Introduction

These Baked Buffalo Chicken Nuggets offer a flavorful and healthier twist on classic fried nuggets. Coated in a spicy buffalo sauce and a crispy breadcrumb mixture, they make a perfect snack or meal for buffalo lovers. Baking instead of frying keeps them lighter without sacrificing any of the bold taste.

Baked Buffalo Chicken Nuggets Recipe - Recipe Image

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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425˚F.
Step 2: Trim any fat from the chicken breasts, then cut them into 1.5-inch pieces.
Step 3: In one dish, whisk together the melted butter and hot sauce. In a separate dish, combine the Italian bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 4: Toss the chicken pieces in the hot sauce mixture until they are fully coated. Then, dredge them in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure each piece is covered evenly.
Step 5: Lightly grease or spray a baking sheet, then arrange the chicken pieces on it, spacing them at least 1/2 inch apart. Use two baking sheets if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
Step 6: Bake the nuggets for 8-12 minutes total. Start on the lower oven rack for 4-5 minutes, then transfer to the upper rack for another 4-5 minutes. For extra crispiness, broil the nuggets for 2-4 minutes at the end of baking.

Tips & Variations

For milder nuggets, reduce the amount of hot sauce or use a milder brand.
Substitute Italian bread crumbs with panko for an even crunchier texture.
Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a cool contrast to the spicy nuggets.
To keep nuggets warm and crispy, place them on a wire rack while baking and after cooking.

Storage

Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated 375˚F oven for 8-10 minutes or until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make them 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 or fully thawed chicken breasts. Using frozen chicken can affect cooking time and may result in uneven cooking.

How do I make the nuggets less spicy?

Reduce the amount of hot sauce in the butter mixture or select a mild hot sauce to decrease the heat while maintaining flavor.

Baked Buffalo Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 142 reviews

Crispy and flavorful Baked Buffalo Chicken Nuggets made with tender chicken breast pieces coated in a zesty buffalo sauce and a seasoned breadcrumb mixture, baked to golden perfection for a healthier twist on a classic appetizer.

Author: Nora
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Sauce

2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1.5” pieces
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

Instructions

Preheat oven: Set your oven to 425˚F to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the chicken nuggets to a crispy finish.
Prepare chicken: Trim any fat off the chicken breasts and cut them into approximately 1.5-inch pieces, ensuring even cooking and bite-sized nuggets.
Mix sauces and coating: In a dish, whisk together the melted butter and hot sauce. In a separate bowl, combine the Italian bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder to form the seasoned coating.
Coat chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in the hot sauce mixture, making sure each piece is evenly coated with the buffalo sauce. Then, dredge the sauced chicken in the breadcrumb mixture so that each nugget is fully covered.
Arrange on baking sheet: Lightly grease or spray a baking sheet to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken pieces on the sheet with at least half an inch space between each piece for even cooking. Use two baking sheets if needed to avoid overcrowding.
Bake the nuggets: Bake the chicken nuggets in the preheated oven for a total of 8-12 minutes. Begin by placing the sheet on the lower rack for 4-5 minutes, then move the sheet to the upper rack for another 4-5 minutes to encourage even browning.
Optional broil for crispiness: For extra crispy nuggets, broil the chicken on high for the last 2-4 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Notes

Ensure chicken pieces are cut evenly for uniform cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165˚F for safe consumption.
For a milder version, reduce the amount of hot sauce.
Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
If you prefer gluten-free, substitute Italian bread crumbs with gluten-free crumbs.
Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: buffalo chicken nuggets, baked chicken nuggets, healthy chicken nuggets, appetizer, game day snacks, crispy chicken, buffalo sauce