Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy and flavorful – The panade ensures that the nuggets stay moist and tender.
- Healthier alternative – Baked instead of fried, these nuggets have less oil while still being crispy.
- Simple and quick – Made with easy-to-find ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes.
- Kid-friendly and adult-approved – A meal the whole family will love!
- Customizable – Adjust the seasonings and breading to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Bread – Soaked in milk to create a juicy texture.
- Milk – Helps soften the bread for the panade.
- Garlic salt – Adds flavor to the nuggets.
- Black pepper – For a touch of seasoning.
- Ground chicken – The base for the nuggets.
- Breading mix – A crispy coating for the nuggets.
- Egg – Helps the breading stick to the nuggets.
- Butter – Brushed on for a golden, crispy finish.
Directions
- Preheat the Oven
- Set the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the Panade
- Add the bread to a bowl and pour the milk on top. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to absorb.
- Add the garlic salt and black pepper, then use your hands to mix everything together.
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture
- In a large bowl, add the ground chicken and the panade.
- Use your hands to mix until just combined—avoid overmixing.
- Shape the Nuggets
- Scoop out a tablespoon of the mixture and form it into nugget shapes.
- Set the shaped nuggets aside.
- Bread the Nuggets
- Combine the breading mix on a large plate.
- Brush each nugget with whisked egg, then coat them generously in the breading mix.
- Arrange and Bake
- Place the nuggets on a baking sheet.
- Brush half of the melted butter on top of the nuggets.
- Bake for 7 minutes.
- Final Bake for Crispiness
- Remove from the oven and brush both sides with the remaining butter.
- Bake for another 8 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Let Them Rest and Serve
- Allow the nuggets to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Nuggets: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
- Parmesan-Crusted: Mix grated parmesan into the breading mix for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked nuggets for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 5 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use breadcrumbs instead of bread?
Yes! If using breadcrumbs, add 1-2 extra tablespoons of milk to keep the nuggets moist.
2. How do I get my nuggets extra crispy?
Brushing them with melted butter and baking at a high temperature helps achieve a crispy texture.
3. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe.
4. What’s the best breading mix to use?
Panko breadcrumbs give the crispiest coating, but regular breadcrumbs work too.
5. Can I make these nuggets ahead of time?
Yes! You can form and bread them ahead of time, then refrigerate until ready to bake.
6. How do I know when the nuggets are fully cooked?
They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Can I use oil instead of butter for brushing?
Yes! Canola or olive oil works, but butter gives a richer flavor.
8. What dipping sauces pair well with these nuggets?
Ketchup, honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce are great choices.
9. Can I add cheese to the nuggets?
Yes! Mixing shredded cheese into the chicken mixture adds extra flavor.
10. What side dishes go well with these nuggets?
Serve with fries, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
These homemade baked chicken nuggets are crispy, juicy, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun snack, they’re a healthier alternative to store-bought nuggets without sacrificing flavor. Try them today and enjoy a delicious, homemade version of a classic favorite!
Print
Homemade Chicken Nuggets
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Homemade Baked Chicken Nuggets are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. Made with ground chicken and a special panade, they stay juicy while baking to golden perfection. A healthier, kid-friendly alternative to fried nuggets!
Ingredients
-
Panade (for moisture):
- 2 slices bread (softened)
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
-
Nuggets:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 egg (whisked)
- 1 cup breading mix (panko or regular breadcrumbs)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for crispiness)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven – Set to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the Panade – Soak bread in milk, then mix with garlic salt and pepper.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture – Combine ground chicken with the panade.
- Shape Nuggets – Form into small nugget shapes.
- Bread the Nuggets – Dip in whisked egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Bake – Arrange on a baking sheet, brush with butter, and bake for 7 minutes.
- Final Bake for Crispiness – Flip, brush again with butter, and bake for another 8 minutes.
- Rest & Serve – Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes of baking.
- Air fryer option: Cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Storage: Refrigerate for 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
