Healthy Homemade Chicken Nuggets (Baked, Crispy & Kid Approved)
If you’re looking for a healthier version of the classic chicken nugget, these homemade baked chicken nuggets are a simple solution. Made with real chicken and baked instead of fried, they come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Unlike many store-bought nuggets, homemade versions skip the fillers and additives. Baking them keeps the recipe lighter while still delivering the crunchy texture everyone loves.
This recipe has become a favorite in our kitchen — especially for busy weeknights when you want something quick, wholesome, and kid-approved. They go great with Homemade French Fries as well.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Baked instead of fried
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Kid-friendly and freezer friendly
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Perfect for lunches or quick dinners
What to Serve with Chicken Nuggets
These pair well with:
- roasted potatoes
- garden salad
- homemade fries
- steamed vegetables
Dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue are always popular choices.
Ingredients:
1 to 2 lbs Chicken Breasts cut into chunks
4 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Cup Breadcrumbs
4 Tbsp Parmesan/Cheddar Finely Grated Cheese
Salt & Pepper 1 tsp each
Directions:
- Pour 1 Tbsp olive oil on a baking sheet
- Pour 3 Tbsp olive oil (you may need more depending on qty of chicken) into a bowl
- Mix breadcrumbs, 1 tsp each of S&P, and cheese together in a separate bowl
- Dip chicken chunks one by one into olive oil than coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pushing lightly on each side. Place onto prepared baking sheet. TIP: Use one hand for the olive oil/chicken and the other for the bread crumbs to keep your fingers from becoming club fingers all loaded up and wasting the gunk.
- When all the chicken is done place in a preheated 425 ° F Oven for 15 minutes, then flip over (note: if they do not easily flip they are not ready to flip) bake for approx. another 5 -10 minutes. Please keep watch depending on your oven and how large you cut the chunks.
Save this Healthy Homemade Chicken Nuggets recipe for later on Pinterest!
To FREEZE: After following all the directions above, allow to cool and place on a tray in a single layer. Flash freeze the nuggets by placing in the freezer for several hours or overnight. Remove and place into a bag with a seal like a ziploc bag. Remove from freezer and bake as above.
How to Make Breadcrumbs: Loaf of bread or saved up ends/butts/rolls, etc (I save in the freezer until I get enough) Rip or chop up into large chunks/slices and place on a baking sheet in 325° for 30 minutes (can be much longer time depending on size/ frozen) make sure everything is completely dry. Place in a food processor or smash with a meat mallet. Place in a half gallon jar with a lid and you’ll have breadcrumbs whenever you need them! They never seem to go stale, yay! I leave them plain until I mix up with spices depending on what I’m making.
