The Best Baked Parmesan Chicken Nuggets Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Parmesan chicken nuggets reinvent ordinary protein into an irresistible culinary adventure that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Golden-brown morsels crackling with cheesy goodness capture the essence of comfort food reimagined.

Professional kitchens and home cooks alike recognize these delectable bites as crowd-pleasing miracles of simplicity.

Crisp exterior and juicy interior create a textural dance that delights taste buds of all ages.

Sophisticated yet approachable, these nuggets elevate casual dining with their elegant crunch and rich umami notes.

Lean protein meets indulgent coating in a harmonious blend that satisfies without overwhelming.

You’ll fall in love with this foolproof recipe that turns dinner into a celebration.

How to Bake Nuggets That Are Golden and Flavorful

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 450°F and grab a baking sheet. Get those chicken pieces ready by gently patting them dry with paper towels to help create an extra crispy coating.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Boosters

Grab 2 mixing bowls and prepare your magic coating:

• Melted butter
• Minced garlic

• Breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped parsley
• Salt
• Garlic salt
• Italian seasoning
• Black pepper

Step 3: Dress the Chicken

Dunk each chicken piece into the garlic butter, then roll it generously in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure every inch gets a delicious coating.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the coated chicken pieces on the baking sheet. Slide into the oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Check that the internal temperature hits 165°F with a meat thermometer. Let the nuggets rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in those amazing flavors.

Tips for Crisp Without the Fryer

• Dry Thoroughly: Pat chicken completely dry to guarantee maximum crispiness and help breading stick perfectly.
• Uniform Sizing: Cut chicken pieces into equal sizes for consistent cooking and even browning throughout the batch.
• Butter Trick: Melt butter completely and ensure garlic is finely minced to distribute flavor evenly across each nugget.
• Rack Placement: Use middle oven rack for balanced heat distribution and prevent bottom of nuggets from burning.
• Temperature Check: Always use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches safe 165°F internal temperature for perfect doneness.

Reheat Without Losing That Crunch

• Storage: Transfer leftover chicken nuggets to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Properly stored nuggets will keep fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal the container tightly to prevent moisture and maintain crispy texture.
• Refrigeration Method: Place nuggets in a single layer without stacking to prevent sogginess. Cover with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture and preserve crunchiness.
• Reheating Method: Restore crispy exterior by using the oven. Preheat to 375°F and arrange nuggets on a wire rack or baking sheet. Heat for 8-10 minutes, turning once halfway through. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make breading soggy and chicken rubbery.

Dips and Sides That Match These Nuggets

• Pair with Zesty Dipping Sauces: Create a flavor explosion by serving these crispy chicken nuggets with tangy marinara, cool ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo for an extra taste kick.
• Complement with Fresh Salad: Balance the richness of the Parmesan nuggets with a light, crisp garden salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette to add freshness and cut through the savory coating.
• Match with Chilled White Wine: Enhance your meal with a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that will beautifully highlight the garlic and Parmesan notes while providing a refreshing contrast to the warm, crunchy chicken.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Accompany the nuggets with roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots to create a colorful, nutritious side that echoes the herbal notes from the Italian seasoning.

Flavor Upgrades for Nugget Lovers

• Zesty Ranch Nuggets: Replace Italian seasoning with ranch seasoning mix and add chopped chives for extra flavor. Serve with cool ranch dipping sauce for a tangy kick.
• Spicy Jalapeño Crunch: Mix finely diced jalapeños into breadcrumb coating. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for additional heat. Pair with cool cilantro-lime dipping sauce to balance spiciness.
• Mediterranean Herb Nuggets: Swap Italian seasoning for dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Add lemon zest to breadcrumb mixture. Serve with tzatziki sauce for authentic Mediterranean flair.
• Crispy Almond-Crusted Option: Replace half the breadcrumbs with finely ground almonds for extra crunch and nutty flavor. Incorporate ground almonds directly into coating mixture for enhanced texture.

Why Baked Parmesan Chicken Nuggets Are So Addictive

• Elevate Weeknight Dinners: Transform boring chicken into a crispy, cheesy masterpiece that transforms an ordinary meal into a restaurant-quality experience in just 15 minutes.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Pack a protein punch with 30g per serving, making these nuggets an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts and families seeking balanced, delicious nutrition.
• Foolproof Flavor Explosion: Combine garlic butter, Parmesan, and Italian seasonings to create a mouthwatering coating that delivers maximum taste with minimal cooking skills required, perfect for home cooks of all levels.

Your Pantry Checklist for Crispy Nuggets

• Chicken Breast: Tender and lean protein that forms the base of the nuggets, best when fresh and boneless.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, savory flavor and helps create a crispy coating with a nutty taste.

• Breadcrumbs, Italian Seasoning, Dried Parsley: Provide crispy texture and herb-infused flavor, with Italian-style seasoning enhancing the overall taste.
• Salt, Garlic Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that boost and balance the nuggets flavor profile.

• Butter, Minced Garlic: Creates a flavorful base for coating, helping breadcrumbs adhere and adding a rich, aromatic dimension to the chicken.

Baked Parmesan Chicken Nuggets Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Nuggets bring Italian-inspired comfort to classic finger food. Perfectly seasoned breading and golden-brown edges make these homemade nuggets irresistible for you to enjoy with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1– to 2-inch pieces

Breading and Cheese:

• 1 cup dried breadcrumbs
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon garlic salt (or regular salt)
• Large pinch dried Italian seasoning
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Calibrate the oven to 450°F (232°C). Meticulously blot chicken pieces with absorbent paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, guaranteeing a crisp exterior coating.
2. Create the flavor foundation by gently melting butter and incorporating finely minced garlic into a uniform mixture. Simultaneously, blend breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, kosher salt, granulated garlic powder, traditional Italian herb blend, and freshly ground black pepper in a separate shallow dish.
3. Transform each chicken morsel into a delectable nugget by first immersing it thoroughly in the aromatic garlic-infused butter, ensuring complete coverage. Immediately transfer the butter-coated piece into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to achieve a comprehensive, even crust.
4. Arrange the breaded chicken nuggets on a non-stick baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between pieces to promote uniform crisping. Position in the preheated oven and roast uncovered for approximately 15 minutes, rotating the pan midway for consistent browning.
5. Verify doneness by confirming the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a reliable meat thermometer. Remove from oven and allow nuggets to rest for 3-4 minutes, enabling the crisp coating to set and juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Notes

• Meal prep champions can slice and coat chicken pieces a day ahead, storing them covered in the refrigerator for maximum convenience.
• Leftover nuggets stay deliciously crispy when reheated in an air fryer or toaster oven at 375°F for 5-6 minutes.
• Homemade breadcrumbs elevate the texture, offering a more rustic and personalized crunch compared to store-bought versions.
• Kids and adults alike will love dunking these nuggets in marinara sauce, ranch, or honey mustard for an extra flavor boost.
• Gluten-free friends can swap regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko for an equally crispy alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg