Description
Crispy and flavorful homemade chicken nuggets baked to perfection with a golden panko coating seasoned with garlic, onion, paprika, and black pepper. These easy-to-make nuggets are perfect for a family meal and come with optional dipping sauces like honey mustard or Copycat Chick-Fil-A sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Coating
- 1 1/4 cups panko bread crumbs
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
- 3/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp. paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
Chicken and Dredging
- Cooking spray
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 1/2″ pieces
Serving
- Copycat Chick-Fil-A Sauce or honey mustard, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Toast the Panko Bread Crumbs: Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, toss the panko bread crumbs with vegetable oil to coat evenly. Spread the crumbs on a baking sheet and bake, stirring after 2 minutes and checking frequently, until golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Season the Toasted Bread Crumbs: While the toasted panko is still warm, transfer it back to the bowl. Add garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Toss well to combine all the seasonings evenly throughout the crumbs.
- Prepare Coating Station: Place a wire rack inside a baking sheet and spray the rack with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the all-purpose flour into a shallow dish. In a second shallow dish, beat the egg until fully blended.
- Coat the Chicken Pieces: Season the chicken pieces on all sides with 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Dredge each piece in the flour, then dip into the beaten egg, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, roll each piece firmly in the seasoned panko mixture, pressing it on so it adheres well. Arrange the coated nuggets on the prepared wire rack.
- Bake the Nuggets: Bake the nuggets in the preheated oven until cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F on an instant-read thermometer, approximately 15 to 18 minutes.
- Final Seasoning and Serving: Immediately after baking, season the hot chicken nuggets with additional salt if desired. Serve them warm with your choice of Copycat Chick-Fil-A Sauce or honey mustard for dipping.
Notes
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Toast panko bread crumbs carefully to avoid burning; watch during baking.
- Using a wire rack allows air circulation for crispier nuggets.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer for food safety.
- Optional dipping sauces enhance flavor but add extra calories.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 3-4 nuggets)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
