Baked Chicken Nuggets are made with chicken tenderloins, panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and simple seasonings. These easy homemade nuggets bake in the oven until golden and crispy. Serve them with ketchup, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce for a crowd-pleasing meal both kids and adults will enjoy.
Ingredients needed for Oven Baked Chicken Nuggets
This recipe uses just a few simple ingredients to make crisp, flavorful nuggets at home.
- Chicken tenderloins: Use 1 lb of tenderloins, cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Panko breadcrumbs: About 1 1/2 cups of panko gives the nuggets a light, crunchy coating.
- Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup grated parmesan added to the breadcrumbs adds a savory, nutty flavor.
- Flour: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour helps the coating adhere.
- Eggs: 2 eggs, beaten, for the wet dredge.
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp to boost flavor.
- Salt & pepper: 1 tsp each to season the breadcrumb mixture.
- Olive oil: A light spray or drizzle before baking helps achieve a golden crust.
How to make this easy recipe
Oven-baked chicken nuggets come together quickly: prepare the chicken, set up a three-step breading station, coat each piece thoroughly, then bake and finish under the broiler for extra crispness.
- Trim and pat the chicken tenderloins dry, then cut into bite-sized chunks.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the panko, grated parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs. Place the flour in a third bowl.
- Dredge each piece in flour, shake off excess, dip in the beaten eggs, then press into the breadcrumb mixture until well coated. Use separate utensils for each bowl to keep the coating process tidy.
- Arrange the breaded nuggets in a single layer on a greased baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle the tops with olive oil.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes. Flip the nuggets and bake another 8 minutes. For an extra-crisp finish, broil for 3–5 minutes—watch closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Chicken tenderloin fork hack
Removing the thin tendon that runs along some tenderloins is quick and easy with a simple fork technique. It makes prep faster and more pleasant.
Try this:
- Grip the tendon with a paper towel for traction so it doesn’t slip.
- Slide a fork between your hand and the tenderloin so the tendon rests between two prongs.
- Pull the tendon gently; it should release cleanly.
Homemade Chicken Nugget tips
Use these tips to get consistent, crispy results every time.
- Adjust seasonings: The base seasoning is simple and delicious, but you can add smoked paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or cayenne for more flavor.
- Flip and broil: Flipping halfway ensures even browning. Broiling at the end gives the nuggets a deeper golden color and extra crunch—stay attentive to avoid burning.
- Keep the breading station tidy: Use separate utensils for the flour, egg, and breadcrumb bowls. That prevents cross-contamination of coatings and keeps the process clean and efficient.
How to serve chicken nuggets
Serve these baked chicken nuggets hot and crispy with your favorite dips—ketchup, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch are all great choices. Pair them with fries, a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or mac and cheese for a classic, satisfying meal.
Storing & reheating Baked Chicken Nuggets
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat briefly in the microwave for convenience, but to maintain crispiness reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or until heated through.
Love this recipe? Check out more chicken recipes
- Creamy Herb Chicken
- Easy Chicken Salad
- Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
- Easy Chicken Stir Fry
- Honey Soy Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs
- Chicken Couscous Soup
- Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
- Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner
Connect with me
If you make these Baked Chicken Nuggets or try any of the other recipes, tag @wellnessbykay on Instagram so I can see and share your creations.
Love this recipe? Leave a comment and a rating!
Baked Chicken Nuggets
5 from 1 review
- Author: Kayla Berman
- Prep Time: 25 Minutes
- Cook Time: 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven Baked
Description
Baked Chicken Nuggets are quick to prepare and full of flavor. Tender chicken pieces are coated in flour, egg, and a parmesan-panko mixture, then baked to a crispy finish. They make a great weeknight dinner, snack, or lunch option.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- Olive oil for spraying or drizzling
Instructions
- Clean and prepare the chicken tenderloins, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the panko, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl and place the flour in another bowl.
- Dredge each piece in flour, dip in egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Shake off excess at each step.
- Place breaded nuggets in a single layer on a greased baking sheet and lightly coat with olive oil.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes, flip, bake another 8 minutes, then broil 3–5 minutes to crisp. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve hot and enjoy.