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Accidentally The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets Ever Recipe

Get ready for a flavor explosion! These crispy baked chicken nuggets were a happy accident, born from experimenting with Chinese restaurant favorites. My picky daughter (a nugget connoisseur!) devoured them, and they're so easy to make. We're using a simplified version of a popular sweet and sour pork marinade (minus extra salt) and a fantastic baking technique from a lemon chicken recipe – resulting in juicy, perfectly seasoned nuggets. These are amazing on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce. Prepare to be amazed!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Calories 195.8 kcal
Protein 58g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Accidentally The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets Ever

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Accidentally The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets Ever

  • Chicken Tenderloins
  • 2 large eggs
  • Cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • Chili Powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray

How to Make Accidentally The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets Ever

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
  2. In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/4 cup water, and 2 large eggs. Add 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces. Marinate for at least 10 minutes (longer is better!).
  3. In a separate bowl or large plastic bag, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon chili powder, and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
  4. Dredge each marinated chicken piece in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
  5. Arrange the coated chicken nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or sprayed with cooking spray.
  6. Generously spray the chicken nuggets with cooking spray.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes at 450°F (232°C), then flip the nuggets and bake for another 15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

9 g

Sugar

0g

Fat

4g

Carbs

3g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Preparation Lunch Snacks Poultry Finger Food Kid Friendly Chicken Dietary Inexpensive Toddler Friendly Meat Presentation