Description

These baked chicken nuggets are a crispy, oven-baked alternative to traditional fried nuggets. Made with tender chicken breast cubes coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection, they offer a healthier, mess-free option that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or quick lunches. The blend of garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and a hint of cayenne gives them a flavorful kick without overwhelming the natural chicken taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 large skinless boneless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)

Breading Mixture

1 cup bread crumbs (use gluten-free crumbs for 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 Mixture

2 large eggs
1 cup milk

Finishing

3 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the nuggets to a crispy golden finish.
Cut the chicken: Fillet the chicken breasts and cut them into 1-2 inch cubes. This size ensures even cooking and perfect bite-sized nuggets.
Prepare the breading mix: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the bread crumbs, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, salt, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Stir with a fork until the mixture is well blended. Set it aside.
Make the wet mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, then add the milk and stir until fully combined. This mixture will help the breading stick to the chicken.
Bread the chicken pieces: Working in small batches of 1-2 cups, dip the chicken pieces into the egg and milk mixture, then use a slotted spoon to transfer them to the breading mixture. Gently toss or spoon the coating until every piece is thoroughly coated.
Arrange for baking: Place the breaded chicken nuggets in a single layer on a large baking pan. This helps them bake evenly and get crispy on all sides.
Add olive oil: Drizzle the breaded chicken pieces with olive oil to promote browning and crispness during baking.
Bake: Place the baking pan in the oven and bake the nuggets for 25 to 30 minutes until they are crispy on the outside and fully cooked inside.
Cool and serve: Let the nuggets cool for a few minutes before serving to allow them to set and be safe to eat.

Notes

These nuggets are a healthier alternative to fried chicken nuggets, avoiding deep-frying and the associated mess.
Using gluten-free bread crumbs makes this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
You can adjust the cayenne pepper to make the nuggets more or less spicy according to your preference.
Perfect for meal prep as they hold up well when reheated, maintaining their crispy texture.
Great option for kid-friendly dinners or game day snacks.

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