Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- ½ cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or oil, for baking
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Set Up the Breading Station
- In one bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a second bowl, place the beaten eggs.
- In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
3. Coat the Chicken
- Take a chicken piece and coat it in the flour mixture.
- Dip it into the beaten eggs.
- Roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing to coat evenly.
4. Shape the Nuggets
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the nuggets.
- If shaping by hand, form small heart shapes with your fingers.
- Place shaped nuggets on the prepared baking sheet and spray lightly with oil.
5. Bake the Nuggets
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and fully cooked.
6. Serve
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Notes
- Air Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture.
- Cheesy Nuggets: Mix grated Parmesan into the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking (Air Fryer Option Available)
- Cuisine: American
