panko breadcrumbs - Substitute with regular breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs can provide a similar crunchy texture, though they may be slightly less crispy.

• Panko breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes can add a unique crunch and are a gluten-free option.

• Parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor profile to Parmesan.

• Parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: For a dairy-free alternative, nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor.

• Garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder can provide a similar depth of flavor if garlic powder is unavailable.

• Garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic can be used for a more intense garlic flavor.

• Paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder can add a similar color and a bit of heat, though it is spicier.

• Paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor along with the color.

• Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add saltiness and umami, though it will also add moisture.

• Salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct replacement for table salt.

• Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• Black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add heat, though it is spicier than black pepper.

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

• Eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water: A mixture of flaxseed meal and water can act as a vegan binder.

• Allow the baked chicken nuggets to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.

• Place the cooled chicken nuggets in an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.

• For freezing, arrange the cooled chicken nuggets on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.

• Transfer the frozen nuggets to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for reference.

• Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway to ensure even heating.

• 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 until they are heated through and regain their crispy texture. Flip halfway through for even reheating.

• 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 and crispiness.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan. Place the chicken nuggets in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are heated through and crispy.

• Microwave Method: Place the chicken nuggets on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. Note that this method may not retain the original crispiness.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken nuggets on the toaster oven tray. Heat for 8-10 minutes until they are warmed through and crispy, flipping halfway through for even reheating.

• Oven: The primary appliance used to bake the chicken nuggets at the specified temperature.

• Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal tray used to hold the chicken nuggets while they bake.

• Parchment paper: A non-stick paper used to line the baking sheet, preventing the chicken nuggets from sticking and making cleanup easier.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and spices.

• Measuring cups: Tools used to measure out the breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure out the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper accurately.

• Whisk: A utensil used to beat the eggs until they are well combined.

• Tongs: A tool used to dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs and then into the breadcrumb mixture without making a mess.

• Knife: A sharp tool used to cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.

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

• Spatula: A tool used to flip the chicken nuggets halfway through the baking process to ensure even cooking.

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

Use a baking rack: Place the chicken nuggets on a baking rack set over the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and crispiness without needing to flip them.

Double the batch: Make a double batch and freeze half. This way, you can bake them straight from the freezer next time, saving prep time.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the breadcrumb mixture and coat the chicken pieces.