Who doesn’t love a delicious chicken nugget? These Oven-Baked Chicken Nuggets are crispy on the outside, moist on the inside, and bursting with flavor—without the deep-frying shame. Made with simple ingredients and baked golden brown, they’re a kid-pleaser. Trust me, once you’ve tasted these, you’ll never go back to store-bought nuggets again!
Why You’ll Love Oven-Baked Chicken Nuggets
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re making a quick lunch, prepping an easy dinner, or looking for a crowd-pleasing snack, these nuggets fit the bill.
Is this Oven-Baked Chicken Nuggets recipe for you? Let’s see. These crispy bites are…
- Crispy & Crunchy – Panko breading creates a crunchy texture without frying.
- Healthier Than Fast Food – Fried, but baked, not fried fast food.
- Packed with Flavor – Seasoned to taste just right every time.
- Kid-Friendly & Adult-Approved – Kids and adults alike will love a meal that can be enjoyed as a family.
- Super Easy to Make – Easy ingredients, fast prep, and directly into the oven!
Quick Tip: To get even crisper nuggets, bake the nuggets on a wire rack to help heat circulate all around.
Ingredients in Oven-Baked Chicken Nuggets
Here’s why these nuggets are irresistible:
Chicken Breasts: The main attraction! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are diced into bite-sized pieces for perfect nuggets.
Panko Bread Crumbs: Light and airy, they create an extra-crispy crust.
Paprika, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: A tasty blend of seasonings that make each bite a delight.
Salt: Brings out all the flavors in the dish.
Egg & Water: Helps the coating stick to the chicken for that perfect crispy exterior.
Avocado Oil Spray: Light spritz gives even crisping with minimal oil.
Fresh Parsley: Fresh, vibrant garnish for color and a burst of flavor.
(Note: The whole ingredients list with quantities is provided in the recipe card below.)
How to Make Oven-Baked Chicken Nuggets
Let’s go ahead and prepare this tasty treat:
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lay a sheet of parchment paper onto a baking sheet. To provide it with a crispy edge, put a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and lightly spray with a mist of cooking oil.
Prepare the Breading Station: In one bowl, beat the egg with water. In another, combine the panko bread crumbs, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Bread the Chicken: Dip the chicken in the egg mixture, and then roll in the seasoned panko, pressing gently to coat evenly.
Bake to Perfection: Place the coated nuggets on the prepared baking sheet and spritz lightly with avocado oil. Bake for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature will be 165°F/75°C).
Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with your preferred dipping sauces. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
What to Serve with Oven-Baked Chicken Nuggets
These nuggets are fantastic with any kind of sides and dips. Here are some delicious ideas:
Crispy Fries: Serve with plain baked fries or sweet potato fries for a delicious meal.
Fresh Veggies & Dip: Carrot sticks, celery, and cucumber with ranch or hummus are a great combination.
Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides crunch to your meal.
Mac & Cheese: If you’re feeling indulgent, creamy mac and cheese is a dreamy side.
Dipping Sauces: Ketchup, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or a homemade garlic aioli take these nuggets to the next level.
Additional Tips for the Best Chicken Nuggets
Here are some extra tips to get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: Pre-bread and cut the chicken ahead of time, then refrigerate until baking time.
Spice It Up: Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for an extra kick.
Dietary Adjustments: Can be made gluten-free with gluten-free panko.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Freeze for Later: Freeze raw nuggets on a baking sheet, then bag in a freezer bag. Cook straight from frozen, increasing cooking time slightly.
Last Thoughts
And there you have it crunchy, tasty Oven-Baked Chicken Nuggets that are easy to make and even easier to love. Serve them for dinner, as a snack, or meal prep, the nuggets will be a slam dunk. Give them a try and let me know what you think! Happy cooking!
Oven-Baked Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ¼ cups panko bread crumbs
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
- Avocado oil spray
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toast the Panko:
- Spread panko bread crumbs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for a few minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and mix with paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Prepare the Egg Wash:
- In a bowl, whisk together egg and water until well combined.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Dip each piece into the egg mixture, then coat evenly in the seasoned panko mixture.
- Arrange for Baking:
- Spray a wire rack with avocado oil and place it over a baking sheet.
- Arrange nuggets in a single layer on the rack.
- Bake:
- Bake for 18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!
Notes
- Storage: Store cooled nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Bake in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
- Extra Crunch: Toasting the panko before coating gives an even crispier texture.
