Description
These Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets are a healthier alternative to traditional fried nuggets without sacrificing any flavor or crunch. Coated in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, these nuggets are baked to golden perfection, making them a favorite for both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Nuggets:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Breadcrumb Coating:
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Others:
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces, buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until combined.
- Coat and Bake: Coat each chicken piece in the breadcrumb mixture, place on the baking sheet, and bake for 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast the panko in a dry skillet before coating.
- You can use Greek yogurt as a buttermilk substitute.
- These nuggets freeze well; bake from frozen for an additional 5–7 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 6–8 nuggets
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg