Description
This recipe for the best baked chicken nuggets offers a healthier twist on a classic favorite. Tender chicken breast pieces are marinated in a spiced buttermilk mixture, then coated with a crispy blend of panko, plain breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese before baking to golden perfection. Perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these nuggets make a delicious main course for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Breading Mixture
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Additional
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix thoroughly to ensure even coating. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to tenderize and infuse flavors.
- Prepare Baking Sheet and Breading: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a separate bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, plain breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil or melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with the fat, creating a mixture that will crisp nicely during baking.
- Coat the Chicken Nuggets: Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure all sides are coated for maximum crispness.
- Arrange and Spray: Place the coated chicken nuggets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer without overcrowding. Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with cooking spray to promote a golden, crispy crust during baking.
- Bake the Nuggets: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning. Nuggets are done when golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Optional Broil for Crispiness: For extra crispiness, broil the cooked nuggets for an additional 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Let the nuggets cool slightly before serving. They pair wonderfully with dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch, or ketchup.
Notes
- For extra crisp nuggets, broil the last 2 minutes of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or ketchup for added flavor.
- Greek yogurt can be substituted for buttermilk if desired, providing a similar tenderizing effect.
