Print

The Ultimate Crispy Baked Homemade Chicken Nuggets (Juicy Inside)

A pile of golden brown, crispy homemade chicken nuggets stacked high on a white plate near a window.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make restaurant-quality homemade chicken nuggets that are crispy outside and juicy inside. This baked recipe is a healthier alternative perfect for a quick weeknight dinner the whole family enjoys.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup milk (any kind)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken pieces into a food processor and pulse until they form a coarse, ground texture. Do not over-process into a paste.
  3. Set up a standard breading station with three shallow dishes.
  4. In the first dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well.
  5. In the second dish, whisk together the egg and milk until combined.
  6. In the third dish, place the Panko breadcrumbs.
  7. Working in batches, lightly dredge the ground chicken mixture into the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
  8. Dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off.
  9. Press the chicken firmly into the Panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. Shape the mixture into small, nugget shapes if desired, or leave them as rough pieces.
  10. Place the coated nuggets onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch.
  11. Spray the tops of the nuggets generously with cooking spray to help them brown.
  12. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C).
  13. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, substitute the milk with 1/4 cup of pickle juice for a subtle tang, similar to copycat recipes.
  • If you own an air fryer, you can cook these at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping once, for an even crispier result.
  • You can make these ahead; freeze the raw, coated nuggets on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cook time.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyfelix.com/homemade-chicken-nuggets-crispy-baked-recipe/