Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets with Asian Flair
These Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets are a delightful combination of tender chicken and a unique Asian-inspired marinade, making them a hit for lunch or snacks! Accidentally developed while experimenting with classic Chinese dishes, these nuggets are crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The marinade, adapted from a popular Sweet and Sour Pork recipe, adds a wonderful flavor that kids will love, while the baking technique ensures they are a healthier alternative to fried nuggets. Perfect for dipping in sauces or enjoying plain, they are sure to become a family favorite. Easy to make and perfect for meal prep, your picky eaters will be asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
113
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
raw chicken tenderloins
1 lb (trimmed)
egg
1 (beaten)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (none)
soy sauce
1/2 tablespoon (none)
water
1 tablespoon (none)
flour
1/3 cup (none)
chili powder
1/4 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
cooking spray
as needed (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, cornstarch, soy sauce, and water to create a marinade.
3
Add the raw chicken tenderloins to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and let marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
4
While the chicken marinates, combine the flour, chili powder, and pepper in a shallow dish or a plastic bag for easier coating.
5
Once marinated, remove each piece of chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off.
6
Coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring a full and even coverage.
7
Arrange the coated chicken nuggets on a baking sheet that has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray. Ensure the pieces do not touch for optimal crispiness.
8
After placing all the nuggets on the baking sheet, lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to encourage browning.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway if desired.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
8.75g
Carbs
17.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets with Asian Flair?
These are oven-baked chicken nuggets featuring a unique Asian-inspired marinade that makes them crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
What temperature should I bake the chicken nuggets at?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (232°C) for optimal crispiness.
How long does the chicken need to marinate?
The chicken should marinate in the egg and soy sauce mixture for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
What is the calorie count for these chicken nuggets?
Each serving contains approximately 113 calories.
How much protein is in this recipe?
There are 17.5 grams of protein per serving.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade consists of one beaten egg, one tablespoon of cornstarch, half a tablespoon of soy sauce, and one tablespoon of water.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for one pound of raw chicken tenderloins, trimmed.
What dry ingredients are used for the coating?
The coating mixture includes 1/3 cup of flour, 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, these nuggets are easy to make and perfect for meal prep or packing in lunches.
Are these nuggets fried or baked?
These nuggets are baked in the oven, making them a healthier alternative to traditional fried nuggets.
How much fat is in these chicken nuggets?
There are 2.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 8.75 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use a plastic bag to coat the chicken?
Yes, the instructions suggest using a shallow dish or a plastic bag for easier coating of the chicken pieces.
Should the chicken pieces touch on the baking sheet?
No, you should ensure the pieces do not touch on the baking sheet to allow for optimal crispiness.
What is the total baking time?
The nuggets should bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Do I need to flip the nuggets while baking?
Flipping the nuggets halfway through the baking process is optional but can help with even browning.
Why is cooking spray used in this recipe?
Cooking spray is used to grease the baking sheet and to lightly coat the tops of the nuggets to encourage browning.
What is the source of the 'Asian Flair' in this recipe?
The flavor profile is adapted from a popular Sweet and Sour Pork recipe, featuring soy sauce and cornstarch.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the recipe description notes that kids will love the flavor and it is a hit for snacks or lunch.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 9 ingredients required for this recipe.
What should I do with excess marinade?
You should let the excess marinade drip off each piece of chicken before coating it in the flour mixture.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Based on the nutritional data provided, there is no sugar listed for this recipe.
Is there any fiber in these nuggets?
The nutritional information provided does not list any fiber content.
What does the cornstarch do in the marinade?
Cornstarch helps the marinade adhere to the chicken and contributes to the crispy texture when baked.
Can I use regular chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
While the recipe calls for tenderloins, you can use chicken breasts cut into nugget-sized pieces as a substitute.
Are these nuggets spicy?
They contain a small amount of chili powder (1/4 teaspoon), which adds flavor without significant heat.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe that is simple to prepare.
What is the primary seasoning for the coating?
The coating is seasoned primarily with pepper and a touch of chili powder.
Does this recipe contain soy?
Yes, the recipe uses soy sauce as a key ingredient in the marinade.
How should I arrange the chicken on the pan?
Arrange the coated nuggets on a lightly sprayed baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart.