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Heart-Healthy Chicken Nuggets with Cornflake Coating

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Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.25–1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer juicier
  • 3 cups cornflakes plain, unsweetened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard optional but highly recommended for tang
  • 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt adds cling and moisture
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for the coating or sheet pan
  • 1/2 cup whole-wheat flour or all-purpose, or a gluten-free blend
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt , plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray avocado or olive oil
  • Optional dips Greek yogurt ranch, honey mustard, hot sauce, or BBQ sauce (reduced sugar)
  • Optional garnish chopped parsley, lemon wedges

Method
 

  1. Heat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment and set a wire rack on top for max crispness. Lightly spray the rack.
  2. Trim and cut into 1.25–1.5-inch nugget pieces. Pat dry to help the coating stick.
  3. In a shallow bowl, mix flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Whisk eggs with Dijon and Greek yogurt until smooth. This combo glues the crumbs like a charm.
  5. Add cornflakes to a zip bag and crush with a rolling pin to a coarse crumb. Stir in a teaspoon of olive oil for color and crunch.
  6. Dredge chicken in seasoned flour (shake off excess), dip in egg wash, then press into cornflakes. Really press—no timid taps.
  7. Place nuggets on the wire rack with a little space between. Lightly mist the tops with cooking spray for extra golden edges.
  8. Bake 12–15 minutes, flipping at 8–10 minutes if not using a rack, until the coating is crisp and internal temp hits 165°F (74°C). Thighs may need 1–2 more minutes.
  9. Let sit 2 minutes, then hit with a tiny pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon if you're fancy.
  10. Plate with your dip of choice. Try yogurt ranch plus hot honey if you like sweet heat.