Name: Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large skinless boneless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds); 1 cup bread crumbs (use GF crumbs for gluten-free version); ½ cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon onion powder; 3 teaspoons pepper; 2 teaspoons salt; 3 teaspoons minced thyme; 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper; 2 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 3 tablespoons olive oil

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Craving something crispy, tender, and absolutely impossible to resist? These Baked Chicken Nuggets are the answer to every comfort food dream without a hint of guilt! Using simple, wholesome ingredients and baked (not fried) to golden perfection, each nugget boasts a wonderfully crunchy coating with juicy, flavorful chicken inside. Whether you’re planning a fun family dinner, a casual gathering, or a meal-prep session, this recipe brings classic nuggets to your table with a wholesome twist and plenty of irresistible flavor.

Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Baked Chicken Nuggets is just how modest the ingredient list truly is. Every item here serves a purpose—some add crunch, some impart savory or subtle heat, and a few help achieve that all-important nugget texture we all know and love.

Chicken breasts: The lean, juicy base for your nuggets—be sure to use boneless and skinless for easy prep and bite-sized goodness.
Bread crumbs: This is what gives the nuggets their delightful crunch; use gluten-free if needed for everyone to enjoy!
All-purpose flour: A light dusting of flour helps the coating stick—don’t skip this step for the crispiest results.
Garlic powder: Adds rich, savory flavor to every bite, making the nuggets mouthwateringly aromatic.
Onion powder: Rounds out the savory notes and brings a subtle sweetness that complements the chicken.
Pepper: You’ll use plenty for a pleasant kick; it balances the warmth from the cayenne beautifully.
Salt: Absolutely essential for pulling out the chicken’s natural flavor—it makes all the difference.
Minced thyme: Gives a faint, fresh herb flavor and dotted green color in the breading—just that hint takes these nuggets up a notch.
Cayenne pepper: For a gentle touch of heat; adjust up or down based on your crowd’s spice tolerance.
Eggs: Acts as the glue for the coating, holding all that goodness right where you want it.
Milk: Thins the eggs just right, so every piece gets an even coating without clumping.
Olive oil: A drizzle before baking ensures a crisp, gorgeous finish on every nugget without frying.

How to Make Baked Chicken Nuggets

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Chicken

Before you do anything else, set your oven to 400°F (204°C). While that preheats, grab your chicken breasts and carefully fillet them into thin slabs. Then, chop those fillets into bite-sized pieces, about 1-2 inches each. The more even your cuts, the more perfectly each Baked Chicken Nugget will bake up golden and juicy.

Step 2: Mix the Breading

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine bread crumbs, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, minced thyme, and cayenne pepper. Give everything a good stir with a fork, making sure the spices and herbs are evenly distributed throughout your dry mixture. This will be the crunchy, flavorful shell that makes your Baked Chicken Nuggets so addictive.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Coating

In a second bowl, crack in those two eggs and whisk until smooth. Pour in the milk and whisk again until fully combined. This wet mixture is literally the glue that will help the breading stick to every nugget, creating layers of flavor and texture.

Step 4: Ready Your Baking Pan

Before you start breading, set out a large baking pan lined with parchment or lightly greased. This will make for quick, easy transfer once each piece of chicken is coated.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken Pieces

Now comes the fun (and maybe a little messy) part! Working in batches, drop about 1-2 cups worth of chicken cubes into your egg-milk mixture. Swirl them around, then use a slotted spoon to let any excess drip off before moving the pieces into the bread crumb mixture. Toss or mix gently to coat every piece all over—then place your perfectly breaded Baked Chicken Nuggets in a single layer on the baking pan.

Step 6: Repeat Until Done

Keep dipping and breading until all your chicken pieces are beautifully coated, taking care to arrange them so none overlap on the baking sheet. An even layer means perfectly crisped nuggets for all!

Step 7: Drizzle and Bake

Next, drizzle the coated chicken evenly with the olive oil. This will help your Baked Chicken Nuggets get that craveable crispy coating in the oven with no need for messy frying. Slide the pan into your hot oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden-brown, crisp, and cooked through.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the nuggets cool for a few minutes after baking. The wait is worth it—they’ll crisp up just a touch more and be the perfect temp for dipping and devouring.

How to Serve Baked Chicken Nuggets

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky salt, a crack of black pepper, or a light dusting of fresh minced parsley or thyme bring color, aroma, and a little extra flair right before serving. Lemon wedges on the side are fantastic, giving your guests the chance to add a pop of brightness to their Baked Chicken Nuggets.

Side Dishes

The versatility of Baked Chicken Nuggets is off the charts! Serve them alongside classic fries, sweet potato wedges, or a simple tossed green salad for a lighter feel. Coleslaw, sauted green beans, or buttery corn all pair deliciously as well, making this meal both family-friendly and a total crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to jazz things up? Serve the nuggets in little paper cones, pile them atop a wooden board with tiny dipping cups (think ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch), or skewer them with toothpicks for party-ready bites. You can even pack them into lunchboxes for a far superior midday treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra Baked Chicken Nuggets? Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 days. This makes lunch or snack prep a breeze!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these nuggets after baking. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash-freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll stay delicious for up to three months, ready whenever you need a quick, satisfying meal.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Baked Chicken Nuggets in a 375°F oven on a wire rack or baking sheet until hot and crisp, about 10-12 minutes from the fridge or 18-20 minutes from frozen. The air fryer is another excellent option if you have one—just a few minutes brings them back to life!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs will absolutely work and give your Baked Chicken Nuggets an even juicier bite. Just trim off any extra fat before cubing for consistent texture.

Are these nuggets spicy with all that cayenne pepper?

Surprisingly, no—they have just a gentle warmth rather than overt heat. Feel free to reduce the cayenne if you have spice-sensitive eaters, or bump it up if you love a kick!

What dipping sauces go well with Baked Chicken Nuggets?

You can’t go wrong with classics like ketchup or honey mustard, but ranch, barbecue, spicy aioli, or even a yogurt-based herb dip all pair beautifully with the flavorful coating.

Can I make these Baked Chicken Nuggets gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free bread crumbs and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture stays just as crisp and delicious.

How do I know when the nuggets are done baking?

They’ll be golden and crisp, and the chicken inside will be firm and white, not pink. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the largest piece should read at least 165°F for safe, juicy nuggets every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a platter of homemade Baked Chicken Nuggets—crispy, flavorful, and far healthier than takeout. Give this recipe a try and see just how easy (and fun!) it is to recreate everyone’s favorite comfort food in your own kitchen. Once you taste them, these nuggets are sure to find a regular spot in your meal rotation!

Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 27 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These homemade Baked Chicken Nuggets are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and so much healthier than fried versions. Perfect for a family-friendly meal!

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Prepare the chicken: Fillet the chicken breasts and cut them into 1-2 inch cubes. Set aside.
Prepare the breading: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the bread crumbs, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, salt, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Stir until combined. Set aside.
Prepare the egg mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until combined.
Coat the chicken: Dip chicken pieces in the egg mixture, then coat with the breading mixture. Place on a baking pan.
Bake: Drizzle the breaded chicken with olive oil and bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Feel free to customize the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
For extra crispiness, you can spray the breaded nuggets lightly with cooking spray before baking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American