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- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for an extra kick) - Cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil I love using fresh chicken breasts for this recipe. They provide great flavor and texture. Buttermilk is key for marinating. It makes the chicken juicy and tender. The all-purpose flour gives a nice base for the breading. I prefer panko breadcrumbs. They add a delightful crunch. Seasonings play a huge role, too. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth. Smoked paprika gives a hint of smokiness. Salt and black pepper are essential for balancing flavors. If you want heat, add cayenne pepper. Finally, a little cooking spray or olive oil helps the nuggets get golden brown. This way, you can enjoy crispy chicken nuggets that are healthier than fried ones. If you want the complete process, check out the Full Recipe. To start, you need to marinate the chicken. Take 1 pound of cut chicken and place it in a bowl. Add 1 cup of buttermilk and mix well. Make sure every piece is covered in buttermilk. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For the best taste, marinate overnight. Next, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for crispy nuggets. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking. Lightly spray the parchment with cooking spray for extra non-stick help. Now it’s time to prepare the breading. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of flour with the seasonings. Add 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. If you want heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. In a second bowl, pour in 1 cup of breadcrumbs. This sets up your two-step breading station. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk. Let any excess drip off. First, dip the chicken pieces in the flour mix. Make sure they are well-coated, then shake off any extra flour. Return the chicken to the buttermilk, then roll each piece in the breadcrumbs. Place the breaded nuggets on the prepared baking sheet. Space them a few inches apart for even cooking. For a crunchy finish, lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Bake the chicken nuggets for 15-20 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even browning. Look for a golden brown color on the outside. Once they are crispy and golden, take them out of the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You can find the full recipe for these delicious nuggets [here](#). To get that perfect crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They have a light and airy texture that makes your chicken nuggets crispy. Regular breadcrumbs can work, but they won't give the same crunch. Spraying the nuggets with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil helps achieve that golden color. The oil creates a crispy outer layer as they bake. Don't skip this step; it makes a big difference. One mistake is skipping the marination process. Marinating the chicken in buttermilk makes it juicy and tender. If you skip this, your nuggets may turn out dry. Another key step is preheating the oven. Always set your oven to 400°F (200°C) before you start baking. If you bake without preheating, the nuggets won't cook properly. For a fun meal, serve your crispy chicken nuggets with a variety of dipping sauces. Honey mustard, barbecue sauce, and ranch dressing are great choices. When plating, use a large platter to show off your nuggets. Add colorful sauces in small bowls around the nuggets. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch for presentation. These tips will help you create a meal that everyone will love. For the complete cooking steps, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can change the taste of your chicken nuggets easily. For spicy chicken nuggets, add some heat. Mix in cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even hot sauce. Just a little goes a long way. If you like herbs, try using dried oregano or thyme. These herbs add a fresh taste. You can even mix both spices and herbs for a unique twist. If you need gluten-free chicken nuggets, I have great tips. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. They work just as well and still give that nice crunch. You can also try almond flour or coconut flour for the breading. Both options provide a tasty and crispy nugget without any gluten. You can cook these nuggets in different ways, too. Try using an air fryer for a quick and crispy finish. Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for about 10-12 minutes. You won't need a lot of oil, which makes this method healthier. If you want to bake them another way, consider using a convection oven. It gives similar results to the air fryer but is great for larger batches. For more details, check out the Full Recipe. To keep your crispy baked chicken nuggets fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture from making them soggy. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they cool completely before sealing the container. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the nuggets cool down. Then, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat them, simply take out what you need. Thaw the nuggets in the fridge overnight or use the microwave for a quick thaw. To keep your chicken nuggets crispy when reheating, the oven works best. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the nuggets on a baking sheet and heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This will help restore their crunch. You can also use an air fryer for a quick reheat. Just a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) will do the trick! To make chicken nuggets crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. Panko adds extra crunch. Another tip is to spray the nuggets with cooking spray or drizzle them with olive oil before baking. This helps them brown nicely. Also, space the nuggets apart on the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around them. Yes, you can use skinless chicken thighs. They add more flavor than breasts. Thighs have more fat, which keeps them moist. The texture is also slightly different; they tend to be juicier. If you prefer a richer taste, go for thighs. Baked chicken nuggets are generally healthier than fried ones. Baking requires less oil, which reduces calories and fat. You can also control the type of breading used. This makes it easier to add whole grains. Baked nuggets are also less greasy, which many people prefer. Absolutely! You can double or triple the recipe. Just make sure to use a larger baking sheet. This ensures they cook evenly. You can also freeze leftover nuggets for later. To reheat, bake them in the oven to keep them crispy. Check the [Full Recipe] for more details. In this blog, we explored how to make crispy baked chicken nuggets. We covered key ingredients like chicken breasts and buttermilk, along with seasoning methods that add flavor. You learned the step-by-step process, tips for the perfect crunch, and helpful variations, including gluten-free options. Remember, successful nuggets depend on preparation, marination, and baking techniques. With practice, you can create a delicious meal that your family will love! Enjoy your cooking!

Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets

Enjoy the ultimate snack with these crispy baked chicken nuggets! This easy recipe uses simple ingredients like buttermilk and panko breadcrumbs for an unforgettable crunch. Perfect for kids and adults alike, these homemade nuggets bake to golden perfection in just 25 minutes. Discover how to marinate, bread, and bake your way to deliciousness. Click to explore the full recipe and bring this tasty treat to your table!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for an extra kick)

Cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the cut chicken pieces with the buttermilk. Ensure all pieces are well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for enhanced flavor.

    Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to preheat. While it's heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking, then lightly spray the parchment with cooking spray.

      Prepare the Breading Station: In one large bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. In a second bowl, add the breadcrumbs. This will serve as your two-step breading station.

        Bread the Nuggets: Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Dip each piece first into the flour mixture, ensuring a good coating, then shake off the excess flour. Next, return the chicken to the buttermilk before rolling it in the breadcrumbs until well-coated.

          Arrange and Bake: Place the breaded chicken nuggets onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them a couple of inches apart to allow for even cooking. For extra crunch, lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle them with olive oil.

            Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Flip the nuggets halfway through the baking time to ensure they brown evenly and are cooked thoroughly. Look for a golden brown color on the outside.

              Serve: Once they are golden and crispy, remove the nuggets from the oven. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 1 hour (including marinating time) | 25 minutes | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve your crispy chicken nuggets on a large platter with an array of colorful dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing. Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant finishing touch!