Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you know when chicken nuggets are done in the oven? ›

Allow them to bake for approximately 15-20 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remember to flip them halfway through the cooking process to ensure an even golden-brown crust on both sides.

I like to use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and topped with a wire rack for recipes like this, as it allows for the air in the oven to circulate around the chicken and get crispy. Make sure to spray the wire rack liberally with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Yes! In order to get evenly-crisped nuggets, you'll want to flip them halfway through the total bake time.

Poke the Meat

This method applies to chicken specifically. For properly cooked chicken, if you cut into it and the juices run clear, then the chicken is fully cooked. If the juices are red or have a pinkish color, your chicken may need to be cooked a bit longer.

Preheat oven to 375°F. Place frozen Chicken Nuggets into one layer on a flat baking sheet. Bake for 6 minutes, remove from oven and turn product over. Bake for an additional 6-8 minutes.

Most frozen nuggets are pre cooked, they should be safe to eat without additional cooking. They are not considered a ready to eat food though so the standards they are held to is not as high as something that is sold ready to eat.

This might be happening because you're cooking too many pieces at once, and the cool, uncooked meat is lowering the oil temperature. Patience is key — frying just a few pieces at a time will help ensure each one has the best, crispiest breading possible.

If you eat undercooked chicken, you can get a foodborne illness, also called food poisoning. You can also get sick if you eat other foods or beverages that are contaminated by raw chicken or its juices. CDC estimates that every year in the United States about 1 million people get sick from eating contaminated poultry.

You'll want to use a neutral-tasting oil like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil with a high smoke point. Monitor the temperature with a thermometer, adjusting the heat as necessary. If the oil isn't kept at around 350 degrees Fahrenheit, the breading will absorb excess oil and become soggy.

Chick-fil-A^® Nuggets

Bite-sized pieces of boneless chicken breast, seasoned to perfection, freshly breaded and pressure cooked in 100% refined peanut oil. Available with choice of dipping sauce.

Is it better to cook chicken nuggets in the oven or air fryer? ›

Verdict: The oven and air-fryer methods hands down tied for the win, and they were worth the extra cooking time. While the oven produced a tad juicier nugget, the air fryer created a slightly crispier one, which felt like an even trade off for me and made them equally delicious.

I like to use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for best results. This is the best way to prevent sticking. These nuggets are seasoned simply with salt, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.

Oven or Toaster Oven Method

Place the nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Heat for 10-15 minutes. Halfway through, you might want to flip them for even heating.

It's important to note that chicken should always be cooked thoroughly to a temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to kill any harmful bacteria that may be present.

Tip: Don't Overcook The Nuggets

You don't want them to burn or get dried out. You can always put them back in to cook a little longer, but if you overcook them, you can't go back. The best thing is to cook your nuggets for 10-12 minutes total, then cook a little longer if you feel like you want them a little crispier.

Safely cooked poultry can vary in color from white to pink to tan. For safety when cooking poultry, use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature.