Baked Chicken Nuggets

My children love chicken nuggets, and I love having a quick meal up my sleeve for when I need to get dinner on the table fast. When I started my journey of reading food labels and understanding the ingredients in my food, I was surprised to see that many store-bought chicken nuggets were made with ingredients I didn’t recognise. So I decided to make my own. These Baked Chicken Nuggets are incredibly easy to make, are made with wholesome ingredients, can be frozen (and baked from frozen!) and are popular with kids and adults alike. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce and enjoy a satisfying meal that is healthier and more delicious than the pre-made, store-bought version.

Can you make Baked Chicken Nuggets of time?

Yes, you can freeze Baked Chicken Nuggets by following the recipe to step 7. Freeze the chicken nuggets in an airtight container with sheets of baking (parchment) paper in between the layers to stop them from sticking to one another. Freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen by following the recipe instructions, but add an additional 8–10 minutes to the cooking time.

Are Baked Chicken Nuggets suitable for leftovers?

Yes, Baked Chicken Nuggets can be refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave. The crumb coating will soften, but the nuggets will be equally delicious.

How do you pan-fry Chicken Nuggets?

For pan-fried chicken nuggets, do not toast the breadcrumbs (skip step 4). Follow the recipe directions to step 7. Heat 2–4 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium–high heat. Cook the nuggets in batches for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway through cooking. Season with salt to taste.

Baked Chicken Nuggets

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• Total Time: 22 mins
• Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 x large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 300/10½ oz each, 600 g/1 lb 5 oz total)
• 1 tsp sea salt flakes
• ½ tsp cracked black pepper
• 2½ cups (150 g) panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup (150 g) plain (all-purpose) flour
• 4 eggs
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) (200°C/400°F fan-forced).
2. Lay the chicken breasts facing you lengthways, then cut them horizontally into roughly 1 cm (½ inch) medallions/slices.
3. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper and use your hands to coat the chicken well. Set aside. It’s important not to miss this step, as the salt helps to soften the chicken and keep it juicy while it bakes in the oven.
4. Spread the panko breadcrumbs on a baking tray lined with baking (parchment) paper. Spray the breadcrumbs with olive oil. Bake for 5 minutes. Stir and bake in 2-minute intervals (stirring between intervals) until the crumbs are golden. Allow the breadcrumbs to cool slightly.
5. Place the flour in a small bowl, add the chicken and, using your hands, toss it in the flour so it is evenly coated.
6. Whisk the eggs in a large bowl, then add the chicken so it is submerged.
7. One by one, remove the chicken from the egg mixture and press the chicken pieces into the golden breadcrumbs so that each piece is evenly coated. Use your hands to press the nuggets into the breadcrumbs.
8. Place the crumbed chicken nuggets on an oven-safe tray lined with baking paper. Drizzle (or spray) both sides with olive oil.
9. Cook for 12 minutes, turning once halfway through.
10. Season with salt and serve immediately with ketchup, mustard or garlic aioli.

Notes

MAKE AHEAD

Freeze Baked Chicken Nuggets by following the recipe to step 7. Freeze the chicken nuggets in an airtight container with sheets of baking (parchment) paper in between the layers to stop them from sticking to one another. Freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen by following the recipe instructions but add an additional 8–10 minutes to the cooking time.

LEFTOVERS

Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave. The crumb coating will soften, but the nuggets will be equally delicious.

How do I pan-fry my nuggets?

 Do not toast the breadcrumbs (skip step 4). Follow the recipe directions up to step 7. Heat 2–4 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium–high heat. Cook the nuggets in batches for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway through cooking. Season with salt to taste.

• Author: Nicole
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 12 mins
• Category: chicken, side dish, entre, chicken nugget
• Method: bake
• Cuisine: American