A thin crunchy coating keeps the chicken moist and tender in these Healthy Baked Chicken Nuggets!
Wow Your Kids with Baked Nuggets
These Baked Chicken Nuggets taste so much like the ones we get from our favorite fast food restaurant–but without all the grease! Y’all, these nuggets are awesome! Awesomely easy and oh so tasty! The thin crunchy coating keeps the chicken moist and tender making them simply irresistible.
A Healthy Dinner for Picky Eaters
When I first made these, Baker was convinced that I went through the drive-thru to get them and was a little bummed that he didn’t get a free toy. He seemed pretty surprised and very impressed that I made them. I have to admit, I’m pretty impressed myself. They turned out way tastier than I had imagined. I’m pretty sure I’ll be keeping these stocked for quick and healthy lunches and dinners. The best part? Very minimal prep is required to get these little nuggets into the oven.
More Baked-Not-Fried Favorites
- Baked Sweet Potato Fries: Crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, they are a flavorful, fresh and healthier alternative to plain old French fries.
- Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Wings: Crispy sweet and tangy with a simple honey mustard glaze and sauce for dipping. So great for game day!
- Easy Baked Tortilla Chips: So much healthier and great for dipping or making nachos!
- Baked Pizza Taquitos: Super easy and make for a great weeknight dinner that the whole family will love!
What Do I Need to Make Baked Chicken Nuggets?
- Boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- Parmesan ranch salad dressing
- All-purpose or whole wheat flour
- Panko plain crispy bread crumbs
- Garlic salt
- Cooking spray
- Sheet pan
How to Make Healthy Baked Chicken Nuggets
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and set a cooling rack on top of it. Spray the cooling rack generously with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the ranch dressing in a shallow bowl. Add chicken pieces and turn to coat.
- Combine the flour, panko and garlic salt in a large reseaslable bag. Using a fork, transfer the chicken from the bowl to the bag. Seal the bag with some air still in it and shake until each piece is evenly coated. Place chicken on the prepared rack and spray evenly with non-stick cooking spray.
- Bake until coating starts to crisp and brown, about 25 minutes.
What to Serve with Baked Chicken Nuggets
- Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese: One of our favorite weeknight meals, this easy cheesy meal can be on the dinner table in less than 30 minutes.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Plenty of butter, just the right amount of seasoning and a secret ingredient make these mashed potatoes the stuff comfort food dreams are made of.
- Broccoli Salad: Crispy, crunchy, subtly sweet and a bit salty, too, it’s so satisfying and delicious, it will make a broccoli lover out of even the most reluctant veggie eater.
How to Store Baked Chicken Nuggets
Store leftover chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Make baked nuggets in advance and freeze them! To freeze, allow to cool completely after baking. Then place in the freezer in a single layer on a sheet pan or platter until just frozen. Remove from pan and place in a sealed container or baggie to return to the freezer for up to 2 months.
To reheat, place in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake in the middle rack of the oven at 400 for about 10-15 minutes.
What’d I tell you? Super easy, right? Now all you have to do is dip and devour! If you make these Healthy Baked Chicken Nuggets, be sure to snap a picture and share it with me or tag me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see. 😍 I love seeing how inspired and creative y’all get with the recipes I share. Enjoy!
xoxo,
Baked Chicken Nuggets
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 6
- Category: Main
Description
A thin crunchy coating keeps the chicken moist and tender in these healthy little nuggets!
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1/4 cup parmesan ranch salad dressing
- 1/2 cup all-purpose or whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup panko plain crispy bread crumbs
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and set a cooling rack on top of it. Spray the cooling rack generously with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the ranch dressing in a shallow bowl. Add chicken pieces and turn to coat.
- Combine the flour, panko and garlic salt in a large reseaslable bag. Using a fork, transfer the chicken from the bowl to the bag. Seal the bag with some air still in it and shake until each piece is evenly coated. Place chicken on the prepared rack and spray evenly with non-stick cooking spray.
- Bake until coating starts to crisp and brown, about 25 minutes.
What can I use on the baked chicken nuggets instead of chicken Parmesan salad dressing.
Hi, Debra. You can use any kind of ranch dressing you want.
I cant wait to give it a try because with the other recipes I have tried I have never regretted , am sure will enjoy the food. Thank you.