Description
Delicious and crispy baked chicken nuggets made with tender boneless skinless chicken breasts coated in a flavorful mixture of bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. These nuggets are baked to golden perfection, providing a healthier alternative to fried nuggets without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
Breading
- 1 cup plain bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
Coating
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease one or two baking sheets to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
- Cube the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into small, bite-sized nugget pieces for even cooking and easy coating.
- Prepare the Breading: In a small mixing bowl, combine the bread crumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, and salt. Stir well to mix the herbs and cheese evenly throughout the crumbs.
- Melt the Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the salted butter by heating on medium power in 30-second increments. Stir between intervals until fully melted.
- Coat the Chicken: Working one at a time or in small batches, dip each chicken piece into the melted butter to coat it thoroughly. Transfer the coated chicken piece into the breadcrumb mixture and roll to cover completely before placing it on the prepared baking sheet. Leave at least 1 inch of space between each piece for even heat circulation.
- Bake the Nuggets: Bake the nuggets in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the outsides are golden brown. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F and that the chicken is no longer pink in the middle.
Notes
- Ensure chicken pieces are evenly sized to guarantee uniform cooking.
- Space nuggets at least 1 inch apart on the baking sheet to promote even browning.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness and avoid undercooking.
- Leftover nuggets can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
