Chicken nuggets are a timeless favorite, beloved by all ages. With this homemade recipe, you’ll create crispy, flavorful bites of tender chicken. From marinating to breading and cooking, follow along for a delicious journey into the world of homemade chicken nuggets.
Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Create delicious homemade chicken nuggets with this recipe. From marinating to breading and frying, enjoy crispy perfection in every bite.
Equipment
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Tongs
- 1 Paper towels
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup 120g all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup 120g breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Prepare your breading station by placing flour in one shallow bowl, whisked eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a third shallow bowl.
- Begin breading the chicken by dipping each piece first into the flour, ensuring even coating, then into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- When baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded chicken nuggets on a greased baking sheet, and bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken nuggets to a serving platter and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Chicken Variation: You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe, depending on your preference. Thighs tend to be juicier, while breasts offer a leaner option.
- Breading Tips: Ensure each piece of chicken is evenly coated with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs for optimal texture and flavor. Press the breadcrumb mixture gently onto the chicken to help it adhere better.
- Seasoning Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika according to your liking.
how can i keep the chicken nuggets crispy after baking?
To keep your chicken nuggets crispy after baking, follow these tips:
- Use Parchment Paper or a Wire Rack: Place a piece of parchment paper on the baking sheet or use a wire rack. Elevating the nuggets allows air to circulate around them, preventing sogginess on the bottom.
- Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking the nuggets. A hot oven helps to quickly crisp up the outer coating.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Arrange the chicken nuggets in a single layer with some space between each piece. Overcrowding the pan can trap moisture and lead to uneven cooking.
- Avoid Covering: Resist the temptation to cover the chicken nuggets while baking. Covering them can create steam, which softens the coating and results in less crispy nuggets.
- Flip Halfway Through: Flip the nuggets halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning on both sides. Use a spatula or tongs to gently turn them over.
- Finish Under the Broiler: For an extra crispy finish, you can briefly broil the nuggets for 1-2 minutes after baking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the chicken nuggets immediately after baking while they’re still hot and crispy. If you need to hold them for a short time before serving, keep them on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.
can i freeze the baked chicken nuggets?
Yes, you can freeze baked chicken nuggets for later use. Here’s how to do it:
- Cool Completely: Allow the baked chicken nuggets to cool completely to room temperature before freezing. This helps prevent condensation from forming, which can lead to soggy nuggets.
- Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Once cooled, arrange the chicken nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Make sure they are not touching each other to prevent them from sticking together.
- Flash Freeze: Place the baking sheet with the chicken nuggets in the freezer and let them freeze for about 1-2 hours, or until they are firm.
