Description
This Best Baked Chicken Nuggets recipe offers a delicious, crispy alternative to fried chicken nuggets. Coated in a flavorful mixture of bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, then baked to golden perfection, these nuggets are a healthier choice that’s perfect for family meals or snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
Breading
- 1 cup plain bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
Other
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease one or two baking sheets to prevent sticking and promote even browning of the nuggets.
- Cube the Chicken: Cut 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking and easy coating.
- Prepare the Breading: In a small bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, and salt until the herbs and cheese are evenly distributed throughout the crumbs.
- Melt the Butter: Melt the salted butter in a microwave-safe bowl by heating at medium power in 30-second increments, stirring between intervals until fully melted.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the melted butter, covering it thoroughly. Then roll the butter-coated chicken in the breadcrumb mixture to coat completely. Place each nugget on the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least 1 inch of space between pieces for proper heat circulation.
- Bake the Nuggets: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F with no pink in the center.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- For extra crispiness, you can flip the nuggets halfway through baking.
- Substitute salted butter with unsalted butter plus a pinch of salt if preferred.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard or barbecue sauce.
- Leftover nuggets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.
