Baked chicken nuggets are a big hit with any crowd, whether you are putting together an easy dinner for your family or having a get-together with friends.
Using Panko crumbs gives a satisfying crunch while eliminating the need to fry.
Ingredients:
Serves 4
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons non-fat milk
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Spread panko breadcrumbs onto a large baking sheet into one even layer and spray breadcrumbs with nonstick cooking spray.
- Bake in oven for 2 minutes.
- Stir breadcrumbs and bake for 2 more minutes until breadcrumbs are just golden.
- Transfer breadcrumbs to a medium bowl or zip-top bag, add all spices into the bag, seal bag, and shake to mix the spices with the breadcrumbs.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Line the large baking sheet with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Wash hands, cutting board and knife with soap and water. Wipe down any surface touched by raw chicken.
- Dip each chicken cube in the egg mixture, then into bread crumb bag.
- After tossing in the bag to coat with breadcrumbs, place on baking sheet at least one inch apart.
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Spray nuggets with nonstick cooking spray.
- Bake in oven for 15-20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F with a meat thermometer
Notes:
- Panko bread crumbs are the best way to get the perfect crisp on these nuggets. However, you can use whatever bread crumbs you have on hand.
- Skip the cayenne pepper for less heat or add red pepper flakes for an added kick.
- Do you have little helpers who want to get involved? Tossing the chicken cubes in the bag of bread crumbs is a great task for kids.
These delicious, crunchy nuggets can be paired with this Spinach and Pecan Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette.
Recipe Source: Rebecca Hardeman, PHR, SHRM-CP Clayton County Extension | Director & County Extension Coordinator