If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing snack or a simple dinner that everyone will love, look no further than The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of crispy golden coating with tender, juicy chicken inside, made entirely in your oven. This recipe transforms ordinary chicken breast into bite-sized, flavorful nuggets without the mess or guilt of deep frying. Whether you need a quick family meal or a tasty party treat, this recipe has you covered with a balance of herbs, cheese, and buttery richness that makes every bite irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, each playing a crucial role in crafting the perfect nugget texture and flavor. From the crispy coating to the savory seasoning, every element is essential and easy to find.
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast: Perfectly lean and tender; cubed for easy bite-sized nuggets.
- 1 cup plain bread crumbs: The foundation for that irresistible crunch and golden color.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and a subtle nuttiness to the coating.
- 2 tablespoons dried basil: Brings a gentle herbaceous warmth that complements the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano: Offers a classic Italian flavor that pairs beautifully with basil.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances every flavor, ensuring the nuggets are perfectly seasoned.
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere beautifully to the chicken.
How to Make The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C). This high heat ensures your chicken nuggets will bake quickly, turning golden and crisp without drying out. Lightly grease your baking sheets with a bit of butter or cooking spray to keep your nuggets from sticking and help them brown evenly.
Step 2: Cut the Chicken Breast into Nuggets
Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces. This not only ensures they cook through evenly and quickly but also makes them perfectly snackable, ideal for dipping or serving as finger food.
Step 3: Mix the Flavorful Coating
In a small bowl, combine the plain bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, and salt. Stir them together so the herbs and cheese are well distributed throughout the crumbs, which will give your nuggets that full-flavored, crunchy coating.
Step 4: Melt the Butter
Melt the salted butter gently in a microwave-safe bowl by heating it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. This butter is key because it helps the breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken and also creates a rich, golden crust once baked.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken Pieces
Dip each piece of chicken first into the melted butter, ensuring a full coating, then roll it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Lay each coated piece on the greased baking sheet with at least an inch of space between nuggets, which helps them bake evenly with crispy edges.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the nuggets into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Once the outside is crispy and golden and the internal temperature hits 165°F, you know they’re perfectly cooked. No pink in the middle means juicy, safe-to-eat chicken every time.
How to Serve The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your nuggets to the next level. Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or a little extra grated Parmesan on top for a pop of color and flavor. A light drizzle of honey mustard or spicy sriracha mayo on the side also makes a fantastic pairing to brighten up the plate.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, crisp garden salad, or even roasted veggies complement The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe beautifully. For a fun twist, serve them alongside colorful veggie sticks and a cool ranch dip to keep the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your nuggets into a fun party platter by arranging them in a colorful pattern with little dipping bowls for sauces like BBQ, honey mustard, or ranch. You can also thread nuggets onto skewers with cherry tomatoes and bell pepper slices for a playful, portable snack everyone will enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them properly sealed will maintain their crispiness, but they’re still delicious when reheated.
Freezing
If you want to prepare The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe in advance, spread the coated but uncooked nuggets on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag or container, then bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for a hassle-free meal later.
Reheating
To bring your leftover or frozen nuggets back to life, reheat them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes. This method retains the crisp crust while warming the chicken evenly without drying it out. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crunch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be used for a juicier alternative. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and follow the same coating and baking instructions. They’ll add a bit more richness to the nuggets.
Do I have to use Parmesan cheese in the coating?
While Parmesan adds wonderful flavor and crispiness, you can omit it or substitute with another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano. For a dairy-free option, simply increase the breadcrumbs and herbs to maintain texture and taste.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the plain bread crumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal. The herbs and butter will still work perfectly to create a delicious coating.
Can I bake the nuggets on a wire rack instead of a baking sheet?
Using a wire rack placed on top of a baking sheet is a great idea for air circulation, which helps the nuggets crisp up all around. Just grease the rack well to prevent sticking and enjoy an even crunchier result.
What dipping sauces go best with these chicken nuggets?
Classic options like ketchup, honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce are all wonderful. You can also try spicy mayo, garlic aioli, or a tangy yogurt dip to offer variety and suit different tastes.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe. It’s straightforward, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion, from weekday dinners to party snacks. Give it a try and watch these golden bites disappear in no time—you might just find your new go-to chicken nugget recipe that everyone raves about!
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The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These baked chicken nuggets are a delicious, healthier alternative to fried nuggets, featuring tender chicken breast pieces coated in a crispy Parmesan and herb breadcrumb mixture. Perfectly baked to golden brown perfection, they offer a flavorful and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
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
Coating
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease one or two baking sheets to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast into small, bite-sized nugget pieces for even cooking and easy coating.
- Mix 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 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 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 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. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and no longer be pink in the middle.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
- For crispier nuggets, turn them halfway through baking.
- Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
- You can substitute dried basil and oregano with Italian seasoning if available.
- For a lower fat version, substitute melted butter with olive oil spray or a lighter oil.
