Description
Golden and crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, these Baked Parmesan Chicken Nuggets are a healthier twist on a beloved classic. Coated in a Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, they’re packed with flavor and perfect for family dinners, snacks, or appetizers. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Nuggets
- Butter (melted) – ½ cup
- Minced garlic – 1 tsp
- Dried breadcrumbs – 1 cup
- Grated Parmesan cheese – ⅓ cup
- Fresh parsley (chopped) – 2 tbsp
- Kosher salt – ¼ tsp
- Garlic salt (or regular salt) – ¼ tsp
- Dried Italian seasoning – Large pinch
- Ground black pepper – ⅛ tsp
- Chicken breasts or thighs – 2 lbs, cut into 1–2” pieces
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F and position a rack in the center.
- Prep the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to help the coating adhere better.
- Prepare the Coatings:
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic.
- In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, kosher salt, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Dip each piece of chicken into the garlic butter mixture, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly.
- Arrange on the Pan:
- Place the coated chicken pieces on a large baking pan or roasting pan, leaving space between each piece for proper air circulation.
- Drizzle any leftover garlic butter over the nuggets for extra flavor.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F using an instant-read thermometer.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the nuggets cool slightly before serving. Pair them with your favorite sides and dips.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Use a 350°F oven or air fryer for a few minutes to reheat and retain crispiness.
- Freezing: Coat the nuggets and freeze them uncooked. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American