Description
Crispy and delicious baked chicken nuggets made with tender chicken breast, seasoned breadcrumbs, and a blend of aromatic spices. These oven-baked nuggets offer a healthier alternative to traditional fried versions, perfect for family meals, meal prep, or quick snacks without the mess of deep frying.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 large skinless boneless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
Breading Mix
- 1 cup bread crumbs (use gluten-free crumbs for a gluten-free version)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 3 teaspoons pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3 teaspoons minced thyme
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
Finishing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) ensuring it reaches the correct temperature for even baking of the nuggets.
- Prepare Chicken: Fillet the chicken breasts and cut them into 1-2 inch cubes. Set the pieces aside while you prepare the breading.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the bread crumbs, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, salt, minced thyme, and cayenne pepper. Stir well with a fork until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly and then add the milk, stirring until the mixture is smooth and consistent.
- Bread the Chicken: Set out a large baking pan for the breaded chicken. Take 1-2 cups of chicken pieces, immerse them in the egg and milk mixture, then use a slotted spoon to transfer to the bowl with the breading mixture. Gently toss or spoon to coat each piece evenly with the breading.
- Arrange on Baking Pan: Place the fully breaded chicken pieces in a single layer on the baking pan. Repeat the dunking and breading process until all chicken pieces are coated and arranged.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: Drizzle the 3 tablespoons of olive oil evenly over the breaded chicken nuggets on the pan to help in crisping and browning during baking.
- Bake: Bake the chicken nuggets in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden brown, crispy, and are fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Cool and Serve: Allow the nuggets to cool for a few minutes on the pan before serving. Enjoy warm and crispy as a wholesome snack or meal component.
Notes
- These baked chicken nuggets are a crispy, oven-baked alternative to fried nuggets, made with simple ingredients like chicken breast, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, and pantry spices.
- They come out golden and tender every time, perfect for meal prep, kid-friendly family dinners, game day, or quick lunches—no deep-frying, no mess.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs and use gluten-free flour.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference or omit for milder flavor.
- To ensure crispier nuggets, place them on a wire rack over the baking pan to allow air circulation while baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 191 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 622 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.01 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 69 mg
