Homemade Oven-Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

I absolutely love this Homemade Oven-Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe because it gives you that perfect crispy outside while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside—without frying in a pan full of oil. When I first tried baking my nuggets instead of deep frying, I was amazed at how much easier it was and how clean my kitchen stayed. Plus, you’ll find that these nuggets have a wonderful golden crunch thanks to the toasted panko coating, making them a winner for both kids and adults alike.

This recipe works wonderfully for weeknight dinners or when you want a crowd-pleasing snack that feels a little more homemade and nourishing than store-bought nuggets. The seasoning blend in the crispy coating adds just enough punch so your tastebuds stay interested, but it’s mild enough to pair with your favorite dipping sauces, like honey mustard or that copycat Chick-fil-A sauce I’m obsessed with. Trust me, once you try this Homemade Oven-Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe, you’ll want to keep it in regular rotation!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Homemade Oven-Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe plays a special role, from the crispy panko breadcrumbs to the perfectly seasoned coating that elevates simple chicken breast pieces. Here’s a little insight into why these ingredients make the magic happen, plus tips on picking the best options when you shop.

• Panko bread crumbs: Toasting these enhances crunch and adds a nutty flavor that sets these nuggets apart from regular crumbs.
• Vegetable oil: A small drizzle to help brown the panko evenly in the oven without greasiness.
• Garlic powder: Adds depth and a subtle savory kick.
• Onion powder: Complements the garlic for well-rounded seasoning.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Brings a hint of spice and aroma.
• Paprika: Adds mild smokiness and a beautiful color to the coating.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the breading; taste as you go!
• Cooking spray: Helps achieve a golden finish on baked nuggets without extra oil.
• All-purpose flour: Creates a base layer for egg and crumbs to stick.
• Large egg: Acts as the binder so breadcrumbs adhere tightly to chicken.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy snacking.
• Copycat Chick-Fil-A Sauce or honey mustard (optional): Perfect for dipping if you want to elevate serving and add an extra flavor punch.

Variations

I love tweaking this recipe to keep things interesting and to fit different taste preferences or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with the seasoning or swap out the chicken breast for another protein—it’s super flexible!

• Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mix for a subtle heat that my husband adores.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap panko and all-purpose flour with gluten-free breadcrumbs and almond flour—still crispy and just as delicious.
• Herbs and Cheese: Mixing in finely grated Parmesan or fresh herbs like parsley into the breadcrumb coating adds extra flavor and a gourmet touch.

How to Make Homemade Oven-Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Panko for that Perfect Crunch

Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with vegetable oil – this little step works wonders for crispiness. Spread the panko evenly on a baking sheet, then bake for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring after about 2 minutes to ensure even browning. Keep a close eye here – browned is good but burnt is a bummer! Once golden, remove from oven and let them cool slightly before mixing in the spices.

Step 2: Mix Your Flavorful Seasonings

While the toasted panko is still warm, add garlic powder, onion powder, freshly ground black pepper, paprika, and half a teaspoon of kosher salt. Toss everything together so the breadcrumbs take on all the delicious spices, creating that signature flavor that makes these nuggets sing.

Step 3: Prep Your Dredging Station

Place a wire rack inside a baking sheet and spray it lightly with cooking spray—this helps the nuggets bake evenly without sticking. Pour the flour into a shallow dish, and beat the egg in another. You’ll use these to coat the chicken pieces in layers, so organization will speed you along smoothly.

Step 4: Season and Coat Your Chicken Pieces

Season your chicken pieces all over with a teaspoon of kosher salt. Then, dredge each piece in flour, shake off the excess, dip into the beaten egg, and finally roll in the seasoned panko crumbs. Press firmly so each nugget gets a nice, even crust—this little trick helps keep the coating intact while baking. Arrange nuggets on the prepared rack spaced out to allow hot air to crisp all sides.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for about 15 to 18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. You’ll notice the nuggets start turning beautifully golden with a crunchy exterior. Halfway through, you can flip them if you want an even browning on all sides, but with the rack method, it’s often not necessary.

Step 6: Season and Serve

While the nuggets are still hot, sprinkle a pinch more kosher salt if you want that extra pop of flavor. Serve them up with your favorite dipping sauces—trust me, the copycat Chick-fil-A sauce or a honey mustard never disappoints.

How to Serve Homemade Oven-Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little flaky sea salt or finely chopped fresh parsley over the hot nuggets to brighten up the flavor and add a bit of color. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice on the side is also a great surprise if you want to cut through the richness.

Side Dishes

These nuggets pair perfectly with crispy oven-baked fries, a fresh garden salad, or even some roasted veggies like broccoli or sweet potatoes. For a fun twist, try serving with carrot sticks and ranch dressing for dipping, which my kids absolutely love.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special occasions, I like arranging nuggets on a platter with colorful dipping sauces in small bowls for guests to sample. You can even stick toothpicks into them for easy grabbing—great for game day or kid’s birthday celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover nuggets store well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I usually pop mine into an airtight container lined with paper towels to soak up any extra moisture and keep them from getting soggy.

Freezing

I’ve found that freezing nuggets after baking works great! Just let them cool completely, then freeze spread out on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. This way, they won’t stick together, and you can easily grab a few anytime for a quick snack.

Reheating

To reheat, place frozen or refrigerated nuggets on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that satisfying crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Oven-Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it blends simplicity with that unbeatable homemade goodness that’s hard to find in store-bought options. Whether you’re seeking a quick family dinner or a tasty snack that’s better-for-you, you’ll enjoy how easy these nuggets come together and how much your family—and maybe even picky eaters!—will love them. Give it a try and let me know how your batch turns out—once you taste this crunch and flavor combo, I bet you’ll be making these nuggets again and again.

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