Name: The Crispy Parmesan Chicken Nuggets You’ll Want to Make Again and Again
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-484999H1M6S
Total time: PT-484999H1M6S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 eggs, for dipping; Olive oil, for drizzling

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If you’re anything like me, chicken nuggets are a bit of a weakness. But let me tell you, these Parmesan Chicken Nuggets are a total game-changer. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. Plus, you get that wonderful cheesy, crunchy coating that makes you want to eat them by the handful.

These nuggets are baked, not fried, so you get all the crunch without the grease. They’re perfect for a quick dinner, a snack, or even as party food. And once you taste them, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Parmesan Chicken Nuggets are everything you could want in a snack. The combination of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs creates a crispy, golden crust that’s so satisfying. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, so they’re a little lighter but still totally delicious. They’re kid-friendly (my little ones can’t get enough of them) but also tasty enough to serve at a grown-up dinner party.

Ingredients

You’ll find the full list of ingredients below, but here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need:

Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Parmesan cheese
Panko breadcrumbs
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Dried oregano
Salt and pepper
Eggs (for dipping)
Olive oil (for drizzling)

Prepare the Chicken

First things first, cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Make sure they’re roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

Make the Coating

In one bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. This mixture will form the crispy coating that makes these nuggets so irresistible.

Dip the Chicken

In another bowl, whisk the eggs. Then, dip each piece of chicken into the egg, coating it well, and then dredge it in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each piece is well-covered for that perfect crunch.

Bake Until Golden

Place your coated chicken nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drizzle a little olive oil over them, and bake at 400°F for about 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Expert Tips and Tricks

For extra crunch, use a mix of panko breadcrumbs and regular breadcrumbs. Panko adds that nice airy texture, while the regular breadcrumbs help to bind the coating together.
Don’t skip the olive oil drizzle before baking—it helps the coating crisp up beautifully in the oven.
You can also make these in advance and freeze the coated nuggets before baking. When you’re ready, just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Want a little heat? Add some red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
If you prefer a gluten-free option, simply swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
You can also add some finely chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, to the breadcrumb mixture for an added burst of flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Parmesan Chicken Nuggets are perfect on their own, but they’re even better with dipping sauces. Try them with ranch, honey mustard, or marinara sauce. For a full meal, serve them with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. They also pair well with crispy fries or a creamy mac and cheese.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a couple of minutes to get them nice and crunchy.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread the chicken nuggets ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Or, you can freeze them and bake them from frozen when you’re ready.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs would work beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure they’re boneless and skinless.

How can I make these nuggets even crunchier?
To get that super-crispy coating, try adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to the breadcrumb mixture. It’ll help make the outside even crunchier when baked.

Can I make these in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the nuggets for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll come out perfectly crispy!

Conclusion

These Parmesan Chicken Nuggets are my new go-to for when I’m craving something crispy, cheesy, and delicious. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, a side dish, or the main event, you can’t go wrong. Enjoy!

The Crispy Parmesan Chicken Nuggets You’ll Want to Make Again and Again

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These Parmesan Chicken Nuggets are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. Baked, not fried, they’re healthier, easy to make, and perfect for a snack, dinner, or party food. The cheesy, crunchy coating makes them irresistible.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
In a bowl, mix together Parmesan cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
In another bowl, whisk the eggs.
Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, coating each piece thoroughly.
Place the coated chicken nuggets on the prepared baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Notes

For extra crunch, mix panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs.
Olive oil helps the coating crisp up beautifully during baking.
You can freeze the breaded nuggets before baking and bake them from frozen when needed.