Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 large skinless boneless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
Breading Mixture
- 1 cup bread crumbs (use gluten-free crumbs for gluten-free version)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 3 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3 teaspoons minced thyme
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
Wet Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
Finishing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the chicken nuggets.
- Prepare the chicken: Fillet the chicken breasts and cut them into 1-2 inch cubes. Set these pieces aside for breading.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the bread crumbs, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, minced thyme, and cayenne pepper. Stir well with a fork until fully blended and set aside.
- Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the two large eggs and milk until thoroughly combined.
- Set up baking pan: Prepare a large baking pan where the breaded chicken pieces will be placed after coating.
- Bread the chicken: Working in batches, transfer chicken pieces into the milk and egg mixture, coating them thoroughly. Using a slotted spoon, move them into the breadcrumb mixture and gently toss or spoon to coat each piece completely. Transfer the breaded chicken to the baking pan in a single layer.
- Repeat breading process: Continue dunking and breading the remaining chicken pieces until all are coated and arranged on the pan in a single layer.
- Add olive oil and bake: Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the breaded chicken pieces to help them crisp up. Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown, crispy, and fully cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Allow the baked chicken nuggets to cool for a few minutes before serving them warm.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs and use gluten-free flour.
- Ensure chicken pieces are evenly coated for maximum crispiness.
- Check the internal temperature of chicken nuggets to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- For extra crunch, you can spray the nuggets lightly with cooking spray before baking.
- Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American