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Crispy Baked Homemade Chicken Nuggets

A close-up shot of a pile of crispy, golden homemade chicken nuggets on a white plate.
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Make juicy, crispy chicken nuggets at home using baking for a healthier result. This recipe is simple, family-friendly, and great for batch cooking.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
  2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Spray the prepared sheet generously with cooking spray.
  3. Set up a dredging station with three shallow dishes. Place the flour in the first dish. Whisk the eggs in the second dish. Place the panko breadcrumbs in the third dish.
  4. Working with one piece at a time, remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge the chicken first in the flour, shaking off any excess.
  5. Dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off.
  6. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to coat completely.
  7. Place the coated nuggets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Spray the tops of the nuggets lightly with cooking spray.
  8. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through, until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Notes

  • For an air fryer method, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  • You can substitute ground chicken for the cut pieces; form the ground chicken into nugget shapes before breading.
  • These nuggets freeze well. Cool completely, then place on a baking sheet to freeze solid before transferring to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdiarist.com/homemade-chicken-nuggets-recipe/