Name: Baked Chicken Nuggets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Olive oil spray

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Baked chicken nuggets were one of the first recipes I ever made for my kids that they actually requested again and again so it quickly became a favorite in our weekly rotation. I still remember that afternoon when I decided to skip the drive-thru and whip up something quick from scratch and the reaction from my picky eaters was all the encouragement I needed to keep going with homemade meals.

That early success gave me the confidence to start tweaking the flavors using different seasonings and breading styles and these golden oven-baked nuggets became the result of that little journey. They’re juicy on the inside crispy on the outside and perfect for dipping into just about anything we have in the fridge so now they’re a hit not only with the kids but the grown-ups too.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
Chicken breast – The lean and tender base for juicy nuggets
Greek yogurt or mayonnaise – Helps the breading stick and adds moisture
Garlic powder – Adds a mild savory depth
Paprika – Brings a gentle smokiness and warmth
Salt – Enhances all the flavors
Black pepper – Adds just a touch of heat
Panko breadcrumbs – Create that crispy golden crust in the oven
Parmesan cheese – Adds richness and helps crisp up the coating
Olive oil spray – Lightly coats the nuggets for even browning

Tools You’ll Need

Cutting board – For slicing the chicken into nugget-sized pieces
Sharp knife – To trim and cube the chicken evenly
Mixing bowls – Great for seasoning and coating the chicken
Tongs – Help keep things tidy when dipping and placing nuggets
Baking sheet – Where the nuggets cook to golden perfection
Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy
Wire rack (optional) – Elevates nuggets for even crispier results

Instructions

Step 1:

I preheat the oven to 425°F so it’s hot and ready for the nuggets to crisp up perfectly.

Step 2:

I cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces about 1.5 inches across making sure they’re all similar in size for even cooking.

Step 3:

In a bowl I toss the chicken pieces with Greek yogurt garlic powder paprika salt and pepper until each piece is well coated.

Step 4:

In another bowl I mix the panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese for a crispy flavorful coating.

Step 5:

I take each piece of chicken and press it into the breadcrumb mixture coating all sides and then place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6:

Once all the nuggets are arranged I spray them lightly with olive oil to help them brown and get crispy in the oven.

Step 7:

I bake the nuggets for 18 to 20 minutes flipping halfway through until they’re golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 8:

I let them rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving because that helps lock in the juices and lets the coating stay crispy.

Tips

If you want a little extra crisp I recommend using a wire rack on your baking sheet so the heat circulates all around. For added flavor I sometimes mix Italian seasoning or a dash of cayenne into the breading. These nuggets also freeze well after baking so you can reheat them quickly for future meals.

Ways to Serve

I love serving these baked chicken nuggets with a trio of dipping sauces like honey mustard barbecue and ranch. They’re also great tucked into wraps added to salads or served with roasted veggies and fries for a full meal that everyone enjoys.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Baked Chicken Nuggets?

Yes just bake them first then freeze once cooled and reheat in the oven for best results.

Can I make these gluten free?

Absolutely just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check that your other ingredients are certified gluten free.

What’s the best dipping sauce for Baked Chicken Nuggets?

We love honey mustard ranch and even spicy sriracha mayo for a grown-up twist!

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give these Baked Chicken Nuggets a try because they’re such a fun and easy way to enjoy a healthier version of a comfort food classic! Let me know how they turn out and don’t forget to share your favorite dipping sauces with me too.

Happy Cooking!