Print

Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe with Easy Honey Mustard Sauce

crispy baked chicken nuggets - featured image
Print Recipe

These crispy baked chicken nuggets deliver a golden crunch without frying, paired perfectly with a tangy honey mustard dipping sauce. A healthier, fuss-free comfort food ideal for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into nugget-sized pieces
  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Olive oil spray
  • For the Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce:
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top if available.
  2. Prepare the coating stations: In one bowl, combine flour with ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and ½ tsp smoked paprika. In a second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In a third bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and the remaining smoked paprika.
  3. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to help the coating stick better.
  4. Coat the chicken pieces by dredging each in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess, then dipping into the beaten eggs, letting extra drip off. Press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat all sides. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps once more.
  5. Arrange the coated nuggets evenly on the wire rack, leaving space between pieces.
  6. Lightly spray the nuggets with olive oil spray to help achieve a golden, crispy finish.
  7. Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully flip each nugget and spray again with olive oil spray. Bake for another 10-12 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C) and golden brown.
  8. While baking, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust to taste.
  9. Serve the nuggets warm with the honey mustard dipping sauce.

Notes

Dry chicken pieces before coating to help breading stick. Use panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan for extra crunch and flavor. Olive oil spray is key for golden color without frying. Flip nuggets halfway through baking for even crispiness. Can broil 1-2 minutes for extra crisp but watch closely to avoid burning. Sauce can be made ahead. Refrigerate coated nuggets up to 4 hours before baking. Reheat leftovers in oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken nuggets, crispy chicken nuggets, honey mustard sauce, healthy chicken nuggets, easy dinner, kid-friendly, baked chicken

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/crispy-baked-chicken-nuggets-recipe-with-easy-honey-mustard-sauce/