Baked Chicken Nuggets Crispy Healthy (Print)

Juicy chicken nuggets with a crunchy crust, baked for a lighter, flavorful appetizer or snack.

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken

01 - 450 g boneless chicken breast

→ Buttermilk Brine

02 - 120 ml buttermilk
03 - 0.5 teaspoon fine salt
04 - 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
05 - 0.5 teaspoon paprika
06 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

→ Chicken Coating

07 - 1 large egg
08 - 45 g plain flour

→ Breadcrumb Mixture

09 - 60 g regular breadcrumbs
10 - 60 g panko breadcrumbs
11 - 2 tablespoons neutral oil
12 - 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
13 - 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
15 - 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
16 - 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
17 - 0.5 teaspoon paprika
18 - 0.25 teaspoon fine salt

# Steps:

01 - Slice the chicken breast into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
02 - In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, black pepper, paprika, and Dijon mustard. Add chicken pieces, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours.
03 - Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add both types of breadcrumbs and stir continuously until toasted and golden brown. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
04 - Mix the cooled breadcrumbs with dried thyme, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, and salt. Set aside.
05 - Preheat oven to 190°C. Place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet.
06 - Remove chicken from refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Beat the egg and add it, with flour, to the marinated chicken. Mix until thoroughly coated.
07 - Spread the breadcrumb mixture onto a tray. Using a fork, coat each chicken piece evenly in the breadcrumbs, ensuring a single layer for even coverage.
08 - Place coated chicken pieces on the prepared wire rack, spacing them so they are not touching.
09 - Transfer rack to oven and bake for 12 minutes, or until coating is crisp and internal temperature of the chicken reaches 74°C.
10 - Optionally, sprinkle hot nuggets with a light dusting of Old Bay seasoning before serving.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Marinating the chicken for several hours enhances tenderness and flavour.
02 - Toast the breadcrumbs in oil for extra crunch and depth of flavour.
03 - For a herbaceous note, substitute dried thyme with parsley or Italian seasoning.

Go Back