These baked chicken nuggets are a healthier alternative to the classic fried version, offering a crispy exterior and tender interior. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun appetizer, they are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually keep parmesan cheese or breadcrumbs on hand, you might need to pick them up at the supermarket. Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory flavor, while breadcrumbs provide the essential crispy coating.
Ingredients For Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Chicken breast: The main protein, cut into nugget-sized pieces for easy eating.
Breadcrumbs: Used to create a crispy coating on the chicken nuggets.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, cheesy flavor to the coating.
Garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlic flavor to the nuggets.
Paprika: Adds a mild spice and a beautiful color to the coating.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the nuggets.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of heat and depth to the flavor.
Eggs: Used to help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken pieces.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To ensure your chicken nuggets come out extra crispy, try using a wire rack on top of your baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around the chicken pieces, ensuring even cooking and a perfectly golden-brown crust.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable alternative for chicken in nugget recipes.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crispier coating compared to regular breadcrumbs.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes add a crunchy texture and can be a gluten-free option if needed.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and tangy flavor, making it a good alternative to parmesan.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is a great dairy-free option.
garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder offers a different but complementary flavor profile that can enhance the taste of the nuggets.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a more intense and aromatic garlic flavor.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth of flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the nuggets.
paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder can add a bit of heat and complexity to the flavor profile.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor along with the saltiness.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile that can be more subtle.
eggs - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken and adds a slight tangy flavor.
eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: A mixture of flaxseed meal and water can act as a vegan binding agent, providing a similar texture to beaten eggs.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
Allow the baked chicken nuggets to cool completely before storing or freezing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
For storing in the refrigerator:
- Place the chicken nuggets in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
For freezing:
- Arrange the cooled chicken nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the nuggets are frozen solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Transfer the frozen nuggets to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container.
- Label the bag or container with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat frozen chicken nuggets:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the frozen nuggets on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can flip them halfway through for even crispiness.
For a quick reheat option:
- Use a microwave-safe plate and arrange the frozen chicken nuggets in a single layer.
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, then check if they are heated through. If not, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until hot.
- Note: Microwaving may not yield the same crispy texture as baking.
To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid reheating chicken nuggets multiple times. Reheat only the portion you plan to consume.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baked chicken nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. This method helps retain the original texture and flavor.
Air Fryer Method: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating. This method is great for maintaining crispiness.
Microwave Method: Place the chicken nuggets on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. While this method is quick, it may result in a softer texture.
Skillet Method: Heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken nuggets and cook for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through and crispy. This method adds a bit of extra flavor and crunch.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken nuggets on the toaster oven tray. Heat for 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy. This method is convenient and effective for small batches.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the chicken nuggets at the specified temperature of 400°F (200°C).
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Baking sheet: Used to place the coated chicken pieces on for baking.
Knife: Used to cut the chicken breast into nugget-sized pieces.
Cutting board: Provides a surface to safely cut the chicken breast.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the ingredients such as breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the smaller quantities of spices like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Whisk: Used to beat the eggs until they are well mixed.
Tongs: Used to dip the chicken pieces into the beaten eggs and then coat them with the breadcrumb mixture.
Parchment paper: Optional, but can be used to line the baking sheet for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Cut the chicken breast into nugget-sized pieces and measure out the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese the night before.
Use a baking rack: Place the coated chicken pieces on a baking rack over a baking sheet to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Double the batch: Make extra chicken nuggets and freeze them. Reheat in the oven for a quick meal later.
Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to line your baking sheet for easy cleanup.
Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Chicken breast, cut into nugget-sized pieces
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 units Eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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