Accidentally the Best Baked Chicken Nuggets Ever
Meet your new favorite homemade snack: *Accidentally the Best Baked Chicken Nuggets Ever*. These golden, crispy nuggets pack incredible flavor and crunch, all while being oven-baked for a healthier twist on the classic comfort food. Tender chicken is marinated in seasoned buttermilk for maximum juiciness, then coated in a Parmesan-panko crust infused with olive oil for extra crispiness. Ready in just 40 minutes, this kid-friendly recipe skips the fryer but delivers all the satisfaction of traditional nuggets with a fraction of the mess. Perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or meal prep, pair these irresistible bites with your favorite dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing treat the whole family will love. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or looking for a quick homemade snack, these baked chicken nuggets promise to make everyone at the table happy!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 pieces eggs
- optional cooking spray
Instructions
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5 inches each.
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well, cover, and let marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. For best results, marinate for 2-3 hours.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil. Stir until the breadcrumbs are lightly coated with oil.
Place the flour in another shallow dish. Beat the eggs in a third dish.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess buttermilk. Dredge each piece in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks.
Arrange the coated chicken nuggets on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch each other.
If desired, lightly spray the nuggets with cooking spray to enhance crispiness.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through. They should be golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
Remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1813 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 73.8 g | 95% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.7 g | 118% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 725 mg | 242% | |
| Sodium | 4207 mg | 183% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 122.3 g | 44% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.0 g | 21% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.1 g | ||
| Protein | 161.2 g | 322% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.2 mcg | 26% | |
| Calcium | 864 mg | 66% | |
| Iron | 11.7 mg | 65% | |
| Potassium | 639 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
