Description
A simple and quick recipe for oven-baked chicken nuggets, delivering crispy and flavorful bites ideal for a fast lunch or dinner. These chicken nuggets use a seasoned flour coating and are baked to perfection, making them a healthier alternative to fried versions.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 - 2 pounds chicken tenderloins (about 12 pieces)
Coating
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Other
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- Butter flavored non-stick cooking spray (for baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425º F (220º C) to ensure it is hot enough to make the chicken nuggets crispy.
- Prepare Flour Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, fresh thyme, paprika, and kosher salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices in the coating.
- Cut Chicken: Cut the chicken tenderloins into pieces approximately 1 to 2 inches in size according to your preference for nugget bite-size.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly spray a baking dish with butter flavored non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking, then pour the melted butter into the dish to add moisture and flavor during baking.
- Coat Chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken thoroughly in the flour mixture until fully coated. Place the coated pieces evenly spaced in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake Nuggets: Bake the chicken nuggets in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, turning them about halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping on all sides.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the nuggets for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue for added flavor.
- You can substitute chicken thighs cut into pieces for a juicier nugget, but cooking times may vary slightly.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the baking dish to allow the nuggets to cook evenly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American