Craving a childhood classic with a homemade twist? These easy chicken nuggets are the perfect solution. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and made with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
Plus, with air fryer tips, you’ll enjoy a healthier version that’s just as delicious as the deep-fried favorite. Ready to bring a bit of nostalgia to your table? Let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the chicken breasts into pieces that are about 1.5 inches each.
- In a medium bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, basil, thyme, and salt. Prepare another bowl with melted butter for dipping.
- Dip each chicken piece first in the melted butter, ensuring it is well-coated, then roll it in the bread crumb mixture.
- Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on a lightly greased baking sheet.
- Bake the chicken nuggets in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
- Serve the nuggets warm, with your choice of dipping sauces, and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup melted butter
Nutritional Values
Total Calories: 1848 | Total Fat: 114g | Saturated Fat: 66g | Cholesterol: 486mg | Sodium: 5934mg | Total Carbohydrate: 90g | Dietary Fiber: 6g | Total Sugars: 6g | Protein: 114g | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 852mg | Iron: 12mg | Potassium: 1422mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?
- Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with another hard cheese like Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a slightly different flavor profile.
- What can I use instead of Italian seasoned bread crumbs?
- If you don’t have Italian seasoned bread crumbs, you can use plain bread crumbs and add your own Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to taste.
- Is there a way to make the nuggets crispy without frying?
- To achieve a crispier texture without frying, you can bake the nuggets on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet, allowing hot air to circulate around the chicken pieces.
- Can I prepare these chicken nuggets in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the chicken nuggets ahead of time and freeze them before baking. When ready to eat, bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- How can I ensure the nuggets are browned nicely?
- If you find that your nuggets aren’t browning well in the oven, you can finish them by briefly pan-frying them in a bit of oil after baking to achieve a golden crust.
Tips
- For a crispy exterior, consider briefly pan-frying the baked nuggets in a bit of vegetable oil to achieve a golden brown color and enhance the texture.
- If you’re looking to control sodium intake, you can skip the salt or use a lower-sodium bread crumb option.
- Homemade bread crumbs can be a great alternative; finely chopping three-day-old bread provides a fresh and flavorful coating.
- To cater to different taste preferences, try mixing plain and Italian bread crumbs for a unique flavor profile that even picky eaters might enjoy.
Equipment
- Cookie Sheet/Baking Sheet – Essential for baking the chicken nuggets in the oven.
- Mixing Bowl – Needed for mixing the bread crumbs, Parmesan, and spices.
- Baking Pan – If not using a cookie sheet, a baking pan can be an alternative for placing the nuggets in the oven.
