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Baked Buffalo Chicken Nuggets

Baked Buffalo Chicken Nuggets

The ultimate comfort food, Baked Buffalo Chicken Nuggets are crispy, spicy, and oh-so-easy to make! Perfect for game day or a quick snack, these nuggets will satisfy your cravings without the guilt. You can't go wrong with this easy weeknight dinner!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizers, Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 290
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder use ground cayenne to make it hotter
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 6 tbsp whole wheat Italian seasoned breadcrumbs or gluten-free crumbs
  • 1/4 cup panko
  • olive oil spray
  • 2 tbsp Frank's Hot Sauce or your favorite hot sauce
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into 40 small bite sized pieces
  • 4 celery stalks trimmed to 4 inch strips
  • 1/2 cup skinny blue cheese dressing optional

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Frying Pan

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. This temperature will help the nuggets bake evenly and become crispy.
  2. Prepare a baking sheet by spraying it with olive oil spray. This step is crucial to ensure the nuggets don’t stick and get that nice golden color.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
  4. Add whole wheat Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and panko to the spice mixture and toss until everything is well combined. This mixture will create a flavorful coating for your nuggets.
  5. In another medium bowl, pour in Frank's Hot Sauce along with olive oil. Stir to combine, creating a sticky mixture that will help the coating adhere to the chicken pieces.
  6. Take the boneless, skinless chicken breast and cut it into about 40 small bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and are easy to eat.
  7. Dip each piece of chicken into the hot sauce mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well. Place the coated nuggets on the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Once all the chicken pieces are coated, spray the tops generously with olive oil spray. This step will help them crisp up as they bake.
  9. Bake the nuggets in your preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. You want them to be golden brown and cooked through.
  10. After the first baking time, carefully flip the nuggets over and continue baking for another 4 to 5 minutes. They should be crispy on the outside and fully cooked inside.
  11. Once done, remove them from the oven and serve hot with celery sticks and optional blue cheese dressing for dipping. Enjoy!

Notes

After making the nuggets, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
You can freeze the uncooked nuggets. Just arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
Serve with a side of crunchy carrot sticks and a refreshing ranch dressing for dipping.
Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your preference. For a milder version, reduce the hot sauce and add more spices.
Experiment with different types of breadcrumbs, like seasoned panko or gluten-free options.