Let me introduce you to The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe, a delightful twist on a classic favorite that’s crispy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. These nuggets are baked to golden perfection with a beautifully seasoned Parmesan and herb crust, making them a healthier alternative to fried versions without sacrificing any of the taste or crunch. Perfectly tender on the inside and irresistibly crunchy outside, this recipe will quickly become a go-to for family dinners, snack time, or even entertaining friends. Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll never look back.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe lies in using simple, quality ingredients that bring out bold flavors and a fantastic texture. Each component plays an essential role, from the tender chicken breast to the herb-infused breading that creates that crave-worthy crunch and color.
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast: The perfect lean protein base that ensures juicy, tender bites every time.
- 1 cup plain bread crumbs: They form the crispy outer layer, providing that satisfying crunch that makes nuggets so enjoyable.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and helps the coating brown beautifully in the oven.
- 2 tablespoons dried basil: Brings a fragrant, slightly sweet herbal note that brightens up the dish.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano: Offers a warm, earthy depth that complements the basil and cheese perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the seasoning just right.
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted: Coats each nugget to ensure the breading crisps up gorgeously and adds a buttery richness.
How to Make The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Begin by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready to deliver that perfect bake. Lightly grease one or two baking sheets to prevent sticking and promote an even browning on every nugget. This small preparation step makes cleanup easier and guarantees those edges turn out irresistibly crispy.
Step 2: Cube the Chicken
Take your 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast and cut it into small, bite-sized pieces. Uniform sizing is key here so they cook evenly and get that ideal golden crust all around. Plus, these manageable pieces are perfect finger food for both kids and adults alike.
Step 3: Prepare the Breading
In a small mixing bowl, combine the plain bread crumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, and salt. Mix them thoroughly so those herbs and cheese are evenly distributed throughout the crumbs. This flavorful blend is going to be the star that transforms simple chicken into something spectacular.
Step 4: Melt the Butter
Gently melt the salted butter in a microwave-safe bowl by heating it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Once fully melted, this warm, golden butter will be your nugget’s best friend, helping the coating stick beautifully and develop that crisp, golden texture everyone loves.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
Working one piece at a time, dip each chicken cube into the melted butter, making sure it’s well coated. Then roll it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture until every side is covered in that fragrant herb and cheese crust. Place each nugget on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between the pieces to allow heat to circulate evenly for consistent baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your nuggets into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they transform — the outsides will turn a gorgeous golden brown while the inside cooks to juicy perfection. For food safety, the internal temperature should reach 165°F. Once done, your homemade nuggets will be ready to impress!
How to Serve The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your baked nuggets beautifully. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of extra grated Parmesan on top for a fresh, savory finish that adds a pop of color and a little hint of extra flavor.
Side Dishes
The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp garden salads, roasted vegetables, or even classic fries or sweet potato wedges. Consider dipping sauces like tangy honey mustard, spicy sriracha mayo, or a cool ranch dressing to round out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your nugget experience stand out by serving them on a wooden platter lined with parchment paper, alongside an assortment of dips in small bowls for dipping fun. You could also thread them onto skewers for a playful presentation at parties, or serve in individual cups with dipping sauce on the side for easy grab-and-go snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the nuggets fresh and maintains their crispy coating as much as possible.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your baked chicken nuggets by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. This method prevents them from sticking together and keeps quality intact.
Reheating
To reheat, it’s best to pop the nuggets back into a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you want to retain that coveted crunch, though it works in a pinch for faster heating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more moisture and flavor due to their higher fat content, but just be sure to adjust cooking time slightly as they may take a few minutes longer to cook through.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan, you can try Pecorino Romano for a similar salty flavor or even a sharp cheddar for a different but tasty twist. Keep in mind that these variations will slightly change the flavor profile.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the plain bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Everything else remains the same, and you’ll still get that delicious texture and crunch.
How do I know when the nuggets are fully cooked?
The best way is to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. If you don’t have one, cut into one nugget to ensure there’s no pinkness inside and the juices run clear.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! Doubling or even tripling the ingredients works perfectly. Just bake the nuggets on multiple baking sheets and rotate them halfway through cooking to make sure everything cooks evenly.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe as I am to share it with you. It’s a deliciously simple way to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken with a crunchy, irresistible coating that everyone will love. Whether for a fun family dinner or to impress guests, this recipe offers comfort and taste all in one. Give it a try, and watch it become a beloved staple at your table!
Print
The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for baked chicken nuggets made with tender chicken breast cubes coated in a flavorful mix of bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, then baked to golden perfection for a healthier alternative to fried nuggets.
Ingredients
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
Others
- 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 ensure even browning.
- Cube the Chicken: Cut 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast into small, bite-sized nugget pieces for even cooking and easy coating.
- Prepare the Breading: In a small mixing bowl, combine the bread crumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, and salt. Stir well to mix the herbs and cheese evenly throughout the crumbs.
- Melt the Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the salted butter by heating on medium power in 30-second increments. Stir between intervals until fully melted.
- Coat the Chicken: Working one at a time or in small batches, dip each chicken piece into the melted butter to coat it thoroughly. Transfer the coated chicken piece into the breadcrumb mixture and roll to cover completely before placing it on the prepared baking sheet. Leave at least 1 inch of space between each piece for even heat circulation.
- Bake the Nuggets: Bake the nuggets in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the outsides are golden brown. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is no longer pink in the middle.
Notes
- Ensure to space the nuggets evenly on the baking sheet for proper heat circulation and even browning.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken is fully cooked at 165°F internal temperature.
- You can substitute dried basil and oregano with fresh herbs for a brighter flavor if available.
- For a crispier coating, use panko bread crumbs instead of plain bread crumbs.
- Leftover nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
