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Oven Baked Chicken Nuggets

Crispy oven baked chicken nuggets with panko crust and honey mustard dip.

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These homemade chicken nuggets deliver a perfectly crispy, golden crust without deep frying. They are a quick, healthier weeknight dinner that both kids and adults will love. The recipe is easily customizable with simple swaps for dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning chicken
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top if available.
  2. Pat the chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss the dried chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. Place flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and combine panko, Parmesan (if using), and Italian seasoning in the third.
  4. Working with a few pieces at a time, dredge each chicken piece in flour, shaking off excess. Then dip in the beaten egg, letting excess drip off. Finally, press firmly into the panko mixture to coat all sides.
  5. Place each breaded nugget on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.
  6. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). For extra crispness, broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching closely.

Notes

For the crispiest results, pat the chicken very dry before breading and do not overcrowd the baking sheet. To freeze, bake and cool nuggets, then freeze solid on a tray before transferring to a bag. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F oven for 15-20 minutes.

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