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Delicious Baked Chicken Nuggets With Panko Breadcrumbs Recipe

Delicious Baked Chicken Nuggets With Panko Breadcrumbs Recipe

5.2 from 24 reviews

Enjoy crispy, golden baked chicken nuggets coated with a flavorful mix of panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. These nuggets are tender on the inside, perfectly seasoned with garlic salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley, and baked to a delicious crunch without the need for deep frying. Perfect as a healthy snack or a kid-friendly meal, bake them in your oven or air fryer for easy preparation.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, cubed

Coating and Seasoning

  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley or 1 tablespoon parsley flakes
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven or Air Fryer: Preheat your oven to 450°F for baking or set your air fryer to 375°F.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Place plastic wrap on a cutting board and set the chicken breast on top. Cover with another layer of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken until it is about 3/4 inch thick. Remove the plastic wrap and cut the chicken into 1-inch strips, then cube into 1-inch pieces.
  3. Pre-bake the Panko Breadcrumbs: Spread the panko breadcrumbs on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5 to 7 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
  4. Mix the Butter Dipping Sauce: In a bowl, combine melted butter, garlic salt, ground black pepper, and parsley. Stir well until fully mixed.
  5. Prepare the Coating Mix: In another bowl, mix the pre-baked panko breadcrumbs with parmesan cheese until evenly combined.
  6. Coat the Chicken: Quickly toss the cubed chicken into the butter mixture until fully coated, then immediately transfer and toss in the panko and parmesan mixture to coat all pieces thoroughly. Place coated chicken nuggets on a baking sheet with approximately 2 inches of space between each piece.
  7. Bake in Oven: Place the baking sheet in the center of the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. For extra crispiness and browning, move the tray to the top rack for the last 3 minutes of baking.
  8. Cook in Air Fryer (Alternative): Arrange the nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Optional: spray basket lightly with cooking spray before adding nuggets. Cook for 10 minutes at 375°F, then toss or shake the basket to redistribute the nuggets and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  9. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken nuggets rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow the coating to set. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Ensure the chicken pieces are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
  • You can substitute fresh parsley with dried parsley flakes, but reduce the quantity by half.
  • For a dairy-free option, omit parmesan cheese and consider nutritional yeast or extra herbs for added flavor.
  • If you prefer extra crunch, double coat the nuggets by repeating the butter and panko steps.
  • These nuggets freeze well; freeze cooked nuggets on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag.
  • Check your air fryer model’s recommended cooking time for chicken nuggets, as some variation may be necessary.

Nutrition

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