Description
Crispy and flavorful baked chicken nuggets made with panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, offering a healthier alternative to traditional fried nuggets. Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden brown, these nuggets are a kid-friendly main course that pairs wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
Coating
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Batter and Cooking
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack to allow even cooking and easy cleanup.
- Prepare Coating Mix: In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
- Beat Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the two large eggs until smooth; this will act as the binding agent for the coating.
- Coat Chicken Pieces: Dip each chicken piece first into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is well-coated, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly so the coating sticks firmly to the chicken.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place each coated chicken nugget on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to ensure crispness.
- Apply Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with nonstick cooking spray to help them crisp as they bake.
- Bake Nuggets: Bake the chicken nuggets in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to achieve golden brown color and ensure they are fully cooked through.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauces for a delicious meal or snack.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, toast the panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet for a few minutes before coating the chicken.
- Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier nugget experience.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
