Baked Chicken Nuggets
Leslie Davis
Baked Chicken Nuggets
Baked Chicken Nuggets

Baked chicken nuggets are a big hit with any crowd, whether you are putting together an easy dinner for your family or having a get-together with friends.

Using Panko crumbs gives a satisfying crunch while eliminating the need to fry.

Ingredients:

Serves 4

  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons non-fat milk
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Wash hands with soap and water.
  3. Spread panko breadcrumbs onto a large baking sheet into one even layer and spray breadcrumbs with nonstick cooking spray.
  4. Bake in oven for 2 minutes.
  5. Stir breadcrumbs and bake for 2 more minutes until breadcrumbs are just golden.
  6. Transfer breadcrumbs to a medium bowl or zip-top bag, add all spices into the bag, seal bag, and shake to mix the spices with the breadcrumbs.
  7. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
  8. Wash your hands with soap and water.
  9. Line the large baking sheet with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  10. Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Wash hands, cutting board and knife with soap and water. Wipe down any surface touched by raw chicken.
  11. Dip each chicken cube in the egg mixture, then into bread crumb bag.
  12. After tossing in the bag to coat with breadcrumbs, place on baking sheet at least one inch apart.
  13. Wash hands with soap and water.
  14. Spray nuggets with nonstick cooking spray.
  15. Bake in oven for 15-20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F with a meat thermometer

Notes:

  • Panko bread crumbs are the best way to get the perfect crisp on these nuggets. However, you can use whatever bread crumbs you have on hand.
  • Skip the cayenne pepper for less heat or add red pepper flakes for an added kick.
  • Do you have little helpers who want to get involved? Tossing the chicken cubes in the bag of bread crumbs is a great task for kids.

These delicious, crunchy nuggets can be paired with this Spinach and Pecan Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette.

Recipe Source: Rebecca Hardeman, PHR, SHRM-CPClayton County Extension | Director & County Extension Coordinator