Baked Parmesan Chicken Nuggets

4.90 (30)
⏱ 30 mins 🍽 Serves 6 🌶 american 🏷 Main course

These homemade chicken nuggets offer a crispier, healthier alternative to frying. Boneless chicken pieces are dipped in garlic butter before being coated in a seasoned mix of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then baked until golden. The result is a deliciously crunchy exterior with tender, juicy chicken inside, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting snack. This recipe uses common pantry ingredients and is easily adaptable for both breasts and thighs.

Baked Parmesan Chicken Nuggets

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 cup dried breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt (can substitute regular salt)
  • Large pinch dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1- to 2-inch pieces

Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F, positioning a rack in the centre.
  2. Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the chicken pieces dry, which promotes a crispier coating.
  3. Combine the minced garlic with the melted butter in one bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
  4. Dip each chicken piece into the garlic butter mixture, then coat it fully in the Parmesan breadcrumb blend. If the butter thickens from cold chicken, gently reheat it.
  5. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on a 9x13-inch or larger roasting pan, leaving space between them. Pour any leftover garlic butter over the top.
  6. Bake uncovered at 450°F for 15 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches 165°F internally. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition (per serving)

Sodium619 mg

Recipe details

CategoryMain course
Cuisineamerican
AuthorElise Bauer