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Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets: Best Freezer Batch for School Lunch

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These easy baked chicken nuggets are a freezer-friendly, healthier alternative to store-bought nuggets. Perfect for school lunches, they stay tender and crispy even after reheating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces and place in a medium bowl.
  3. Pour buttermilk over chicken, toss to coat, and let soak for at least 15 minutes (up to 30 minutes).
  4. In a shallow bowl, combine panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine.
  5. Set up assembly line: buttermilk-soaked chicken, panko mixture, and prepared baking sheets.
  6. Using tongs, pick up a piece of chicken, let excess buttermilk drip off, then coat in panko mixture, pressing gently. Place on baking sheet. Repeat with remaining chicken, leaving 1/2 inch between nuggets.
  7. Lightly spray tops of nuggets with olive oil spray.
  8. Bake for 12 minutes, flip nuggets, then bake for another 10-12 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Transfer nuggets to a wire rack and cool completely (at least 30 minutes).
  10. For freezing: Arrange cooled nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. Label with date. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

The buttermilk soak is crucial for tender nuggets. Do not skip it. For gluten-free, use gluten-free panko or crushed pork rinds. For dairy-free, use almond milk with lemon juice instead of buttermilk and omit Parmesan (add extra panko and nutritional yeast). Flash freezing prevents nuggets from clumping together.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken nuggets, freezer meal, school lunch, healthy chicken nuggets, homemade nuggets

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