Baked Buffalo Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Introduction

Baked Buffalo Chicken Nuggets are a flavorful and healthier twist on the classic fried version. Coated in a spicy buffalo sauce and crispy breadcrumb mixture, these nuggets are perfect for a snack or meal. Enjoy the bold taste without the extra oil.

Ingredients

• 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
• 3 tbsp hot sauce
• 2 tbsp butter (melted)
• 2/3 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425˚F.
2. Step 2: Trim any fat from the chicken breasts and cut them into 1.5-inch pieces.
3. Step 3: In a dish, whisk together the melted butter and hot sauce. In another dish, combine the bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. Step 4: Toss the chicken pieces in the hot sauce mixture until evenly coated, then coat them thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Step 5: Lightly grease or spray a baking sheet. Arrange the chicken pieces on the sheet, spacing them at least 1/2 inch apart. Use two baking sheets if needed to avoid overcrowding.
6. Step 6: Bake on the lower rack for 4-5 minutes, then move the baking sheet to the upper rack and bake for another 4-5 minutes. For extra crispiness, broil the nuggets for 2-4 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, reduce the hot sauce or substitute with a mild buffalo sauce.
• Use panko bread crumbs instead of Italian bread crumbs for an even crunchier texture.
• Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a classic buffalo combo.

Storage

Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated 375˚F oven for 8-10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh chicken breasts and cut them before baking. If using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw completely and pat dry to help the coating stick properly.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute the Italian bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs and ensure the hot sauce and other ingredients do not contain gluten.

Baked Buffalo Chicken Nuggets Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 60 reviews

• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (approximately 16-20 nuggets) 1x

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Description

These Baked Buffalo Chicken Nuggets are a deliciously spicy and crispy appetizer made with tender chicken breast pieces coated in a zesty hot sauce and breadcrumb mixture, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for game day or a tasty snack, they offer the classic buffalo flavor with a healthier twist by baking instead of frying.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast

Sauce

• 3 tbsp hot sauce
• 2 tbsp butter (melted)

Coating

• 2/3 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it is hot enough to cook the chicken nuggets quickly and get them crispy.
2. Prepare Chicken: Trim any fat off the boneless skinless chicken breasts, then cut the breasts into 1.5 inch pieces for even cooking and manageable nugget size.
3. Make Sauce Mixture: In a dish, whisk together melted butter and hot sauce until well combined to create a flavorful coating for the chicken pieces.
4. Combine Coating Ingredients: In a separate dish, mix Italian bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder to prepare the seasoned crumb mixture for extra flavor and crunch.
5. Coat Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in the hot sauce and butter mixture until evenly coated, then dredge them in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating.
6. Arrange Nuggets: Lightly grease or spray a baking sheet to prevent sticking, then lay the coated chicken nuggets on the sheet spaced at least 1/2 inch apart. Use two baking sheets if needed to avoid overcrowding.
7. Bake Nuggets: Place the baking sheet on the lower rack of the oven and bake for 4-5 minutes. Then move the sheet to the upper rack and bake for another 4-5 minutes to cook the nuggets through and start crisping the coating.
8. Optional Broil: For extra crispiness, broil the chicken nuggets for the last 2-4 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning, until the coating is golden and crunchy.

Notes

• Make sure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
• Use a wire rack on the baking sheet for even crispier results.
• Adjust hot sauce quantity to your preferred spice level.
• Remaining nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
• Broiling is optional but recommended for a crispier texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: buffalo chicken nuggets, baked chicken nuggets, spicy chicken nuggets, appetizer, game day recipes, buffalo sauce