These crispy oven-baked Homemade Chicken Nuggets are kid-approved and packed with flavor, making them perfect for little eaters while introducing bold new tastes. With a hint of seasoning and a crunchy texture, they’re a fun way to expand your child’s palate beyond the basics.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
Poppy has been seeing all sorts of nuggets in her friends lunches at school recently! So when she came home asking for nuggets... I was like absolutely yes girlfriend, let's make Homemade Chicken Nuggets together! Being me, I added some extra pizzazz to keep her little palate ever expanding!
That said... it's time! Say goodbye to boring chicken nuggets—this Homemade Chicken Nugget recipe is about to become your new go-to! It’s quick, easy, and delivers perfectly crispy, golden nuggets that everyone at the table will love, from toddlers to adults. The secret lies in toasting the panko and using a wire rack for ultimate crunch, while the seasoning adds a burst of flavor that keeps things exciting. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, so you can feel good about serving them up any day of the week. Dip them in your favorite sauces, and watch them disappear!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Nonstick olive oil cooking spray
- Salt
- Gaby Everyday seasoning (or your favorite all-purpose seasoning blend)
- Eggs
- Milk
- BBQ sauce
- Honey mustard
- Ketchup
How to Make Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, toast the panko breadcrumbs for 30–60 seconds, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant.
Step 2: Transfer to a medium bowl, whisk in the salt and Gaby Everyday seasoning, and set aside.
Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Set aside.
Step 4: Line a large baking sheet with an oven-safe wire rack and spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 5: Working one piece at a time, dip each chicken cube into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, using tongs, toss the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture until well coated. Place each nugget on the prepared wire rack, leaving about 1 inch of space between pieces.
Step 6: Generously spray the tops of the chicken nuggets with nonstick olive oil spray. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the nuggets are golden and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Serve these Homemade Chicken Nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or ketchup.
Tips & Tricks
Toast the Panko: Lightly toasting the breadcrumbs before coating gives the nuggets a richer, golden color and a deeper flavor.
Use a Wire Rack: Placing the nuggets on a wire rack allows air to circulate underneath, ensuring even crispiness without soggy bottoms.
Generously Spray with Oil: Don’t skimp on the nonstick spray—it’s key to achieving that fried-like crispiness in the oven.
Cut Chicken Evenly: Keep the chicken pieces uniform in size (about 1-inch cubes) to ensure even cooking.
Customize the Seasoning: Swap out the Gaby Everyday seasoning for your favorite blend, like Lemon Pepper, Chimi, or Tuscan, to mix up the flavor profile.
Use Tongs for Coating: Tongs make it easier to keep your hands clean and help ensure each piece gets an even coating.
Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken.
Add a Pinch of Parmesan: Mix some grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumbs for extra flavor and crispiness.
Serve Fresh: These nuggets are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they’re warm and crispy.
Pan-Frying Option: For even more crunch, pan-fry the nuggets in neutral oil, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet
FAQs
Can I freeze these nuggets?
Absolutely. After baking, let the nuggets cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat directly from frozen in a 375°F oven for 12–15 minutes.
What if I don’t have a wire rack?
You can place the nuggets directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, but they might not be as crispy on the bottom. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and can add a bit more moisture and flavor.
Can I pan-fry instead of baking?
Definitely! Heat about ½ inch of neutral oil (like avocado or vegetable) in a skillet over medium heat and fry until golden and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side..
Similar Recipes
If you tried this recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting today
Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Nonstick olive oil cooking spray
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 teaspoons Gaby's Everyday Seasoning
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 inch cubes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, toast the panko breadcrumbs for 30–60 seconds, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant. Transfer to a medium bowl, whisk in the salt and Gaby Everyday seasoning, and set aside.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Set aside.
- Line a large baking sheet with an oven-safe wire rack and spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Working one piece at a time, dip each chicken cube into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, using tongs, toss the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture until well coated. Place each nugget on the prepared wire rack, leaving about 1 inch of space between pieces.
- Generously spray the tops of the chicken nuggets with nonstick olive oil spray. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the nuggets are golden and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or ketchup.
- Optional Method: For extra crispiness, you can pan-fry the nuggets in a neutral oil over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through.
Another winner from Gaby! So easy and delicious!
I will definitely try this. What will make the meat soft and tender? Are you using a tenderizer?
The best chicken nuggets!!!!!
Gaby Everyday seasoning recipe.
Please give us the recipe for Gaby Everyday Seasoning. Thank you