Why You’ll Love These Baked Chicken Nuggets

Chicken nuggets are always a hit, whether you’re feeding toddlers, kids, teens, or even adults! These crispy, tender baked chicken nuggets are easy to make and totally delicious. Here’s why they’re a must-try:

• Completely baked, start to finish: The secret to these crispy nuggets? They’re baked on a cooling rack using cornflake crumbs, giving them that perfect crunch all around.
• Super flexible: You can use chicken breasts or thighs, and serve them warm from the oven with all your favorite dipping sauces.
• Freezer-friendly: This recipe is perfect for making ahead! Double or triple it, then freeze for a quick, family-friendly meal whenever you need it.

Baked Chicken Nuggets: The Best Crisp-Tender Oven Baked Nuggets

Serve these nuggets with your go-to dipping sauces like ketchup, honey mustard, or Ranch for the ultimate snack or meal!

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 tablespoon Ranch Seasoning and Salad Dressing Mix
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour

For the Buttermilk Mixture:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg

For the Cornflake Mixture:

• 1 ½ cups cornflake crumbs
• ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan
• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment:

• Cooling rack
• Baking sheet

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Coat a cooling rack with nonstick spray and place it on a baking sheet.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chicken with Ranch Seasoning, cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
3. One piece at a time, dredge the chicken in flour, dip it into the buttermilk mixture, then coat it in the cornflake mixture, pressing the crumbs onto the chicken.
4. Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer and spray with nonstick spray.
5. Bake for 13-15 minutes, until the nuggets are crispy and cooked through.
6. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces!

For the Buttermilk Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg.

For the Cornflake Mixture: In a large bowl, combine cornflake crumbs, Parmesan, and canola oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Nuggets:

• Meat choice: You can use chicken breast, tenders, or thighs. All work well, so go with what you prefer!
• Cornflake crumbs are key: These crumbs give the chicken a crispier, crunchier, and more flavorful coating than regular breadcrumbs. Plus, they’re super easy to make!
• Don’t skip the cooling rack: Elevating the chicken on the cooling rack helps the air circulate around the pieces, so they cook evenly and get that golden, crispy coating we all love.
• Freeze before baking: This step helps keep the texture perfect and prevents sogginess. You can freeze the nuggets for up to a month – just be sure to label and date them.

Freezing and Storing Leftovers:

• Storage: Store any leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until hot. Arrange them in a single layer so they cook evenly.
• Freezing Before Baking: Lay the chicken nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 1 hour until solid. After that, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, making sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

More Chicken Recipes You Might Like:

• Oven Fried Chicken with Honey Mustard Glaze
• Parmesan Lemon Chicken
• Nashville Hot Chicken
• Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan
• Easy Chicken Shawarma

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make cornflake crumbs?
You can make cornflake crumbs by either using a food processor or placing cornflakes in a gallon Ziploc bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. This method gives you the perfect texture!

Can I substitute something for cornflake crumbs?
While cornflake crumbs are the secret to that golden, crispy coating, you can use Panko breadcrumbs if needed. However, the texture won’t be quite the same.

How do I store leftovers?
Leftover nuggets can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

Can I reheat these in an air fryer?
Yes, you can! Reheat in the air fryer at 400°F for 2-4 minutes, flipping halfway through. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Are these nuggets freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked chicken nuggets for up to 1 month. Just make sure to freeze them before baking.