Preheat your oven to 450° F. It's essential to have a hot oven so the nuggets get that perfect crispy exterior. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; this will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
In a bowl, whisk together the egg and pickle juice. This mixture will help the breading stick to the chicken pieces. Once combined, add the chicken tenders and toss them gently to ensure they’re well-coated.
In another bowl, combine the cornflake crumbs, Panko, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, and a pinch of black pepper. This crunchy coating is what makes the nuggets so addictive. Mix well until evenly incorporated.
Take each piece of chicken from the egg mixture and dredge it through the crumb mixture, pressing the crumbs onto the surface to adhere properly. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor and crunch. Place the coated nuggets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
Repeat the dredging process with the remaining chicken tenders until they’re all coated and arranged on the baking sheet. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of the nuggets to enhance their crispiness as they bake.
Now, pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
While the nuggets are baking, it’s time to prepare your sauces. In a bowl, combine all the ingredients for your desired sauces (such as the ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or sweet Thai chili sauce). Taste and adjust the seasoning with a bit of salt or extra ingredients as needed. The possibilities are endless!
Once your nuggets are out of the oven and beautifully crispy, serve them hot with your array of sauces for dipping. Enjoy the crunch and savor the flavors of your homemade Baked Chicken Nuggets.
