Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First, pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This is a vital step for ensuring the breading adheres properly. Trim off any fat or tenders. Cut the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces, about 1.5 inches square. Uniformity is key to ensuring all the nuggets cook evenly.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
You will need three shallow dishes or pie plates.

• In the first dish: Whisk together all the ingredients for the Flour Dredge (flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika).

• In the second dish: Whisk together the eggs and water until they are light and frothy.

• In the third dish: Combine the Panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, and optional Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
  Arrange these three dishes in an assembly line next to your stovetop or a prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: The Breading Process (Dry Hand, Wet Hand)
This technique prevents your fingers from becoming caked in batter. Designate one hand as your “dry hand” (for handling the flour and breadcrumb mixtures) and the other as your “wet hand” (for handling the egg-coated chicken).

• Working with a few pieces of chicken at a time, use your dry hand to place them in the flour mixture. Toss to coat completely, then shake off the excess.

• Transfer the flour-dusted chicken pieces to the egg wash dish. Use your wet hand to turn them over, ensuring they are fully coated in the egg mixture. Let the excess egg drip off.

• Move the egg-coated pieces to the final Panko mixture. Use your dry hand to scoop the breading over the nuggets, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even coating on all sides.

• Place the fully breaded nuggets in a single layer on a clean plate or baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining chicken.

Step 4: Cook the Nuggets (Choose Your Method)

Method 1: Pan-Frying (The Classic)

• Pour about ½ inch of neutral oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), or until a small drop of breading sizzles immediately.

• Carefully place the nuggets in the hot oil in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan. Work in batches of 8-10 nuggets.

• Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until they are deep golden brown and cooked through.

• Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a wire rack set over a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain. Sprinkle with a little extra salt while they are hot.

Method 2: Baking (The Easy, Healthier Option)

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack inside a large rimmed baking sheet. Lightly spray the wire rack with cooking spray.

• Arrange the breaded nuggets in a single layer on the wire rack. Spray the tops of the nuggets generously with cooking spray.

• Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through, until they are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.

Method 3: Air Frying (The Crispiest, Healthier Option)

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

• Place the nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single, even layer. Do not overcrowd the basket. Work in batches if necessary.

• Spray the tops of the nuggets lightly with cooking spray.

• Air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are deeply golden, extra crispy, and cooked through.