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Crispy Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe Easy Baked to Perfection

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These crispy homemade chicken nuggets are baked to perfection, delivering a crunchy exterior and juicy interior without frying. Quick and easy, they use simple pantry staples and are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into nugget-sized pieces
  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (Japanese-style preferred)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (can substitute almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive oil or cooking spray, for misting

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position a rack in the middle.
  2. Prepare your coating stations: In one shallow bowl, combine the flour with half the seasoning mix (½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and a pinch of pepper). In a second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining seasonings, including the smoked paprika.
  3. Working in batches, dredge the chicken pieces first in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
  4. Next, dip them into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra to drip off.
  5. Finally, press them firmly into the panko mixture, coating all sides well.
  6. Place coated chicken pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. If you don’t have a rack, lay them directly on parchment paper spaced out.
  7. Lightly mist the nuggets with olive oil or cooking spray.
  8. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip each nugget carefully and bake an additional 8-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
  9. Let the nuggets rest a few minutes on the rack before serving to keep the coating crisp.

Notes

For extra crispiness, add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to the flour mix. Pat chicken dry before coating to reduce moisture. Flip nuggets halfway through baking for even crispiness. Use a wire rack for best results. Can be made gluten-free by substituting flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives. Air fryer method: cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Nutrition

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Find it online: https://blixfood.com/crispy-homemade-chicken-nuggets-recipe-easy-baked-to-perfection/