Name: Parmesan Chicken Nuggets
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb or 450g); 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated); 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko for extra crunch); 2 large eggs; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt & pepper (to taste, approximately 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper); 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying, can adjust as needed for pan coverage)

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Short Description

These Parmesan Chicken Nuggets are crispy, flavorful, and the perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients, they are loaded with cheesy goodness and a golden, crunchy coating that’s sure to please the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing snack, this recipe will become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What’s not to love about Parmesan Chicken Nuggets? They’re crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and full of savory Parmesan flavor. Perfectly seasoned and golden-brown, they make for a great meal for both kids and adults alike. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making them a go-to for busy days.

Ingredients

You’ll find the full list of ingredients below, but for now, here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need:

Boneless, skinless chicken breast
Parmesan cheese
Bread crumbs
Eggs
Garlic powder
Dried oregano
Salt & pepper

The full ingredient list (with measurements) will be available at the bottom of this post!

Directions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breast into bite-sized chunks. You want the pieces to be small enough to cook quickly but big enough to stay juicy. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels—this helps the breading stick better and gives you that crispy crunch we all love.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

This is where the magic happens! In one bowl, whisk together eggs, a pinch of salt, and pepper. In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried oregano. The breadcrumbs will help create that perfect crispy texture, while the Parmesan adds the cheesy flavor we’re after.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken piece first into the egg mixture and then coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks well. Lay each piece on a clean plate or tray until all your nuggets are breaded and ready to go.

Step 4: Cook the Nuggets

Heat up a skillet over medium heat with a little oil—just enough to coat the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, add your chicken nuggets in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan). Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. You’ll know they’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Once cooked, transfer the nuggets to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This step helps keep them crispy for longer. Serve them hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use Panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy coating! They create a crispier exterior that stays crunchy even after a few minutes.
Season your breadcrumbs with a bit of extra seasoning, like Italian seasoning, to boost the flavor.
Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. If it’s not hot enough, the nuggets can soak up too much oil and become greasy.
Batch cooking is important for even cooking. Overcrowding the pan can result in unevenly cooked chicken.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Air-frying option: If you want to make these healthier, you can air fry the Parmesan Chicken Nuggets! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the nuggets for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Spicy version: Add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a little heat.
Cheese variations: Swap the Parmesan for mozzarella for a stretchier, milder flavor, or add a bit of both for a cheesy duo!

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Parmesan Chicken Nuggets are perfect for a quick snack or as part of a meal. Pair them with:

A creamy dipping sauce like ranch, honey mustard, or marinara for extra flavor.
A side of crispy fries or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Serve them alongside roasted veggies or a fun charcuterie board to impress your guests.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing leftovers: If you have any leftovers (unlikely, but just in case!), store the cooked chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes to get them crispy again. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a couple of minutes for the best texture.

4 FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep and bread the chicken nuggets ahead of time, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just fry them right before serving for the best results.

2. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Definitely! Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the nuggets on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll be slightly less crispy but still delicious.

3. Can I freeze these chicken nuggets?
Yes! Freeze the breaded chicken nuggets on a baking sheet first, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, fry or bake them straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you a juicier nugget with a bit more flavor. Just be sure to cut them into small pieces similar in size to the breast pieces.

Conclusion

These Parmesan Chicken Nuggets are a total game-changer. Crispy, cheesy, and easy to make, they’re the perfect dish for anyone who loves a tasty snack or a quick dinner. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. So next time you’re in the mood for something crunchy and cheesy, remember to give these a try!

Parmesan Chicken Nuggets

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes (for frying, 8-10 minutes in air fryer)
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish, Snack, Appetizer
Method: Pan-frying, Air frying (optional)
Cuisine: American

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Description

Ingredients

Scale

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb or 450g)
1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko for extra crunch)
2 large eggs
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt & pepper (to taste, approximately 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper)
2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying, can adjust as needed for pan coverage)

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Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized chunks. Pat dry with paper towels to help the breading stick.
Set Up Your Breading Station: Whisk eggs, salt, and pepper in one bowl. In another, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and oregano.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then coat it in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.
Cook the Nuggets: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the nuggets in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Drain and Serve: Transfer the cooked nuggets to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.