Description

Enjoy a healthier twist on a classic comfort food with this Best Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe. Tender chicken breast pieces are coated in a flavorful mixture of bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs, then baked to golden perfection with a delicious buttery crust. Perfect for a family-friendly meal that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside without deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed

Breading Mixture

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

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease one or two baking sheets to prevent the nuggets from sticking and to ensure even browning during baking.
Cube the Chicken: Cut 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast into small, bite-sized nugget pieces. This size allows for even cooking and makes coating easier.
Prepare the Breading: In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 cup plain bread crumbs, 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons dried basil, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the herbs and cheese within the bread crumbs.
Melt the Butter: Melt 1/2 cup salted butter in a microwave-safe bowl by heating on medium power in 30-second increments, stirring after each interval until fully melted.
Coat the Chicken: Working in batches, dip each chicken piece into the melted butter, coating thoroughly. Then transfer the butter-coated chicken to the breadcrumb mixture, rolling it to ensure even coverage. Place each coated nugget onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least 1 inch of space between pieces for proper heat circulation.
Bake the Nuggets: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the nuggets are cooked through, golden brown on the outside, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Ensure there is no pink inside.

Notes

Ensure the chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
To make cleanup easier, line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture.
Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken is fully cooked.
For extra crispiness, you can broil the nuggets for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking but watch closely to prevent burning.