These baked chicken nuggets are a healthier alternative to the traditional fried version, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun appetizer. They are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. Plus, they are easy to make and sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually keep parmesan cheese or breadcrumbs on hand, you may need to pick these up at the supermarket. Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory flavor, while breadcrumbs provide the essential crispy coating for the nuggets.

Ingredients for Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Chicken breast: The main protein for the nuggets, cut into bite-sized pieces.
Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy coating for the nuggets.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the coating.
Garlic powder: Enhances the flavor with a hint of garlic.
Paprika: Adds a mild, smoky flavor and a bit of color.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth of flavor.
Eggs: Helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken pieces.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing chicken breast for this recipe, ensure that the pieces are cut into uniform nugget-sized portions. This will help them cook evenly and achieve a consistent texture. Additionally, to enhance the flavor and ensure the breadcrumb mixture adheres well, you can lightly season the chicken pieces with a bit of salt and pepper before dipping them into the beaten eggs. This extra step can make a noticeable difference in the final taste and texture of your baked chicken nuggets.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable alternative for chicken breast in nuggets.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes provide a crunchy texture similar to breadcrumbs and can add a slightly different flavor.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier, offering a different texture that can make the nuggets even crunchier.
grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and tangy flavor, making it a good alternative to Parmesan.
grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is a great dairy-free option.
garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder offers a different but complementary flavor that can enhance the taste of the nuggets.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a stronger and more aromatic garlic flavor.
paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder adds a bit of heat and a similar depth of flavor to the nuggets.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the nuggets.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with umami, enhancing the flavor profile of the nuggets.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used as a direct substitute for black pepper.
eggs - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken and adds a slight tanginess.
eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water: Mixing flaxseed meal with water creates a gel-like consistency that can act as a binding agent similar to eggs.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store / Freeze Your Nuggets
- Allow the baked chicken nuggets to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Place the cooled nuggets in an airtight container. For best results, use a container that fits the nuggets snugly to minimize air exposure.
- Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the nuggets within 3-4 days. This keeps them fresh and ready for a quick reheat.
- For longer storage, arrange the nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1-2 hours. This step ensures they don't stick together.
- Once the nuggets are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date to keep track of their freshness.
- When you're ready to enjoy the nuggets, reheat them directly from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the nuggets in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes for an extra crispy texture.
- Avoid microwaving the nuggets if possible, as this can make them rubbery. If you must use a microwave, place a damp paper towel over the nuggets to retain some moisture.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baked chicken nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until they are heated through and crispy. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the breadcrumbs coating.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating. This method is great for preserving the crunchiness.
Microwave Method: Place the chicken nuggets on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. Note that this method may result in a less crispy texture.
Skillet Method: Heat a small amount of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken nuggets and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and the coating is crispy again. This method adds a bit of extra flavor and crispiness.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the chicken nuggets at a consistent temperature of 400°F (200°C).
Baking sheet: A flat sheet used to place the chicken nuggets on for baking.
Parchment paper: Lining the baking sheet to prevent the chicken nuggets from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Small bowl: Used to hold the beaten eggs for dipping the chicken pieces.
Knife: Used to cut the chicken breast into nugget-sized pieces.
Cutting board: A surface to safely cut the chicken breast on.
Tongs: Useful for dipping the chicken pieces into the beaten eggs and then into the breadcrumb mixture without making a mess.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper accurately.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Cut the chicken breast and measure out the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and spices the night before.
Use a baking rack: Place the chicken nuggets on a baking rack set over the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Double the batch: Make a larger batch and freeze half for a quick meal later.
Use pre-seasoned breadcrumbs: Save time by using pre-seasoned breadcrumbs instead of mixing your own spices.
Line up assembly: Set up a dipping station with the beaten eggs and breadcrumb mixture to streamline the coating process.

Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken breast, cut into nugget-sized pieces
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 Eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂
- Dumplings Recipe45 Minutes
- Chicken Katsu Recipe35 Minutes
- Scrambled Eggs with Chorizo Recipe15 Minutes
- Pasta Sauce Recipe40 Minutes
- Split Pea Soup Recipe1 Hours 45 Minutes
- Cafe Latte Recipe10 Minutes
- Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe5 Minutes
- Custard Recipe40 Minutes
Leave a Reply