Description
Crispy and flavorful homemade chicken nuggets baked to perfection with a golden panko breadcrumb coating seasoned with garlic, onion, paprika, and black pepper. This recipe offers a healthier alternative to fried nuggets, perfect as a snack or meal served with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Breading and Seasoning
- 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
Coating
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
Main Ingredient
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 1/2″ pieces
Additional
- Cooking spray
- Copycat Chick-Fil-A Sauce or honey mustard for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Toast Panko: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). In a large bowl, toss the panko bread crumbs with vegetable oil. Spread the panko on a baking sheet and bake for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes and checking frequently until golden brown.
- Season Breadcrumbs: While the panko is still warm, transfer it back to the bowl and add garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Toss well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Prepare for Breading: Place a wire rack inside a baking sheet and spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the flour into a shallow dish and beat the egg in a separate shallow dish until blended.
- Coat Chicken Pieces: Season the chicken pieces evenly with 1 teaspoon kosher salt. First, dredge each piece in the flour, then dip it into the beaten egg, letting excess drip off. Finally, roll the chicken in the seasoned panko crumbs, pressing firmly to help the crumbs stick. Arrange the coated pieces on the prepared wire rack.
- Bake Chicken Nuggets: Bake the nuggets in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve and Season: While still hot, you may season the nuggets with additional salt if desired. Serve them with your choice of dipping sauce, such as Copycat Chick-Fil-A Sauce or honey mustard.
Notes
- To ensure extra crispiness, use a wire rack placed on the baking sheet so air can circulate around the nuggets.
- If you want to prep ahead, you can bread the chicken and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before baking.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute panko and all-purpose flour with gluten-free alternatives.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure safety and doneness without overcooking.
- These nuggets reheat well in the oven or air fryer for maintaining crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (about 3-4 nuggets)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
