1poundchicken breastcut into 1-inch pieces; or use chicken tenders
Cooking spray or olive oil, optionalto spray over the top for a crispier coating.
Salt and pepper to taste at serving timeI usually add a little salt.
½cupgreen onion, optionalfor garnish
Instructions
Bang Bang Sauce
To make the sauce, stir the first 4 ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside.
Chicken
Preheat oven to 375 °F.
Whisk the egg in a small bowl and set aside.
Combine panko breadcrumbs, paprika, and garlic powder in a second shallow bowl.
Dip chicken pieces in the egg, allowing the excess egg to drip off, then dredge it in the breading mixture. Lightly spray with olive oil or cooking spray for a crispy top.
Place chicken directly on a baking sheet. Or, to allow air circulation, place a cooling rack on top of a baking sheet, coat it with cooking spray, and place the chicken pieces on top.
Once in place on the baking sheet, lightly spritz with cooking spray or olive oil for a crispier nugget.
Bake chicken for about 20 minutes or until the outside starts to brown and the inside is no longer pink. The internal temperature should be 165 °F.
Remove to a serving plate, drizzle with sauce, and scatter green onions over the top. Salt and pepper taste.
Notes
Directions with pictures, more expert tips, and serving ideas are above.Air fryer instructions:
Place chicken nuggets in a single layer on the crisper plate or in the basket after it has been misted with olive oil.
Cook for 15-20 minutes at 375 °F, flipping the chicken halfway through. Check them frequently until you have a good idea of how your machine works and the proper timing. Chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 °F.
Storage:
Refrigerator - Place extras in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Reheat - Warm chicken fingers in the oven at 375 °F until heated through, about 15 minutes. Alternatively, reheat in an air fryer. We don't recommend the microwave because the breading will not be soggy.
Freeze - Leftovers may be frozen in a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months.