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If you’ve ever craved that perfect crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside comfort food, this Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen. It strikes such a joyful balance between easy-to-make and irresistibly delicious, with a golden, crunchy coating made from crushed corn flakes and a subtle parmesan twist that elevates every bite. Whether you’re feeding kids, hosting a casual gathering, or simply treating yourself to a cozy night in, these nuggets deliver flavor, texture, and that homemade warmth you just can’t get from the fast food aisle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe, the ingredient list is wonderfully simple yet each component plays a starring role in creating nuggets that are flavorful, crispy, and wholesome. These basics come together for a recipe that’s easy to master and perfect for a weeknight meal or snack.
- 1 lb chicken breast (boneless, skinless, and cut into pieces): Fresh chicken is the foundation for juicy nuggets that stay tender inside after baking.
- 1 Tbsp potato flakes (instant mashed potatoes): These add a surprising moistness and help bind the chicken mixture smoothly without heaviness.
- 1/3 cup cold water: Keeps the chicken mixture juicy and helps the potato flakes hydrate evenly.
- 1 tsp garlic salt (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder + 1/2 tsp salt): This seasoning combo gives a punch of flavor right at the heart of the nuggets.
- 1/8 tsp black pepper: Just enough to add a gentle spicy warmth without overpowering the garlic and cheese.
- 2 1/2 cups corn flakes cereal (3/4 cup crushed): The secret to that magical crunchy crust that bakes up golden and crispy.
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (finely grated): Parmesan adds a lovely tang and a rich, nutty finish that makes these nuggets truly special.
How to Make Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 375˚F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This setup ensures your nuggets cook evenly and don’t stick, making clean-up a breeze and helping those golden edges form beautifully.
Step 2: Make the Crunchy Coating
Take your corn flakes and pulse them in a food processor until you get fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, no worries—a rolling pin and a zip-top bag work just as well. Then mix 3/4 cup of those crumbs with your finely grated parmesan cheese. This combination is what creates that crave-worthy crispiness with a cheesy kick every time.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
Using your food processor or blender, combine the chicken pieces with potato flakes, cold water, garlic salt, and black pepper. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped but still textured enough to shape. The potato flakes keep the mixture moist and tender, while the seasoning infuses the chicken with savory goodness.
Step 4: Shape and Coat Your Nuggets
With wet hands (this helps the mixture not to stick), scoop about a tablespoon of the chicken mixture and roll into a small patty, pressing out gently into a nugget shape. Then roll each piece into the parmesan-corn flake mixture, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere and coat the nuggets thoroughly. This step is key to achieving that golden crunch we’re after.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your breaded nuggets evenly on the lined baking sheet. Bake in the middle oven rack for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure both sides turn golden brown and crispy. Remember, the goal is juicy cooked chicken with a crunchy exterior—avoid over-baking, or they might dry out. Once out of the oven, give them a few minutes to rest; this helps the juices stay locked in.
How to Serve Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Garnishes
Little touches can elevate your baked nuggets to a fresh, vibrant meal. Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives on top to add bright color and fresh flavor contrasting the warm, savory nuggets. A light dusting of smoked paprika can also add a subtle smoky aroma and pleasant color pop.
Side Dishes
Classic comfort sides like creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp garden salad complement these nuggets wonderfully. For a fun twist, serve alongside roasted sweet potato fries or crunchy carrot sticks with a cool yogurt dip to balance the warmth and savoriness of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-friendly party, arrange the nuggets on a platter with small bowls of various dipping sauces, from honey mustard to tangy BBQ or even a spicy sriracha mayo. You can also skewer nuggets with colorful veggies for kid-approved kabobs or serve them atop a bed of leafy greens drizzled with a zesty vinaigrette.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, maintaining much of their crispness if properly stored and reheated gently.
Freezing
This Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe freezes beautifully, especially if you freeze the nuggets after coating but before baking. Lay them flat on a baking sheet for about an hour to firm up, then transfer them to zip-top bags or airtight containers. Frozen nuggets will keep well for up to three months, making them a convenient, ready-to-bake snack for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat without sacrificing crunch, pop frozen or refrigerated nuggets in a 375ËšF oven for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, which can turn the coating soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat which can keep the nuggets extra juicy. Just finely chop or pulse them the same way and follow the recipe as usual for great results.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free corn flakes and make sure your potato flakes are gluten-free as well. This way, you can enjoy crispy, safe nuggets without any gluten concerns.
What if I don’t have a food processor?
No problem at all. You can finely chop the chicken with a sharp knife and crush the corn flakes using a rolling pin inside a sealed bag. It might take a bit more elbow grease but the results are just as delicious.
Can I add other seasonings to the nugget mix?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding paprika, onion powder, or even a pinch of cayenne for heat. Just keep the balance so the flavors stay harmonious with the parmesan coating.
How do I know when the nuggets are fully cooked?
The nuggets should be golden and crispy on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165ËšF. Cutting one open should reveal no pink inside, just tender, juicy chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe is one of those little kitchen treasures that turns everyday ingredients into a real crowd-pleaser. Easy, flavorful, and irresistibly crispy, these nuggets shine as a wholesome, homemade treat for family meals, parties, or a cozy solo indulgence. Give this recipe a try—you’ll feel proud and delighted with every golden bite.
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Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 nuggets (serves 6 people)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These crispy and flavorful Baked Chicken Nuggets are a healthier homemade alternative to fried nuggets. Made with lean chicken breast, crushed corn flakes, and parmesan cheese, they deliver a delicious crunch with a tender, juicy interior. Perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or snack, these nuggets are easy to prepare and bake in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into pieces
- 1 Tbsp potato flakes (instant mashed potatoes)
- 1/3 cup cold water
- 1 tsp garlic salt (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder + 1/2 tsp salt)
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Breading
- 2 1/2 cups corn flakes cereal (about 3/4 cup crushed)
- 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375ËšF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Crush Corn Flakes and Mix with Cheese: Pulse the corn flakes in a food processor until fine crumbs form or crush them using a rolling pin inside a large zip-loc bag. In a shallow bowl, combine 3/4 cup of these crumbs with the finely grated parmesan cheese and mix well.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a clean food processor or high-powered blender, add the chicken pieces, potato flakes, cold water, garlic salt, and black pepper. Pulse until the chicken is finely chopped and the mixture is well combined.
- Form and Bread Nuggets: With wet hands, scoop about 1 tablespoon of the chicken mixture and roll it into small patties to form nugget shapes. Coat each nugget by rolling it in the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure crumbs adhere well. For freezing, place breaded nuggets flat on a tray, freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to zip-loc bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Bake Nuggets: Arrange the coated nuggets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven on the middle rack for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the nuggets are cooked through and golden. Remove from oven and allow to rest a few minutes before serving to keep them juicy. Avoid over-baking to prevent dryness.
Notes
- Freezing Tip: Freeze breaded nuggets flat on a tray for 1 hour, then transfer to zip-loc bags and store up to 3 months. Bake frozen nuggets as directed, adding a few extra minutes as needed.
- Use garlic salt or a combination of garlic powder and salt as preferred.
- Be careful not to overbake to keep the nuggets moist and tender.
- Approximate nugget size is about 1 tablespoon of meat mixture each.
