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I created these baked parmesan nuggets during a quest to make healthier chicken nuggets that still tasted amazing. The magic happens when tender chicken meets that buttery parmesan breadcrumb coating, turning golden and crispy in the oven without any frying. Now they're our family's favorite version of chicken nuggets even the pickiest eaters ask for seconds.
Why These Work
Every bite brings perfectly seasoned chicken wrapped in a crispy, cheesy crust that's so good you might skip the dipping sauce. Takes basic ingredients turns them into something that tastes better than restaurant nuggets. Plus they're baked not fried so you can feel good about serving them any night of the week.
Your Shopping List
- The Chicken: Fresh boneless chicken breasts or thighs cut into even pieces. Thighs stay extra juicy but breasts work great too.
- The Coating: Good parmesan cheese freshly grated if possible breadcrumbs either plain or Italian seasoned work here.
- Extra Flavor: Real butter not margarine garlic powder paprika brings color and taste. Plus salt and pepper make everything pop.
Let's Make Them
- Get Set Up
- Start with your oven hot at 400°F line a baking sheet with parchment makes cleanup easier.
- Mix Your Coating
- Combine breadcrumbs parmesan and all those good seasonings in a shallow dish. Melt butter in another one.
- Dip and Coat
- Each piece of chicken gets a butter bath then rolled in that cheesy coating. Press gentle helps everything stick.
- Bake to Golden
- Spread them out on your pan give them space to crisp. About 20 minutes turning once is all it takes.
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Kitchen Secrets
Cut those chicken pieces even size helps them cook at the same rate. Don't skip the butter it's what makes everything crispy and golden. A quick spray of cooking oil before baking adds extra crunch. Let them rest five minutes after baking helps the coating stick better when you bite in.
Serve Them Right
Set out different dipping sauces let everyone choose their favorite. Marinara honey mustard ranch or BBQ sauce all work great here. Make extra they disappear fast. Perfect alongside a big salad or some roasted vegetables for dinner.
Save Some For Later
Keep leftovers in the fridge about 3 days still taste great. Reheat in the oven keeps them crispy microwave works in a pinch. Freeze them after baking makes quick dinners later just heat and serve.
Mix It Up
Try different cheese combinations pecorino or romano work nicely. Add Italian seasoning or some heat with cayenne. Sometimes I use crushed crackers instead of breadcrumbs adds nice flavor. The recipe welcomes creativity while staying crispy and delicious.
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Make Them Yours
Play with seasonings until they taste just right. My kids love extra cheese husband adds hot sauce. Some friends make them spicy others keep them simple. That's what makes cooking fun finding ways to make each recipe perfect for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why pat the chicken dry?
- Patting chicken dry helps the coating stick better and ensures crispier breading when baked.
- → Can I use chicken thighs?
- Yes, both chicken breasts and thighs work well. Just ensure pieces are cut to similar sizes for even cooking.
- → Why is the bottom more browned?
- The dark roasting pan and direct contact with the hot surface causes more browning on the bottom. This is normal.
- → Can I make these ahead?
- Best served fresh for maximum crispiness. Can prep the coating and cut chicken ahead of time.
Conclusion
These homemade nuggets feature chicken pieces coated in garlic butter and parmesan breadcrumbs, then baked until crispy. Ready in 30 minutes.