Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Chicken breast: The main protein, cut into bite-sized pieces for easy cooking.

Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy coating for the nuggets.

Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the coating.

Garlic powder: Enhances the flavor with a hint of garlic.

Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and color to the nuggets.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the flavor.

Eggs: Helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken pieces.

For an extra crispy texture, try double-coating the chicken pieces. After the first dip in the eggs and breadcrumb mixture, let them rest for a few minutes, then dip them again in the eggs and breadcrumbs. This will create a thicker, crunchier crust when baked.

• chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable alternative for chicken in this recipe.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier, providing a similar crunch to traditional breadcrumbs.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes offer a crunchy texture and can be a gluten-free alternative if needed.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor, making it a good substitute for parmesan.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is a great vegan alternative.

• garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder offers a similar savory depth, though the flavor will be slightly different.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a more intense garlic flavor, though you may need to adjust the quantity.

• paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder adds a bit of heat and a similar smoky flavor, though it may be spicier.

• paprika - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds heat and a similar color, but use less as it is much spicier.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami flavor, though it will also add moisture to the recipe.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• eggs - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken and adds a tangy flavor.

• eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: A mixture of flaxseed meal and water can act as a vegan binder, similar to eggs.

• Allow the baked chicken nuggets to cool completely at room temperature before storing or freezing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.

• For storing in the refrigerator:

  1. Place the cooled chicken nuggets in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
  2. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  3. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a microwave for 1-2 minutes, though they may not be as crispy.

• For freezing:

  1. Arrange the cooled chicken nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking together.
  2. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the nuggets are frozen solid.
  3. Transfer the frozen chicken nuggets to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label with the date for reference.
  4. Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

• To reheat from frozen:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the frozen chicken nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can flip them halfway through the baking time for even crispiness.
  4. For a quicker option, you can reheat them in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

• For best results, avoid reheating chicken nuggets in the microwave from frozen, as they may become soggy.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the leftover chicken nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Arrange the chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are hot and crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the chicken nuggets on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through, until they are heated through. Note: This method may not keep them as crispy.

• Skillet Method:

  1. Heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the chicken nuggets to the skillet.
  3. Cook for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are warmed through and crispy on the outside.

• Oven: Used to bake the chicken nuggets at a consistent temperature of 400°F (200°C).

• Baking sheet: A flat sheet used to place the chicken nuggets on for baking.

• Parchment paper: Lining the baking sheet with this prevents the chicken nuggets from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and spices.

• Small bowl: Used to hold and beat the eggs for dipping the chicken pieces.

• Knife: Essential for cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the chicken breast.

• Tongs: Useful for dipping the chicken pieces into the beaten eggs and then into the breadcrumb mixture without getting your hands messy.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and chicken breast accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper precisely.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and measure out the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese the night before.

Use a food processor: Quickly blend the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese together for a finer coating.

Line up your stations: Arrange your beaten eggs and breadcrumb mixture side by side for a seamless coating process.

Double the batch: Make extra chicken nuggets and freeze half for a quick meal later.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the chicken nuggets.