Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay juicy and add a richer flavor. Just cube them the same way as the breasts.

Can I prep these ahead of time?

Yes, you can bread the chicken nuggets a few hours in advance and keep them in the fridge (covered) until ready to bake. They may need an extra couple of minutes in the oven if chilled.

What are the best substitutes for butter?

If you’d rather not use butter, buttermilk is a fantastic alternative that makes the nuggets tender and slightly tangy. You can also use olive oil or your favorite plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.

What if I don’t have parmesan cheese?

You can skip it, use another hard cheese, or simply add an extra pinch of salt and herbs to bump up the flavor. Parmesan does add a special touch, but there’s room to experiment.

The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Name: The Best Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed; 1 cup plain bread crumbs; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons dried basil; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup salted butter, melted

Looking for a dinner that’s irresistibly tasty, unbelievably easy, and ready before you can even think about picking up the phone for takeout? These baked chicken nuggets are exactly what every busy weeknight needs! With a golden, crunchy coating and tender, juicy chicken inside, every bite is a pure delight. Did I mention they come together in just around half an hour and are baked instead of fried? No mess, no stress, just truly delicious homemade nuggets you can feel good about serving. Whether you’re feeding kids, adults, or just yourself—this simple recipe will absolutely win the crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients, Incredible Flavor: Everything you need is probably already in your pantry or fridge, and every ingredient works hard to build amazing taste and texture.
Quick and Easy: You’ll have hot, crisp nuggets on the table in barely 35 minutes from start to finish, leaving you more time to enjoy the evening.
Healthier Than Takeout: Baked instead of fried with wholesome chicken and no mystery fillers. You’re in control of every bite.
Family Friendly: This recipe is perfect for kids and adults alike—make movie night, game day, or a casual dinner instantly special.
Totally Customizable: Allergies? Dietary preferences? There are plenty of ways to tweak this recipe for everyone at your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what brings these chicken nuggets together, with notes to help you make the very best batch:

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the show! Boneless and skinless makes for perfectly tender and juicy nuggets—be sure to cube into even, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Plain Bread Crumbs: These bring that craveable crunch to every bite. Panko works for extra crunch, or use gluten-free crumbs for a GF option.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: You want real parmesan here, for that nutty, salty punch. Adds incredible flavor and richness.
Dried Basil: Brings a fragrant, slightly sweet note that elevates the whole experience.
Dried Oregano: Earthy, robust flavor—essential for that Italian-inspired aroma in every nugget.
Salt: It pulls all the other flavors together and perfectly seasons the juicy chicken.
Salted Butter (Melted): For that savory, golden finish and incredible flavor. You can swap this for buttermilk if you want to lighten things up or wish to avoid butter.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Let’s make these nuggets fit your craving or dietary needs! Try any of these switches or add-ins:

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs.
Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for olive oil or dunk the chicken in dairy-free milk; skip or substitute the cheese with a plant-based alternative.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne, smoked paprika, or chili powder to the bread crumb mixture.
Herb Swap: Switch out basil and oregano for Italian seasoning, fresh parsley, or chives.
Different Cheese: Parmesan is classic, but feel free to experiment with pecorino or even a sharp cheddar for a totally different flavor.

How to Make the Best Baked Chicken Nuggets

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Get things started by preheating your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease your baking sheet(s) to ensure nothing sticks and you get a perfect crust.

Step 2: Cut the Chicken

Cube your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Even cuts mean everything cooks perfectly at the same time.

Step 3: Mix the Breading

In a bowl, stir together the bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, and salt. This combo is what makes the coating flavorful and aromatic.

Step 4: Dip and Dredge

Working one piece at a time (or in small batches), dip the chicken pieces in melted butter, turning to coat. Then press each nugget into the bread crumb mixture, ensuring an even, generous coating. Arrange the nuggets on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little room between each so they get crispy, not soggy.

Step 5: Bake

Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the nuggets are golden, crispy, and cooked through (the center should be white, and juices should run clear). If you have a meat thermometer, check for 165°F inside—no guessing needed!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Crowd the Pan: Space between nuggets ensures they get crispy all around instead of steaming.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Real freshly grated cheese, not powder, makes a world of difference in both texture and taste.
Check for Doneness: Every oven is a bit different, so start checking at 20 minutes. Use a meat thermometer for peace of mind.
Crunch Boost: For super crisp nuggets, spray them lightly with oil before baking or finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes.
Batch Cooking: Double up the recipe and freeze extras for crazy-busy days.

How to Serve

Chicken nuggets this tasty deserve to be the star! Here’s how to make them shine:

Classic Dippers

Serve with ketchup, honey mustard, ranch, barbecue sauce, or even a tangy buffalo dip—everyone loves a good dipping moment.

Fresh Sides

Pair your nuggets with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or sliced cucumber and carrots for a balanced meal.

Kid Friendly

Add baked fries and apple slices for the ultimate kid-pleaser plate.

In a Wrap

Turn leftovers into lunch by stuffing nuggets in a tortilla with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let cooked nuggets cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They make fantastic snacks or easy lunches the next day.

Freezing

These nuggets freeze beautifully! Lay them out in a single layer on a tray to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and crispy again, or use an air fryer for maximum crunch. The microwave will work too, though the coating won’t be as crisp.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay juicy and add a richer flavor. Just cube them the same way as the breasts.
Can I prep these ahead of time?

Yes, you can bread the chicken nuggets a few hours in advance and keep them in the fridge (covered) until ready to bake. They may need an extra couple of minutes in the oven if chilled.
What are the best substitutes for butter?

If you’d rather not use butter, buttermilk is a fantastic alternative that makes the nuggets tender and slightly tangy. You can also use olive oil or your favorite plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
What if I don’t have parmesan cheese?

You can skip it, use another hard cheese, or simply add an extra pinch of salt and herbs to bump up the flavor. Parmesan does add a special touch, but there’s room to experiment.

Final Thoughts

Homemade baked chicken nuggets are the definition of comfort food made easy. With juicy chicken and that perfectly seasoned, golden crust, it’s a meal that everyone is bound to request again and again. No special equipment or advanced skills needed—just simple, honest ingredients and a little oven time. So roll up your sleeves, give it a go, and watch these nuggets disappear faster than you ever thought possible. Happy cooking!