These are the BEST crispy baked chicken nuggets you’ll ever make! This delicious, healthy chicken nuggets recipe takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish and uses simple ingredients like panko breadcrumbs, chicken breast and spices. Serve with honey mustard, ketchup or your favorite BBQ sauce. Kid-friendly and adult approved!.
I got a burn on my belly when I was pregnant thanks to these healthy baked chicken nuggets. Remember when I was pregnant with Sidney? I was making this recipe in a crop top when my 9-month-old belly hit the HOT baking sheet. The scar is still there, which is one reason I’ll always remember making these tasty little tender bites.
Another reason I love them? Tony said they’re officially his favorite chicken nuggets. He couldn’t stop raving about them. And that’s saying a lot considering he basically lived off fast food for a few years post-college.
Chicken nuggets are a beloved comfort food for both kids and adults alike. When cooked just right in the oven, they can be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. But getting the oven time just right is key to achieving nugget perfection. Keep reading to find out exactly how long chicken nuggets need to bake.
The Ideal Oven Temperature and Time
The optimal oven temperature for baking chicken nuggets is 400°F. This high heat helps the breading on the outside get brown and crisp.
As for time, 10-15 minutes is typically needed for most chicken nuggets. However always refer to the package instructions as your primary guide, as sizes and thicknesses can vary between brands. Frozen nuggets will take a little longer than thawed.
Here are some general oven timing guidelines based on a 400°F oven:
- Small frozen nuggets: 15-18 minutes
- Large frozen nuggets: 18-20 minutes
- Small thawed nuggets: 12-15 minutes
- Large thawed nuggets: 15-18 minutes
No matter what the package says, always use an instant-read thermometer to make sure the food is done. The internal temperature of cooked chicken should reach 165°F.
Factors That Influence Cooking Time
Several factors can impact just how long chicken nuggets need to cook in the oven:
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Nugget size and thickness – Larger and thicker nuggets will require more time than smaller thinner ones.
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Oven accuracy – Ovens can vary in how accurately they hold a set temperature. Using an oven thermometer is recommended.
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Nugget temperature – Frozen nuggets take longer than thawed or room temp nuggets.
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Crowding the pan – Too many nuggets crowded together can steam instead of brown. Leave space between each for airflow.
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Oven hot spots – All ovens have spots that run hotter or cooler. Rotate pans halfway through cooking.
Knowing these factors can help troubleshoot any oven timing issues.
Getting the Perfect Crispiness
Beyond just cook time, there are several tricks you can use to get the perfect crispy baked chicken nuggets:
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Use a baking rack. This will raise the nuggets off the pan, letting more air flow through and making them crispier.
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Preheat properly – Allow the oven to fully preheat before cooking.
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Lightly coat with oil – Brushing with a small amount of olive or avocado oil boosts browning.
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Don’t overcrowd – Leave space between each nugget to prevent steaming.
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Flip halfway – Flipping halfway through ensures even cooking on both sides.
How to Tell When Nuggets Are Fully Cooked
Visually, you’ll know they’re done when the breading is golden brown. But the best way to confirm doneness is by using an instant-read thermometer.
Insert the probe into the center or thickest part of a nugget, avoiding any breaded exterior. Let it sit for 15-20 seconds to get an accurate read. The internal temperature should read 165°F. If not, return to the oven for a few more minutes until done.
The nuggets should also feel firm when you cut or bite into one. If there is any pink color visible on the inside or the texture seems undercooked, they need a bit longer.
Trusting the thermometer over appearance is always the safest route to prevent undercooked chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook frozen chicken nuggets in the oven?
Yes, frozen nuggets can absolutely be cooked in the oven! Just extend the bake time by a few minutes and verify temperature. Never thaw before baking.
What temperature should I bake chicken nuggets?
400°F is ideal. High enough to crisp and brown without overcooking.
Should I flip chicken nuggets when baking?
It’s recommended to flip halfway through for even browning and cooking on both sides.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
Check internal temp with a thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F. Also look for golden brown breading and firm texture.
Can I use foil instead of a baking sheet?
Yes, but your nuggets may brown less evenly. A baking rack on a sheet pan is best.
How long do baked nuggets last in the fridge?
Cooked chicken nuggets keep 3-4 days stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
The Takeaway
You can make perfectly crispy chicken nuggets at home if you set up your oven and time it right. Heat up the oven, make sure the pan isn’t too full, use a baking rack, and always use a thermometer to make sure the food is done. In most cases, 10-15 minutes at 400°F does the trick. Follow these tips for the ideal crunch!.
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Ingredients in baked chicken nuggets
Not only is this healthy baked chicken nuggets recipe quick to make, dairy free, perfectly spiced and requires minimal ingredients that you might even have in your kitchen right now! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken: I cut chicken breast into 1-inch cubes and remove the bones and skin.
- With panko breadcrumbs, the outside of the chicken nuggets gets nice and crispy. To keep the nuggets gluten-free, it’s easy to use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- Olive oil cooking spray: this is also a key part of getting the outside crispy. You’ll learn why below.
- A little cayenne pepper (if you like your food spicy) and onion powder give these chicken nuggets their flavor. Salt and garlic powder finish them off.
- Eggs I used almond milk to keep the recipe dairy free!.
- Dips: For dipping, use any sauce you like, like honey mustard (try making your own with this recipe!), ketchup, or your favorite BBQ sauce.
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What can I say — they’re truly the BEST healthy chicken nuggets ever.
When I tried this recipe for the first time, I couldn’t believe how crispy and tasty these chicken nuggets were. The seasoning is based off my paleo chicken tenders (which I LOVE) but this time I was going for a version that was a little crunchier and one that could even give Chick-Fil-A a run for its money.
The results were FANTASTIC. Seriously tender. So flavorful. Crispy. Perfectly dippable. Outrageously good. ALL THE ADJECTIVES.
