I got a burn on my belly when I was pregnant thanks to these healthy baked chicken nuggets. Rewind to when I was pregnant with Sidney: I was making this exact recipe in a crop top when I bumped my 9-month belly into the HOT baking sheet. I can STILL see the scar and that’s one of the reasons why I’ll always remember making these delicious little tender bites.
Another reason I love them? Tony said they’re officially his favorite chicken nuggets. He couldn’t stop raving about them. And that’s saying a lot considering he basically lived off fast food for a few years post-college.
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What can I say — they’re truly the BEST healthy chicken nuggets ever.
The first time I tested this recipe I was blown away by just how crispy and flavorful these baked chicken nuggets were. The seasoning is based off my paleo chicken tenders (which I LOVE) but this time I was going for a version that was a little crunchier and one that could even give Chick-Fil-A a run for its money.
The results were FANTASTIC. Seriously tender. So flavorful. Crispy. Perfectly dippable. Outrageously good. ALL THE ADJECTIVES.
Ingredients in baked chicken nuggets
Not only is this healthy baked chicken nuggets recipe quick to make, dairy free, perfectly spiced and requires minimal ingredients that you might even have in your kitchen right now! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken: I use boneless, skinless chicken breast and cut it into 1 inch cubes.
- Breadcrumbs: the outside of the chicken nuggets get nice and crispy thanks to panko breadcrumbs! You can easily use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to keep the nuggets gluten-free.
- Olive oil cooking spray: using cooking spray is a KEY to the crispy outside as well. You’ll learn why below.
- Spices: these chicken nuggets get their flavor from onion powder, paprika, a bit of cayenne pepper (if you like a little heat), garlic powder, salt & pepper.
- Eggs & milk: you’ll need both to help the breadcrumbs stick to the cubes of chicken. I used almond milk to keep the recipe dairy free!
- Dipping sauces: have fun with aaall of the sauces like honey mustard (try the homemade one in this recipe!), ketchup or your favorite BBQ sauce for dipping!
The secrets to crispy baked chicken nuggets in the oven
- Toast your breadcrumbs. This is essential for making crispy baked chicken nuggets. You’ll just need to toast the breadcrumbs in the oven for 5 minutes or so before tossing them with the spices and then the chicken. This is a crucial step for getting that deliciously crispy texture on the outside that tastes even better than the fried version.
- Use a wire rack. This will not only prevent sticking but will also allow the chicken nuggets to bake up nice and crispy on all sides. If you don’t have a wire rack, that’s okay, you can just flip them halfway through baking.
- Use cooking spray. You’ll want to not only spray the breadcrumbs with olive oil cooking spray before baking them, but you’ll also want to spray the assembled chicken nuggets once more before tossing them in the oven. This will ensure that they get that wonderful, golden brown color!
How to make healthy chicken nuggets
- Toast your breadcrumbs. As I mentioned above, this is essential to getting perfectly crispy chicken nuggets. Add your breadcrumbs to a large baking sheet, spray them with nonstick olive oil cooking spray, and bake them for a few minutes (stirring halfway through).
- Add your spices. Transfer your baked breadcrumbs to a bowl and mix in all of those delicious spices.
- Make the egg mixture. In a separate bowl whisk together the eggs and almond milk.
- Assemble the nuggets. Use tongs to dip each chicken cube in the egg mixture, then toss it into the breadcrumb mixture until it’s completely coated. Transfer the nuggets to a prepared wire rack.
- Bake & serve. Lastly, spray the tops of the chicken nuggets with more cooking spray and bake them up! Serve with your fav dipping sauces and our suggested sides below.
What to serve with baked chicken nuggets
Besides dipping sauces (which are obviously key) I love serving these baked chicken nuggets with a hearty salad or veggies, baked sweet potato fries, or maybe a scoop of homemade mac and cheese. CAN I GET A YUM?! Grab these recipes for your next weeknight dinner:
- Balsamic Herb Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables
- Buffalo Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
- Spicy Cashew Thai Chickpea Broccoli Salad
- Crispy Smashed Potatoes
- Easy Vegan Mac and Cheese
- Homemade Slow Cooker Baked Beans
- Caramelized Garlic Carrots with Spicy Cilantro Yogurt Sauce
Get all of my side dish recipes here!
Adult-friendly ways to enjoy homemade chicken nuggets
Chicken nuggets aren’t just for kids! I LOVE making extra for myself and Tony as a yummy protein boost to salads, bowls, and more. Try adding these to:
- Spicy Ranch Chopped Chicken Cabbage Salad
- Everything Spring Green Salad with Basil Lemon Vinaigrette
- Scoop It Up Kale Couscous Salad
- Hot Honey Chicken and Veggie Glow Bowls
- Crunchy Rainbow Thai-Inspired Peanut Chicken Wraps (swap the chicken for crispy nuggets!)
- Copycat Portillo’s Chopped Salad
- Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad
- Vegan Caesar Salad
- Grilled Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
How to store & freeze homemade chicken nuggets
In the fridge: leftover chicken nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a week. To reheat, place the chicken nuggets on a baking sheet and broil them on high for a couple of minutes until heated through and crispy on the outside.
To freeze & reheat:
- Let the chicken nuggets cool completely before transferring them to a cookie sheet.
- Freeze them on the cookie sheet to ensure that they don’t stick together, then transfer the frozen chicken nuggets to a freezer-safe bag or container and place in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat, I’d recommend heating them in the oven so that they’re nice and crispy.
More dinner recipes you’ll love (great for kids!)
- Healthy Tuna Noodle Casserole
- 30 Minute Healthier Turkey Sloppy Joes with Homemade Sauce!
- Creamy Tomato Orzo Soup with Mini Turkey Meatballs
- Spinach Bacon Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
- Mom’s Authentic Puerto Rican Rice and Beans
Get all of my kid-friendly dinner ideas here!
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I hope you love these best ever crispy baked chicken nuggets as much as we do. If you make this recipe please leave a comment and rating to let me know how you liked it — I really appreciate it! xo
Ambitious Kitchen
Cookbook
125 Ridiculously Good For You, Sometimes Indulgent, and Absolutely Never Boring Recipes for Every Meal of the Day
The BEST Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- Nonstick olive oil cooking spray
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into into 1 inch cubes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Add panko breadcrumbs to a large baking sheet and spread out in an even layer. Spray breadcrumbs with nonstick olive oil cooking spray. Bake for 2 minutes, then stir breadcrumbs (or just give the pan a shake) and then bake for 2-4 minutes or until breadcrumbs are golden brown. Keep heat in the oven.
- Transfer breadcrumbs to a medium bowl. Whisk in spices: salt, black pepper, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder and cayenne pepper (if using). Set aside.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Set aside.
- Line the large baking sheet with an oven safe wire metal rack. Generously spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Dip each chicken cube into the egg mixture, then use a tong to grab each chicken nugget and toss into the breadcrumb mixture to completely coat with breadcrumbs. Use tongs to transfer to the wire rack, placing about 1 inch apart.
- Generously spray the tops of the chicken nuggets with nonstick spray. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until cooked through and temp reaches 165 degrees F with a meat thermometer. Serves 4. Serve with BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ketchup or whatever sauce you’d like!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by: Eat Love Eats
This post was originally published on January 23rd, 2020, republished on September 21st, 2022, and republished on October 28th, 2024.
For years I’ve asked my husband to take x leftover to work after he said he loves it, never once has he to date… UNTIL tonight after I made these nuggets. The twist, he asked and I actually said no, because they are on the “dinner schedule” for leftovers… the one time he asked!
These were perfect. Baking the bread crumbs before breading the chicken absolutely was the golden ticket. I didn’t have cayenne but I subbed it for chipotle pepper, totally fine. Loved these!
Of course the one time he asked! So glad you both loved these 🙂
These were crispy and healthy and looked just like the photo. I would definitely make them again. They definitely needed a dip. The Honey Mustard Dip was a bit too mustardy.
So glad you enjoyed! Feel free to add a bit more honey next time to cut the mustard.
Sorry, I haven’t tried the recipe yet. I usually fry my chicken nuggets in avocado oil or olive oil. Do you use olive oil spray to save calories/make it healthier? Or is there some other reason. Crazy question but do you think the recipe would work with extra firm tofu?
I use the spray because they’re baked and not fried, so the spray helps crisp them up in the oven! I haven’t tested this with tofu, but I think it may work well — let me know if you try it!
This has been a very big hit with my family. They beg for it. It’s far healthier than those in the store or fast food! I made them again last night with Mozarells sticks on the side plus salad. Wonderful meal! Kids woke up this am wanting more for breakfast! I never have to worry about left overs sitting around when it
s chicken nuggets!
I’ve never left a comment before on a recipe, but this meal turned out so well that I had to say THANK YOU!! I needed something quick and easy, (but also tasty!), and your recipe fit the bill! I received “kudos across the board” from the family! DEFINITELY going into the rotation!
Amazing! So happy to hear that!
So yummy! I didn’t even add oil during the toasting process or before baking the nuggets, and they still turned crispy!
Amazing! Such a great dinner!
The best chicken nugget recipe EVER. I’ve been looking for a recipe for the oven instead of frying, and this is finally the one. I tried it with cut up boneless chicken thighs, and it was outstanding. My kids loved them also. Unfortunately there were no leftovers. Thank you for sharing the tips (like roasting the bread crumbs and spraying with oil). Those make a big difference.
So glad you found this one! Perfect for kiddos 🙂
Terrific for a preschooler who’s been begging for chicken nuggets lately. Even my husband loved these!
Most important step; don’t forget to toaster the bread crumbs!!
I appreciate learning this step I never did before and now will never not do!
YES it makes all the difference!
This recipe is delicious and loved by my toddler and partner! Definitely including his in our rotation. I love ALL of the the recipes from Ambitious Kitchen, thank you Monica!
So happy to hear that!
“Best” nuggets is an understatement—these are OUTRAGEOUS! My almost-six-year-old is made of chicken nuggets and I was worried that anything proper and homemade would be a tough sell, but he flipped our over these. As did my husband and I. I will be making a batch of these weekly for his school lunchbox. Thank you, Monique, for another winner!
So happy to hear that! These are a big hit in our house, too 🙂
I don’t have a wire rack. Do i have to make any change to the time or anything else?
No, just know that they likely won’t get crispy on the bottom. You could try giving them a flip halfway through cooking though!
These were a hit with my picky teen. Next time, I want to try using pork rinds instead of panko to reduce carbs. Thanks for a great recipe. I ended up steaming the leftover egg/milk dip and it tasted great.
Let me know how that goes! Glad they were a hit!
Wow! The most flavorful and absolutely crispiest chicken nuggets I have ever made! I am done looking for another recipe! I never thought to toast the bread crumbs before coating the chicken along with your other tips-thank you so much for sharing this recipe!
YES so good! Glad you loved them!
Made this tonight and the whole family loved it. Will definitely make it again.
This is by far the best chicken nugget recipe I’ve ever had. I made 2 pounds of chicken nuggets and can literally say we ate every single one in record time. So good, so crispy. You need to try this recipe! Perfect for gatherings!
YES so good!! Glad the recipe was a hit!
Planning to make these and freeze them – thank you for providing instructions on how to do so! If using a 17″x12″ baking sheet, what’s the maximum pounds of chicken you’d recommend putting on one sheet? TIA!
Thank you for this recipe. All 4 kids including my husband raved saying that this was so much better than any store bought ones.
I will be making these in large batches for school . I baked mine.
So happy to hear that!
These were tasty but took a little longer to bake!
5/5 stars for ease of prep, cook time and family approval – toddler included. Our 2.5 year old helped “dip” and our 6YO said “these are better than Chik-FilA because I can eat them” He has a peanut allergy and they fry their chicken in peanut oil. I don’t eat chicken but I’m always so happy when I can find and execute a recipe that makes everyone happy. Thanks for sharing your genius with us Monique =)
Amazing! So happy everyone loved them 🙂
Hi! Any ideas what I could use to replace the egg in this? Thank you!
Hi! I think a vegan egg replacer would work, or even some watered-down vegan mayo 🙂
Just came here to say I did the exact same thing when I was baking pregnant in a sports bra and still have a scar to prove it! Also these nuggets are delish!
Twins! Haha I swear it’s inevitable. Glad you loved this recipe!
Fast, easy and tasty recipe! Only sub was avo oil to toast the panko 👌👌
Perfect!!
Excellent recipe! I had a new hot sauce come in and was looking for a healthier alternative to wings. These were such a hit with my husband and 2-year-old. They were so crispy on the outside and still tender on the inside. This is a weekly rotation recipe for me! Great recipe!
Love that! Perfect weeknight dinner 🙂
could you air fry these instead?
I don’t own on air fryer so I’m not 100% sure what the instructions would be, but I think they should work using one!
Yammy anf healthy! My daughters said they are the best!
So happy to hear that!
These are a little bit of a labor of love but worth it! I usually use these to put over a salad but let’s be honest, I’m snacking on them as they come out fresh out of the oven. The wire rack over the baking sheet is a must! I would also love it if there were air fryer directions in addition to the conventional oven, but ultimately it’s probably no easier for this particular recipe.
Ooo these sound perfect in a salad! I don’t use an air fryer so I’m not 100% sure.
My favorite chicken recipe! The seasoning is unreal, spicy and perfection. This recipe is so fantastic! My husband and I love this chicken so much, we now have a spice container with these ingredients so we can use it for a variety of different recipes! You have out done yourself Monique!
So good!! Glad you both love it!
Hi there I ve just come across your site and the recipes look wonderful. I was wondering whether I could prepare the nuggets one day before and keep them in the fridge and cook them the next day? Thank you! 😊
Hi! Great question – I don’t think I’d recommend coating the chicken nuggets and storing them in the fridge ahead of time because I don’t think they’ll get as crispy.
Hi there! I just come across your site and the recipes look wonderful.. I was just wondering whether I could prepare the nuggets a day before and keep them in the fridge to cook the next day?
This is the most amazing homemade chicken nuggets recipe i have ever tried, super easy to make with kids and everyone in my family absolutely loves these.
So happy to hear that! Such a great kid-friendly dinner 🙂
Simple and clear recipe – nice results.
Glad you enjoyed!
These are the best nuggets my husband and I have had. Nice and crispy but tender and juicy on the inside. We love dipping in ranch dressing.
Amazing! I’m team ranch, too 😉
The best chicken nuggets I’ve ever made. Taste just like the Chick-fil-A ones!!
Ah yay! I am so glad your loving these chicken nuggets 🙂
I supervised my grandson making these and he did a great job. We all loved them. He was so proud and will do them again without any help. thank you
Aww this is so great. Glad these were a hit 🙂
Wd like to make a larg quantity for Saturday night , what steps do I have to take to make ahead of time? Thanks
Hi Sharon – So sorry for the late response. You can prep the breadcrumbs and wet ingredients a few hours before and when you’re ready, you could dip them. Or you could prep them all ahead of time and reheat them on broil for a couple minutes to reheat and re-crisp them. Hope that helps!
These were the best nuggets I’ve made at home ever. I actually cook them in my air fryer and came across this recipe for my grandson who is pretty picky. I made these one day when he came over, he must have eaten 15 of these chicken nuggets when he was 2 years old I couldn’t stop him. I was right there with him! These are delicious and healthy, absolutely must try. Thank you so much for sharing this!
Aw of course, Trish! I am so glad this recipe was a hit and turned out great ❤️
Seriously amazing. I stumbled across this recipe several months ago and it was a huge it with husband, 7 year old and 4 year old. Super easy to make, I usually double the recipe for the 4 of us and then have leftovers for kid’s lunch (yes, these are so tasty they will eat them cold and un-cripsed). You have to watch the bread crumbs carefully so they don’t burn but that was easy. Highly, highly recommend! I bet you could do this same with cod for fish sticks or shrimp.
Ahh thank you so much! Glad you and the family are loving this recipe ❤️
Not sure what went wrong but breading would not stick. Looked nothing like the pics used.
oh no! So sorry to hear, did you change anything about the recipe?
This recipe is AMAZING! The nuggets always come out flavorful, crispy, and delicious thanks to the preliminary seasoning & toasting of the panko, This recipe is a quick go to for my wife and I when we don’t want to do much meal prep after an exhausting day. We typically make these chicken nuggets and add them to mixed greens with chopped cucumber, then drizzle it with a super simple spicy apricot glaze. Spicy apricot glaze is a really good dipping sauce for these nuggets if you like a sweet and spicy sauce. To make it: mix 1/2 cup apricot jam with 2-4 tsp sriracha (to desired taste) and 1/4 – 1/2 cup warm water (to desired consistency).
Thanks for giving me a great recipe to eat more of my favorite sauce with 🙂
AH I love this so much, thank you so much for sharing. I am so glad you’re loving this recipe and it turned out great of you ❤️
Wow
Amazing
Thank you – glad you’re enjoying these
I Make these all the time. Love them and my husband likes them and he’s not a fan of chicken.
I never have cayenne so I use tabasco with the egg mixture.
Yay! I am so glad you both loving this recipe 🙂
The best chicken nuggets ever. Even my pickiest eaters love them
Ah yay! Glad this recipe is a hit ❤️
Buffalo dip