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    Home / Dinners / Homemade Baked Chicken Nuggets

    Homemade Baked Chicken Nuggets

    Published: Sep 27, 2021 Modified: Mar 20, 2022 by Jillian This post may contain affiliate link. This blog generates income via ads

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    These baked chicken nuggets are super crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. They bake in only 20 minutes. This is the way to go when you want to stay the healthy route, but don't have the time to cook a full meal!

    P.S. they taste better than Mc Donald's nuggets, shhhhhh!

    homemade baked chicken nuggets in a bowl with a tiny cup of ketchup
    So Crispy!

    So, are homemade baked chicken nuggets really healthy and are they really a thing?  I wouldn't believe it myself if I didn't actually cook them and eat them, but let me be the first to tell you that healthy chicken nuggets do exist 🙂  This is the perfect way to trick your kids into eating healthy meals.  I know my children love their junk food, but when they are eating these nuggets they are getting some quality nutrients into their system that I feel satisfied about.

    If you want to try a delicious dip for them check out my Homemade BBQ Sauce that pairs perfectly!

    However, I don't use the word, "healthy" when giving these to my kids because we all know that won't go very far 😉  I just call them yummy chicken nuggets.  Taylor even helped me mix the ingredients, which I usually always have her do.  Above all, I am a big believer if they help make it chances are they will most likely eat it.  In addition, this recipe is also the perfect way to make your chicken nuggets crispy in the oven!

    Ingredients to make these nuggets

    To make these delicious healthy baked chicken nuggets you need a couple ingredients.  Pictured below are all the ingredients you will need for these baked chicken nuggets.

    all the ingredients to make homemade baked chicken nuggets
    Ingredients for homemade baked chicken nuggets!

    You will need the following

    • avocado oil - you can also use regular olive oil if you don't like the taste of avocado. Avocado oil has a higher smoke point, which is why I like to use it.
    • boneless, skinless chicken breasts - about 1 ¼ pounds
    • panko bread crumbs - I like using panko over regular breadcrumbs because it gives your nuggets a crispier texture
    • grated parmesan - grated is better to use over shredded because it mixes better with the breadcrumbs and sticks to the nugget easier
    • dried oregano - I prefer and recommend using organic spices
    • garlic powder - I prefer and recommend using organic spices

    How to make this meal

    Lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil.  Cut the chicken into small cubes; each breast should yield 12 pieces, and the cubes should be similar in size for even cooking.  Sprinkle the chicken with the salt and pepper. 

    cubed chicken on a cutting board for making homemade baked chicken nuggets
    Step 1
    a tiny bowl of egg being dipped into with your chicken pieces for your homemade baked chicken nuggets
    Step 2

    In a small ball, whisk the egg.  In a medium dish, combine the bread crumbs, parmesan, oregano, and cayenne pepper.  Using a fork dip the chicken into the egg and then roll in the crumb mix, making sure it is evenly coated. 

    Lay the chicken on the baking sheet, leaving space between the pieces.  Place the chicken in the oven, along with the carrots, and cook for about 20 minutes, until the chicken is no longer pink on the inside and the carrots are tender.  Turn the nuggets halfway through.

    chicken pieces being dipped into a panko mixture to make homemade baked chicken nuggets
    Step 3
    crispy chicken pieces lined on a baking sheet right before cooking to make homemade baked chicken nuggets
    Step 4

    A great side dish for your homemade nuggets

    Honey Glazed Carrots for the win! My kids LOVE carrots so I thought this would be the absolute perfect dish to accompany my homemade healthy chicken nuggets with. Healthy honey glazed carrots are insanely easy to make. What will you need for these bad boys? 

    ingredients for honey glazed carrots as a side for homemade baked chicken nuggets
    Honey Glazed Carrots
    1. 6 medium carrots, peeled and cut into ¼ inch slices
    2. 1 tablespoon avocado olive oil
    3. 1 tablespoon pure honey
    4. ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    5. ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

    In a small bowl, combine the carrots with the olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper, tossing to coat.  Arrange the carrots on either one side of the baking sheet, leaving room for the chicken nuggets or on a separate baking sheet, depending how much you are making. Set aside.

    little kid hands helping to make the honey glazed carrots
    My children tossing in ingredients for the honey glazed carrots!

    Want to spice things up?

    So, the last time I made these crispy nuggets I was really in the mood for buffalo.  No surprise there! Buffalo anything I am usually a number one fan for.  I also have recently become obsessed with the brand Tessemae's because of their all natural products. 

    I always use Tessemae's Mild Buffalo Sauce when cooking anything buffalo.  You can snag your bottle by clicking here! To make these healthy buffalo chicken nuggets, you will add a small bowl of buffalo sauce to your assembly line.  After you dip your chicken in the egg then the panko mix you will quickly dip it into the buffalo sauce then line it on your baking sheet.  Continue doing so until all your chicken is used.

    healthy baked buffalo chicken nuggets on a white plate with some broccoli and dipping sauce
    Buffalo Chicken Nuggets!

    Tips and FAQ's

    How do you make your chicken nuggets crispy?


    I have found that the secret ingredient to CRISPY nuggets is to use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs. Panko is actually made from bread without crusts, so the flakes tend to stay crispier than your standard breadcrumb.

    Can you make nuggets without breadcrumbs?

    Yes you can! If you are looking to leave out the breadcrumbs, then just replace them with flour. I recommend using whole wheat flour. They won't be as crispy, but they will definitely still taste delicious.

    Why are my chicken nuggets not crispy?

    If you bake your nuggets too close together they will steam and not get as crispy. I recommend leaving a 2 finger space between each nugget. Also, feel free to lightly spray your nuggets with cooking spray for an even more added crunch.

    homemade baked chicken nuggets with a side of honey glazed carrots
    Now that's what I call a healthy dinner!

    What else to serve with baked chicken nuggets

    • The Crispiest Sweet Potato Fries
    • Crispy Buffalo Wings with Ranch Cauliflower Bites
    • Grilled Veggie Kabobs
    • Homemade Crockpot Applesauce

    Other chicken recipes to try

    • Healthy Chicken Quesadillas
    • The Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes
    • Healthy White Bean Chicken Chili
    • Italian Chicken Meatballs

    If you give this recipe a try don't forget to rate the recipe below! Always love hearing what you all think. You can also Stay in touch with me through social media on @Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my healthy recipes!

    homemade baked chicken nuggets in a bowl with ketchup as dipping sauce

    Homemade Baked Chicken Nuggets

    Crispy baked chicken nuggets made with healthy ingredients. These baked chicken nuggets are super crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside and they bake in only 20 minutes.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Low Calorie
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 72kcal
    Author: Jillian Schneider

    Equipment

    • baking tray

    Ingredients

    • 1 tbsp avocado oil
    • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1 ¼ pound
    • ½ tsp kosher salt
    • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
    • 1 large egg
    • ¼ cup panko bread crumbs
    • ½ cup grated parmesan
    • 1 tsp dried oregano
    • 1 tsp garlic powder
    • coconut cooking spray

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 375° and lightly coat a baking sheet with coconut cooking spray. Cut the chicken into small cubes; each breast should yield 12 pieces, and the cubes should be similar in size for even cooking. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper.
    • In a small bowl, whisk the egg. In a medium dish, combine the panko, parmesan, oregano, and garlic powder. Using a fork dip the chicken into the egg and shake off the excess. Then roll in the panko mix. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated and lay each piece on the prepared baking sheet. Be sure to leave space between your chicken pieces.
    • Place the chicken in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through and no longer pink inside. Turn the nuggets halfway through.
    • Serve with your favorite dipping sauce!

    Notes

    How can my kids help?  Have kids dip your chicken into the egg mix then the panko and lay the pieces on your prepared baking pan.  They can also help measure out all the ingredients into the mixing bowls. 
    I have found that the secret ingredient to CRISPY nuggets is to use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs. Panko is actually made from bread without crusts, so the flakes tend to stay crispier than your standard breadcrumb.
    If you bake your nuggets too close together they will steam and not get as crispy. I recommend leaving a 2 finger space between each nugget. Also, feel free to lightly spray your nuggets with cooking spray for an even more added crunch.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 5nuggets | Calories: 72kcal | Carbohydrates: 2.6g | Protein: 6.1g | Fat: 4.1g | Saturated Fat: 1.7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1.5g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 352mg | Potassium: 2mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 6IU | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @JilliansHealthfulEats or tag #jillianshealthfuleats!
    « Healthy Chicken Quesadillas
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lori

      September 29, 2021 at 11:40 pm

      5 stars
      Love making this recipe for my grandchildren when they come for dinner! Rest assured they will gobble it up and want seconds!
      Delicious!!

      Reply
      • JS

        September 30, 2021 at 1:10 am

        So happy to hear you love this recipe as much as I do 🙂

        Reply

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