Panko Chicken Nuggets

Crispy, juicy, and delicious. Baked to perfection and made with real chicken breast, this is the best recipe for homemade panko chicken nuggets.

This post may contain affiliate links.

These panko chicken nuggets are everything you want in a nugget — crispy, baked, and completely homemade. They come out golden and crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and taste way better than anything from the freezer aisle.

This recipe skips the deep fryer but keeps all the texture and flavor you’re craving. It’s a healthier, high-protein spin on a classic that’s easy enough for weeknights and fun enough for all ages. Scroll down for the full recipe and tips for the perfect crisp.

Why you’ll love this dietitian-made recipe

1. Crispy without deep frying. These panko chicken nuggets bake up golden and crunchy — no oil baths required. You get that satisfying crisp with less mess and fewer calories.
2. High-protein and full of flavor. Say goodbye to dry, boring chicken. These nuggets are juicy, packed with protein, and actually fun to eat.
3. Made with real ingredients. Chicken breast, eggs, parmesan, and pantry spices come together for a wholesome dinner that’s easy, healthy, and family-approved.

Ingredients in homemade panko chicken nuggets

Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and detailed recipe.

• Boneless and skinless chicken breasts: This recipe for baked panko chicken nuggets uses cubed, whole chicken breast instead of ground chicken. You can use two large breasts or three medium — you’ll have enough breadcrumbs either way.
• Panko breadcrumbs: You could also use regular breadcrumbs, but your nuggets won’t be as crispy and textured.
• Finely grated parmesan: You’ll mix parmesan with panko for the coating on your nuggets. I recommended the finely grated (almost powdered) parmesan cheese from the deli counter instead of freshly grated. It’s a little saltier and will distribute better.
• Seasonings: You’ll use salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a little cayenne pepper to season your breadcrumbs. Your nuggets will have some very subtle heat, but they won’t be spicy.
• Eggs: Eggs help coat your nuggets and help the breadcrumbs stick.
• Cooking spray: Cooking spray helps coat the panko chicken nuggets in a thin coating of oil so they get crispy in the oven. You can use canola oil spray, avocado oil spray (my fave), or olive oil spray.

How to make crispy baked panko chicken nuggets

Step 1: Whisk panko and parmesan with seasonings in a shallow bowl.

Step 2: Whisk eggs in another small bowl.

Step 3: Use a fork to dip chicken in egg and let the excess drip off.

Step 4: Use another fork to toss in breadcrumbs.

Step 5: Place panko chicken nuggets on lined sheet tray and spray generously with cooking spray.

Step 6: Bake for 16-20 minutes until nuggets are crispy and golden. Flip halfway and again after baking.

How to serve panko chicken nuggets

These baked nuggets work as a protein for any meal you love. Serve them on top of salads for lunch, with baked fries and chopped veggies for dinner, or as a protein-packed snack on-the-go.

I also recommend pairing with a dip — Ketchup, honey mustard, and Greek yogurt ranch work great.

Storage and re-heating

• To store: Let your nuggets cool before transferring to a food storage container or freezer-safe bag.
• Fridge: Store for up to four days.
• Freezer: Panko chicken nuggets can be frozen for up to three months. Bake fully before freezing.
• Re-heating: These nuggets are delicious fresh, cold, and re-heated. For the best crisp, re-heat in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 400 F. You could also re-heat them in a hot oven or microwave, but be careful not to over-cook.

Top tips

1. Use deli parmesan. You’ll get the best flavor and texture with the really finely grated, almost powdered parmesan from the deli counter.
2. Use cooking spray generously. An even and generous coating of cooking spray is essential for crispy and crunchy chicken nuggets.
3. Don’t over-cook. Chicken breasts can easily dry out and become rubbery if they’re cooked too long. Use an instant read thermometer to check that they’re cooked through.

More healthy dinner ideas

Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Pasta
One-Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Noodles
Baked Taco Cups
Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash
Sweet Potato Burger Bowls
Lazy High Protein Lasagna

Common questions