Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Nuggets
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
These Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Nuggets are a delightful twist on the classic chicken nugget, combining sweet and savory flavors that are sure to please everyone.
Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Nuggets are a family favorite that combines the irresistible taste of honey garlic sauce with tender chicken. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun meal with friends, these nuggets are both healthy and delicious.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside
- Sweet and savory glaze that enhances the chicken flavor
- Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep
The Perfect Family Meal
These Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Nuggets are not just a hit with kids; they appeal to adults too! The balance of sweet and savory makes them an excellent choice for family dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings. Serve them with a side of veggies or a fresh salad, and you've got a well-rounded meal that everyone will enjoy.
The ease of preparation means you can whip these up quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or adventurous foodies, these nuggets are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Meal Prep Made Easy
One of the greatest benefits of this recipe is its meal prep potential. You can make a large batch of these chicken nuggets and store them for later use. Simply bake a double batch and freeze the extras. When you're ready to eat, just reheat them in the oven for a quick and delicious meal.
These nuggets also hold up well in the refrigerator. You can enjoy them as leftovers for lunch or dinner, making your meal prep days even easier. Just pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty snack or light meal.
Customizing Your Nuggets
Feel free to customize these chicken nuggets to suit your taste preferences. Add spices to the breadcrumb mixture or incorporate grated cheese for an extra flavor boost. If you're looking for a healthier option, consider using whole wheat breadcrumbs for added nutrition.
You can also experiment with different sauces. If honey garlic isn't your favorite, try a teriyaki glaze or buffalo sauce for a spicy kick. The versatility of this recipe allows you to create a variety of flavors without changing the fundamental steps.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Nuggets
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Nuggets
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In one bowl, mix breadcrumbs with salt and pepper. In another bowl, place the flour. In a third bowl, beat the egg.
Dip each chicken piece into the flour, then the egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Place the coated nuggets on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the Nuggets
Bake the chicken nuggets in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway through.
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, cornstarch, and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
Combine and Serve
Once the chicken nuggets are baked, drizzle or toss them in the honey garlic sauce. Serve warm and enjoy!
Storage Tips
To keep your chicken nuggets fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Lay the baked nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through. This method will help maintain their crispy texture.
Serving Suggestions
These Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Nuggets pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with homemade coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
For dipping sauces, you can stick with the honey garlic sauce, but ranch, barbecue, or even a spicy sriracha mayo are great alternatives. These options will elevate your serving experience and cater to different tastes.
Nutritional Benefits
Chicken breast is a lean protein that provides essential nutrients while keeping calories in check. This makes baked chicken nuggets a healthier alternative to their fried counterparts, making them suitable for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.
Additionally, the honey and garlic in the sauce not only enhance flavor but also offer health benefits. Honey is known for its antioxidant properties, while garlic has been linked to various health benefits, including improved heart health and immune support.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these chicken nuggets ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the nuggets and freeze them before baking. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
→ What can I serve with these chicken nuggets?
These nuggets pair well with a side of vegetables, fries, or a fresh salad. The honey garlic sauce also makes a great dip.
→ Can I use other meats for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use turkey, pork, or even fish. Adjust the cooking time as necessary depending on the meat used.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Nuggets
These Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Nuggets are a delightful twist on the classic chicken nugget, combining sweet and savory flavors that are sure to please everyone.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken Nuggets
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In one bowl, mix breadcrumbs with salt and pepper. In another bowl, place the flour. In a third bowl, beat the egg.
Dip each chicken piece into the flour, then the egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Place the coated nuggets on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the chicken nuggets in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway through.
In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, cornstarch, and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
Once the chicken nuggets are baked, drizzle or toss them in the honey garlic sauce. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 25g