Best Nashville Hot Chicken Nuggets (Baked for Better Health)
The best Nashville hot chicken nuggets begin with a delicious blend of smoked paprika, cayenne, and garlic combined with sourdough breadcrumbs and cashew egg wash. It's the perfect recipe for a healthy summer weeknight meal without overwhelming heat for your taste buds!
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheet
- 2 bowls
- 1 pair of tongs
- 1 whisk
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless & skinless)
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup milk (any kind) cashew milk is my favorite to use
- 1 cup breadcrumbs homemade (see notes)
- 3/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 3/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
- First, prepare the chicken breasts by slicing off any fat and cutting it into chunks for nuggets. Put these chunks into a bowl and let them sit while preparing the egg wash and breading mix.
Preparing the Egg Wash & Breading
- Next, in a medium size bowl mix together cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, pepper, and breadcrumbs. Then in a second medium size bowl whisk together the egg and milk.
Dredging the Chicken
- Then, one piece at a time, take a chunk of chicken breast, dip in egg wash until coated and let any excess drip off. Then roll it around in breadcrumb mix until coated, again letting any excess drop off. When finished dredging place each piece on a lightly greased baking sheet pan.
Baking the Nuggets
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit then bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked fully through. Let rest 2-3 minutes then serve with a side of ranch!
Notes
- Heat Level: mild (if you want it hotter, add another 1/2 tsp of cayenne and paprika)
- Sourdough Breadcrumbs: try our PBH simple Sourdough Breadcrumbs recipe if you don't have sourdough bread, use this same recipe with any bread you have on hand.