Introduction
If you’re in the mood for a comforting and delicious meal, this crispy baked chicken nugget recipe is perfect for you! With a crunchy exterior and tender, juicy inside, these homemade nuggets are sure to please the entire family. Easy to prepare and bake, they can be enjoyed with a variety of dipping sauces. Let’s get cooking!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon kosher or coarse salt, divided
1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
½ cup buttermilk
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon favorite herb blend (optional)
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup melted butter
2 eggs, lightly beaten
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20-30 minutes
Total Time
35-45 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Place a wire rack on the baking sheet and spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Pat the chicken dry and cut it into 1½-inch pieces. Place the pieces in a medium bowl, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper, and add the buttermilk. Mix to coat all the chicken pieces. Set aside.
3. In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herb blend (if using). Mix to combine.
4. Set up four shallow dishes: one with flour, one with melted butter, one with beaten eggs, and one with the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Strain the chicken from the buttermilk using a mesh strainer, discarding the excess buttermilk.
6. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the butter, then the egg mixture, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Place the coated pieces on the prepared wire rack. Repeat until all chicken pieces are coated.
7. Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven. Bake for 20-30 minutes, turning the nuggets after 10-15 minutes, until they are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
8. If the nuggets aren’t as crispy as desired after 30 minutes, set the oven to broil and cook for a few additional minutes until the desired crispiness is achieved.
9. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Place a wire rack on the baking sheet and spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry and cut it into 1½-inch pieces. Place the pieces in a medium bowl, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper, and add the buttermilk. Mix to coat all the chicken pieces. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture
In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herb blend (if using). Mix to combine.
Step 4: Set Up Dipping Stations
Set up four shallow dishes: one with flour, one with melted butter, one with beaten eggs, and one with the breadcrumb mixture.
Step 5: Drain the Chicken
Strain the chicken from the buttermilk using a mesh strainer, discarding the excess buttermilk.
Step 6: Coat the Chicken
Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the butter, then the egg mixture, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Place the coated pieces on the prepared wire rack. Repeat until all chicken pieces are coated.
Step 7: Bake the Chicken
Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven. Bake for 20-30 minutes, turning the nuggets after 10-15 minutes, until they are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
Step 8: Broil for Extra Crispiness (if needed)
If the nuggets aren’t as crispy as desired after 30 minutes, set the oven to broil and cook for a few additional minutes until the desired crispiness is achieved.
Step 9: Serve the Nuggets
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
Note 1: Chicken Preparation
Ensure the chicken is patted dry before marinating in buttermilk to help the coating adhere better.
Note 2: Breadcrumb Texture
Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Note 3: Adjusting Spices
Feel free to adjust the seasoning and herb blend according to personal taste preferences.
Note 4: Cooking Time Variability
Cooking times may vary based on the size of the chicken pieces. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Note 5: Dipping Sauce Suggestions
Consider serving with ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard for added flavor.
Cook techniques
Marinating
Soaking the chicken in buttermilk helps to tenderize it, adding moisture and flavor.
Breading
The three-step breading process—flour, egg, and breadcrumb coating—creates a crunchy exterior.
Baking
Baking the chicken on a wire rack allows heat to circulate, ensuring even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
Broiling
Using the broil setting at the end can enhance crispiness if the chicken isn’t as golden brown as desired.
Shaking off excess
Removing excess flour, egg, and breadcrumbs prevents clumping and ensures even coating.
FAQ
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use regular milk mixed with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic buttermilk.
What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?
You can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, but they may not yield the same crunch.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F, and the chicken should be no longer pink in the center.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs as substitutes to make this dish gluten-free.
What dipping sauces pair well with these nuggets?
Popular options include ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or sweet and sour sauce.
Conclusion
Creating crispy and flavorful chicken nuggets at home is both easy and rewarding. With a simple, delicious combination of ingredients, you can enjoy a healthier version of this favorite snack or meal. Customize the recipe by experimenting with different seasonings and dipping sauces to find your perfect combination.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Herb-Crusted Chicken Tenders
Replace the panko breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes and add a blend of dried herbs for a flavorful twist.
Spicy Parmesan Chicken Bites
Mix in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk before marinating for a spicy kick, and serve with a cooling ranch dip.
Buffalo Chicken Nuggets
After baking, toss the nuggets in buffalo sauce and serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a classic pairing.
Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bites
Add finely chopped steamed broccoli and shredded cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for a nutritious, cheesy variation.
Lemon Garlic Chicken Nuggets
Incorporate lemon zest and minced garlic into the breadcrumb mixture for a fresh and zesty flavor.
Asian-Inspired Chicken Bites
Mix sesame seeds and a sprinkle of soy sauce into the breadcrumb coating for an Asian flavor profile, and serve with sweet chili sauce.
