Healthy Oven-Baked Chicken Nuggets

Craving chicken nuggets but want a healthier option? These oven-baked nuggets have a crispy coating and tender inside—without deep frying or processed ingredients. Perfect for picky eaters and busy families, they balance flavor, texture, and health without compromise!

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Recipe

Servings: 8 (about 40 nuggets)

Calories per Serving: ~250 kcal

Total Time: ~45 minutes (15 min prep, 30 min cooking)

Healthy Oven-Baked Chicken Nuggets

Ingredients

For the Chicken Mixture:

• 2 lb chicken breast or thighs

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp mustard powder (optional)

• 2 eggs

• ¼ cup cornstarch

• 4 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)

• 2 tbsp melted butter

• 2 tsp sugar or honey

For the Coating:

• 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

• 4 eggs (beaten, for dredging)

• Butter or tallow (melted, for brushing)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Blend the chicken mixture: In a food processor, blend the chicken, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, mustard powder, 2 eggs, cornstarch, heavy cream, melted butter, and sugar/honey until smooth.

3. Shape the nuggets: Lightly oil your hands and form the mixture into nugget-sized pieces. Place on a plate and freeze for 15 minutes to firm up.

4. Bread the nuggets:

   • Dip each nugget in beaten coating eggs, then coat in breadcrumbs.

   • Place on the prepared baking sheet.

5. Bake the nuggets:

   • Lightly brush or spray with melted butter or tallow.

   • Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

   • For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.

6. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces!

Nutrition Per Serving (5 Nuggets):

• Calories: ~250 kcal

• Protein: ~22g

• Carbs: ~18g

• Fat: ~10g

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze uncooked nuggets on a tray, then transfer to a bag for up to 3 months.

• Reheat: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes or air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.

Ingredients

Blend the chicken mixture

Blend the chicken mixture

Ingredients

Shape the nuggets

Bread the nuggets

Bread the nuggets

Bake the nuggets

Brush with tallow or oil

Bake the nuggets

Turn halfway

Take out of the oven

Serve hot

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Prompt

This one was pretty straightforward, and I even used ChatGPT for grocery list creation. It started with what I wanted to make:

I would love to make healthy homemade chicken nuggets, with bread crumbs. Can you give me a recipe?

ChatGPT provided a recipe:

Yes! Here’s a simple homemade chicken nugget recipe using breadcrumbs, with a crispy texture and great flavor.

Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko for extra crunch)

• ½ cup flour

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp paprika (optional)

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• Butter or tallow for frying

Instructions

1. Set up the breading station:

   • Bowl 1: Flour, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.

   • Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.

   • Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs.

2. Coat the chicken:

   • Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.

   • Dip into the beaten eggs.

   • Coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help them stick.

3. Cook the nuggets:

   • Heat butter or tallow in a skillet over medium heat.

   • Fry the nuggets for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp).

   • Drain on a paper towel.

4. Serve hot! They go great with homemade honey mustard or a simple ketchup dip.

Would you prefer a baked version instead?

I wanted the Costco chicken patty texture, so I asked:

I thought I am supposed to grind chicken and mix with stuff for smooth texture

So it gave me a new recipe:

If you want that smooth, classic fast-food nugget texture, then yes! You’ll need to grind or finely process the chicken and mix it with seasonings before shaping. Here’s a homemade chicken nugget recipe with a smooth texture:

Smooth-Texture Chicken Nuggets

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 1 egg

• ¼ cup flour or cornstarch

• 2 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for extra tenderness)

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (for coating)

• 2 eggs (for coating)

• Butter or tallow for frying

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken mixture:

   • Cut chicken into chunks and blend in a food processor until smooth.

   • Mix in salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, flour, and heavy cream.

2. Shape the nuggets:

   • Lightly oil your hands and shape the mixture into nugget-sized pieces.

   • Place on a baking sheet and freeze for about 15 minutes to firm up.

3. Bread the nuggets:

   • Set up a breading station:

     • Bowl 1: Beaten eggs

     • Bowl 2: Breadcrumbs

   • Dip each nugget into egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.

4. Cook the nuggets:

   • Heat butter or tallow in a pan over medium heat.

   • Fry nuggets for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp).

   • Drain on paper towels.

This gives you that smooth, tender inside with a crispy outside! Want a baked or air-fried version?

I decided I want to make it a little better than the standard straightforward approach, for my own version and not a generic one:

Can you slightly elevated the taste while keeping it children and picky eaters friendly?

ChatGPT said it can be done:

Yes! You can subtly boost the flavor without making the nuggets too "fancy" for picky eaters. Here are some tweaks to elevate them while keeping them kid-friendly:

Upgraded Smooth-Texture Chicken Nuggets

What’s Enhanced?

• Parmesan in the coating – Adds depth without being too "cheesy."

• A dash of mustard powder – Adds a subtle umami boost.

• A touch of butter in the mix – Enhances moisture and flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp mustard powder (optional, but great for depth)

• 1 egg

• 2 tbsp flour or cornstarch

• 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk

• 1 tbsp melted butter

For the Coating:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan (not too much to keep it mild)

• 2 eggs (for dredging)

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken mixture:

   • Blend chicken in a food processor until smooth.

   • Mix in salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, mustard powder, flour, heavy cream, and melted butter.

2. Shape the nuggets:

   • Lightly oil your hands and shape the mixture into nugget-sized pieces.

   • Place on a baking sheet and freeze for about 15 minutes to firm up.

3. Bread the nuggets:

   • Set up a breading station:

     • Bowl 1: Beaten eggs

     • Bowl 2: Breadcrumbs + Parmesan

   • Dip each nugget into egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.

4. Cook the nuggets:

   • Heat butter or tallow in a pan over medium heat.

   • Fry for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp).

   • Drain on paper towels.

Why These Changes Work

• Parmesan in the breadcrumbs adds umami without making it taste like cheese.

• Mustard powder gives a subtle, savory boost that kids won’t detect.

• Butter in the mix keeps the inside juicy.

Would you like a baked or air-fried version instead?

Now I decided I want to go grocery shopping so I asked it for help because I am lazy:

Create a shopping list, arranged by department at grocery store. I do not want Parmesan in the crumbs

And it did:

Here’s your shopping list organized by grocery store sections, with Parmesan removed from the coating.

🛒 Grocery Store Shopping List

Meat

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs

Dairy

• 3 eggs

• 2 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)

• 1 tbsp butter

Baking & Dry Goods

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp mustard powder (optional)

• 2 tbsp flour or cornstarch

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

Cooking Oils & Fats

• Butter or tallow (for frying)

Would you like any suggestions for brands or ingredient swaps?

I decided I don't want to deep fry so I asked:

No but can I air fry or bake them for more healthy version?

It said of course:

Yes! Here’s how to air-fry or bake them for a healthier version while keeping them crispy.

Air-Fried Chicken Nuggets

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

2. Lightly spray nuggets with melted butter or cooking oil.

3. Cook in a single layer for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and internal temp is 165°F (74°C).

Baked Chicken Nuggets

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Place nuggets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly spray or brush with melted butter.

3. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and fully cooked.

For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs and give them a quick broil (1–2 minutes) at the end.

Would you prefer the air-fried or baked method?

I wanted to know about servings:

How many nuggets does this create? And servings?

It answered:

This recipe makes about 20 nuggets, depending on size. That’s 4 servings, assuming 5 nuggets per person.

If you want more, you can easily double the recipe! Would you like me to adjust the ingredient amounts for a larger batch?

So I decided to double, and also requested a new grocery shopping list:

Yes let's double. And then relist the grocery list

It provided:

Here’s the doubled recipe along with an updated grocery list for a larger batch.

Doubled Chicken Nugget Recipe

(Makes about 40 nuggets, serves 8 people)

Ingredients

• 2 lb chicken breast or thighs

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp mustard powder (optional)

• 2 eggs (for the mixture)

• ¼ cup flour or cornstarch

• 4 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)

• 2 tbsp melted butter

For the Coating:

• 2 cups breadcrumbs

• 4 eggs (for dredging)

• Butter or tallow (for air frying, baking, or pan frying)

🛒 Updated Grocery Store Shopping List

Meat

• 2 lb chicken breast or thighs

Dairy

• 6 eggs

• 4 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)

• 2 tbsp butter

Baking & Dry Goods

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp mustard powder (optional)

• ¼ cup flour or cornstarch

• 2 cups breadcrumbs

Cooking Oils & Fats

• Butter or tallow (for frying or brushing)

This should give you plenty of nuggets! Let me know if you need any tweaks.

I really wanted it to taste like the fast food nuggets, for the sake of my picky eaters:

The nuggets at fast food chain are usually slightly sweet and salty, right?

So it made a few update suggestions:

Yes! Fast food nuggets usually have a balance of salt, umami, and a hint of sweetness to make them extra craveable. The slight sweetness often comes from cornstarch, sugar, or a touch of honey in the batter.

If you want to mimic that:

• Add 1 tsp of sugar or honey to the chicken mixture.

• Use cornstarch instead of flour for a lighter, crispier bite.

Would you like me to adjust the recipe to include this tweak?

So I requested update and new shopping list:

Yup. And then grocery list

ChatGPT wrote it again with the updates:

Here’s the updated recipe with a slight sweetness to mimic fast-food nuggets, followed by the revised grocery list.

Fast-Food Style Chicken Nuggets (Doubled Batch)

(Makes about 40 nuggets, serves 8 people)

Ingredients

• 2 lb chicken breast or thighs

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp mustard powder (optional)

• 2 eggs (for the mixture)

• ¼ cup cornstarch (for a lighter texture)

• 4 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)

• 2 tbsp melted butter

• 2 tsp sugar or honey (for slight sweetness)

For the Coating:

• 2 cups breadcrumbs

• 4 eggs (for dredging)

• Butter or tallow (for air frying, baking, or pan frying)

🛒 Updated Grocery Store Shopping List

Meat

• 2 lb chicken breast or thighs

Dairy

• 6 eggs

• 4 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)

• 2 tbsp butter

Baking & Dry Goods

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp mustard powder (optional)

• ¼ cup cornstarch

• 2 tsp sugar or honey

• 2 cups breadcrumbs

Cooking Oils & Fats

• Butter or tallow (for frying or brushing)

This will give you that classic salty-sweet nugget flavor! Let me know if you need any more tweaks.

I requested updated recipe plus estimate of time (it was getting a little late and wanted to make sure I have enough time):

Can you please rewrite the recipe only, with updated instructions, for oven method, and how much time in total to make?

It provided an updated recipe:

Fast-Food Style Baked Chicken Nuggets

(Makes about 40 nuggets, serves 8 people)⏱ Total Time: ~45 minutes (15 min prep, 30 min cooking)

Ingredients

• 2 lb chicken breast or thighs

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp mustard powder (optional)

• 2 eggs

• ¼ cup cornstarch

• 4 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)

• 2 tbsp melted butter

• 2 tsp sugar or honey

For the Coating:

• 2 cups breadcrumbs

• 4 eggs (beaten, for dredging)

• Butter or tallow (melted, for brushing)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Make the chicken mixture:

   • Blend chicken in a food processor until smooth.

   • Mix in salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, mustard powder, cornstarch, heavy cream, melted butter, and sugar/honey.

3. Shape the nuggets:

   • Lightly oil your hands and form the mixture into nugget-sized pieces.

   • Place on a plate and freeze for 15 minutes to firm up.

4. Bread the nuggets:

   • Dip each nugget in beaten eggs, then coat in breadcrumbs.

   • Place on the prepared baking sheet.

5. Bake the nuggets:

   • Lightly brush or spray with melted butter or tallow.

   • Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

   • For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.

6. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces!

Would you like air-fryer instructions as well?

I am pretty sure it left some ingredients out of the instructions, so I asked:

I see 2 eggs for the chicken and 4 for coating? Where do I put the first 2? Can't I just blend everything except for coating ingredients in food processor in one step?

Please scroll to the top or click the link below to see the final recipe.

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