Homemade chicken nuggets are juicy and tender inside with a nice crispy crust. Tender chicken breasts are rolled in a flavorful seasoned crumb coating.
These are oven-baked meaning they’re not only delicious but better for you!
No one really knows what’s in those drive-through, deep-fried chicken nuggets. They’re often deep-fried and left under warming lights before they get served. You can easily make your own crispy, oven-baked chicken nuggets at home!
- We love this recipe because we know all of the ingredients.
- It’s a much healthier version of a childhood favorite!
- The chicken is lightly breaded and baked instead of fried!
Ingredients & Variations
CHICKEN
Fresh chicken breast is cut into 1 1/2″ chunks (boneless thighs will work too). Freeze the chicken breast for 20 minutes before cutting so it’s easier to cut into chunks!
BREADING
Cornflake crumbs for sweetness & crunch, Panko bread crumbs for crunch and seasonings for flavor.
VARIATIONS
What’s great about this recipe is that in the breading stage, any kind of seasoning mix can be added: taco seasoning, cajun seasoning, ranch seasoning, and even Greek seasoning make chicken nuggets your own!
How to Make Chicken Nuggets
Super easy, these chicken nuggets will be ready to munch in 1-2-3!
- Combine crumb mixture.
- Toss chicken pieces in eggs and sesonings and dredge in crumbs.
- Place on prepared baking sheet. Bake until the chicken is cooked through.
Tips for Perfect Crispy Nuggets
- The best chicken nuggets are extra crispy! To make the breading stick, press it into each piece all the way around.
- No need to turn the nuggets over in the oven, they will bake on both sides.
- Once chicken nuggets are cooled, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- To keep them crispy, reheat in a toaster oven or under the broiler.
Delicious Dips
- Homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce – 5 minute cook time
- Honey Mustard Sauce – only 4 ingredients
- Easy BBQ Sauce Recipe – perfect for dipping
- Buffalo Sauce – 3 simple ingredients
- Cheese Sauce – creamy & flavorful
Did your family love these Chicken Nuggets? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Crispy Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts cut into 1 ½" chunks
- ⅔ cup cornflake crumbs
- ⅔ cup Panko Bread Crumbs
- 2 tablespoons cornmeal
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon each seasoned salt & pepper
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 egg beaten
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
- Crush corn flakes into fine crumbs. Combine crumbs with Panko, cornmeal, and half of the seasonings.
- Combine milk, beaten egg and remaining seasonings. Toss chicken the egg mixture and then dip each piece into the crumb mixture pressing the crumbs to adhere.
- Place chicken on prepared pan and spray generously with cooking spray.
- Bake 18-22 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F.