Easy, flavorful homemade chicken nuggets that are packed full of flavor and baked to crispy perfection. These nuggets are delicious and make a great, healthy meal for kids and grown-ups alike!
Author: Kendall Nelson
Makes: 35
Ingredients
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1½ cups seasoned panko breadcrumbs
¾ cup all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
¾ cup powdered parmesan cheese
3 teaspoons cajun seasoning, divided
11/2 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and spread the breadcrumbs out on a large baking sheet. Toast about 3-5 minutes until just golden brown. Remove from the oven and transfer into a medium bowl. Rinse off the baking sheet and line it with parchment paper, then set aside.
Grab two small bowls. In the first, whisk together the flour, salt and pepper to taste, 1½ teaspoons of cajun seasoning and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs with ½ teaspoon of garlic powder and ½ teaspoon of cajun seasoning. Set those bowls aside. Add the parmesan cheese to the bowl of breadcrumbs and stir to combine.
Chop the chicken into bite-size pieces and season with the remaining garlic powder and cajun seasoning, plus salt and pepper to taste, if desired. Dredge each nugget first in flour, then the egg, then the breadcrumb mixture, patting the breadcrumbs onto each nugget to adhere. Remember to shake off any excess before moving on to the next bowl! Line up the breaded nuggets on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
Bake for 5 minutes, flip, then bake 5 minutes more or until the nuggets are cooked through (internal temperature of 165 degrees F) and crispy. Serve warm with dipping sauces of your choice.
Notes
These are great to make ahead and freeze for an easy, healthy after-school snack. Bake the nuggets and then freeze them in a resealable plastic freezer bag. Reheat in the oven at 400 degrees F for 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through.