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Better Than the Snack Bar Baked Chicken Nuggets with All the Sauces Recipe

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3.9 from 6 reviews

These Better Than the Snack Bar Baked Chicken Nuggets are crispy, flavorful, and come with an assortment of delicious homemade sauces. Made with a crunchy cornflake and panko breading and baked to golden perfection, these chicken nuggets are a healthier alternative to fried versions and perfect for snacking or a fun meal.

Ingredients

Chicken Nuggets

  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 3 tablespoons pickle juice
  • 2 pounds boneless chicken tenders, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 1/4 cup cornflake crumbs
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil, for brushing

Sauces

  • 1/4 cup avocado oil mayo
  • 1/4 cup dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 teaspoons pickle juice or lemon juice
  • Cayenne pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan
  • 1 clove garlic, grated
  • 1/4 cup sweet Thai chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • Zest and juice from 1 lime
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • Cayenne pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup hot sauce
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Marinate Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and 3 tablespoons of pickle juice. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to this mixture and toss well to coat all pieces evenly. This step tenderizes the chicken and adds moisture.
  3. Prepare Breading: In a separate bowl, combine the cornflake crumbs, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon based on heat preference), a pinch of black pepper, and kosher salt to taste. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices.
  4. Bread the Chicken: Dredge each piece of marinated chicken through the crumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere the coating well. Place the breaded chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch to allow even cooking.
  5. Brush with Oil and Bake: Drizzle or brush the breaded chicken pieces lightly with extra virgin olive oil to help achieve a golden crispy crust. Bake the nuggets in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the coating is crisp.
  6. Make the Sauces: While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauces by combining their respective ingredients in separate bowls. For example, mix avocado oil mayo, dijon mustard, honey, pickle or lemon juice, and cayenne pepper for one sauce; combine lemon juice, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, grated parmesan, and grated garlic for another; mix Thai chili sauce, ketchup, lime zest and juice for a tangy dip; blend ranch dressing with BBQ sauce and cayenne for a smoky sauce; and combine hot sauce, melted butter or olive oil, seasoned salt, and black pepper for a spicy buttery sauce. Taste and adjust salt or cayenne as desired.
  7. Serve: Once the chicken nuggets are baked and golden, serve them hot alongside the variety of sauces for dipping. Enjoy these delicious, crispy chicken nuggets that are better than any snack bar version!

Notes

  • Pickle juice in the egg wash adds a subtle tang and helps tenderize the chicken.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper amount based on preferred spice level.
  • Using both cornflake and panko crumbs gives extra crunchiness to the nuggets.
  • Make sure nuggets are evenly spaced on the baking sheet for uniform cooking.
  • Internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure safe consumption.
  • These nuggets can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
  • Feel free to customize the sauces with your favorite condiments and spices.

Find it online: https://cozyplatter.com/better-than-the-snack-bar-baked-chicken-nuggets-with-all-the-sauces-recipe/