These baked chicken nuggets are a healthier alternative to the classic fried version, offering a crispy and flavorful bite without the extra oil. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer, these nuggets are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
If you don't have panko breadcrumbs in your pantry, they can be found in the baking aisle or the international section of most supermarkets. Parmesan cheese is typically located in the dairy section, and it's best to use freshly grated for optimal flavor. Make sure to grab garlic powder and paprika from the spice aisle if you don't already have them at home.

Ingredients For 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.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
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.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
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.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store / Freeze Your Dish
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.
How to Reheat Leftovers
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.
Best Tools for This Recipe
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.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
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.

Baked Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs preferably panko
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 Eggs beaten
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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