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

Description

These oven-baked chicken nuggets are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor thanks to Parmesan cheese, herbs, and a crispy breadcrumb coating. Baked to golden perfection, these homemade nuggets are healthier than fried versions and are sure to be a family favorite.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, 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

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Instructions

Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease one to two baking sheets to ensure the nuggets don’t stick during baking.
Cube the Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized nugget pieces. Try to keep them roughly the same size for even cooking.
Prepare Breading Mixture: In a small mixing bowl, combine the bread crumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
Melt the Butter: Melt the salted butter in a microwave on medium power, using 30-second increments. Stir between intervals and continue until fully melted.
Coat Chicken Nuggets: Working one piece at a time or in small batches, dip each chicken cube into the melted butter to coat well. Then, transfer the chicken into the bread crumb mixture, pressing gently so the breading adheres to all sides. Place each coated nugget onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least 1 inch between each piece.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the nuggets for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the coating is crisp and the chicken is cooked through. The chicken should be no longer pink in the center, or should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Notes

You can substitute 1/2 cup buttermilk for the melted butter for a lighter option.
For extra crispiness, use panko bread crumbs or lightly spray the nuggets with cooking spray before baking.
If you want to freeze for later, arrange breaded nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ketchup, or ranch.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 333 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 870 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: 96 mg