Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Breading Mixture
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust based on preference)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (for balanced seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (adds depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (enhances taste)
Binding Ingredient
- 1 large egg (beaten, helps the breading adhere to the chicken)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. If you prefer frying, heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Breading Mixture
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Coat the Chicken
- Beat the egg in a separate bowl. Dip each piece of chicken breast into the egg, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Transfer the egg-coated chicken to the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to ensure the crumbs adhere well, then shake off any excess.
- Arrange on a Baking Sheet
- Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they do not touch each other. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy.
- Bake Until Golden Brown
- Bake for 15 minutes, turning the nuggets halfway through for even crispiness. Check for doneness by cutting one nugget open—the inside should be white, and the juices should run clear. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
- Alternative Cooking Methods
- Frying: Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the nuggets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain excess oil by placing them on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Air-Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Notes
How to Ensure Crispy Nuggets
- Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a crispier texture.
- If baking, spray the nuggets lightly with cooking oil before placing them in the oven. This helps achieve a golden-brown crust.
- Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet or air fryer basket, as this can cause the nuggets to steam instead of crisp up.
How to Tell If the Chicken Is Cooked Through
- Cut one nugget open—it should be fully white with no pink in the center.
- If using a thermometer, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- If the nuggets are too dry: Try marinating the chicken in a little buttermilk for 15-20 minutes before coating. This keeps the chicken moist while cooking.
- If the breading falls off: Ensure the chicken pieces are completely dry before dipping them into the egg. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to help them adhere better.
- If the nuggets are not crispy enough: Increase the oven temperature slightly in the last 5 minutes or broil for a short time to add crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes