If you’re craving a flavorful, crunchy snack or a fun dinner that everyone will love, this Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Nuggets Recipe is just the answer. These nuggets are golden, crispy, and loaded with the nutty, salty goodness of Parmesan cheese. The secret to their incredible texture is a smart combo of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and a light buttermilk soak that keeps each bite juicy inside while delivering crunch on the outside. Whether you’re cooking for the kids, hosting game night, or simply want a cozy homemade treat, these chicken nuggets hit all the right notes and are super easy to whip up at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the tender chicken breasts to the crispy breadcrumb and Parmesan coating, here’s what you need to create this mouthwatering dish.
- Chicken breasts (3, boneless and skinless): The star protein that becomes tender and juicy when baked.
- Kosher or coarse salt (1 teaspoon, divided): Enhances natural flavors and seasons the chicken at every step.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon, divided): Adds a subtle kick and depth of flavor.
- Buttermilk (½ cup): Tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick beautifully.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): Gives the nuggets their legendary crunch and light texture.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup grated, good quality): Delivers a rich, nutty flavor that’s absolutely addictive.
- Herb blend (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds aromatic hints that elevate the overall taste complexity.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Creates a base layer for the coating to adhere perfectly.
- Butter (½ cup, melted): Brings richness to the egg wash and helps achieve that golden exterior.
- Eggs (2, lightly beaten): Acts as a sticky binder so the breading clings to each piece.
How to Make Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Setup
Start by heating your oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray it lightly with nonstick spray, which keeps everything from sticking and helps cleanup be a breeze. Next, place a wire rack on the baking sheet and spray it as well. This allows hot air to circulate around the nuggets, ensuring they bake to crispy perfection on every side.
Step 2: Season and Soak the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry, then cut them into 1½-inch bite-size pieces. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle with half the salt and pepper. Pour in the buttermilk and toss gently to coat every piece. This soak tenderizes the chicken and prepares it to hold on tightly to the coating later.
Step 3: Mix the Crunchy Coating
In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and your favorite herb blend if you like a little extra flavor boost. Stir everything together so it’s evenly mixed, making sure the nuggets will be coated with some cheesy, herby magic.
Step 4: Organize Your Dredging Station
Set up four shallow dishes side by side: one with flour, one with melted butter, one with beaten eggs, and one with the breadcrumb mixture. This organized setup keeps the coating process smooth and efficient.
Step 5: Drain Excess Buttermilk
Using a mesh strainer, drain the chicken pieces to remove excess buttermilk but don’t rinse. This step ensures the nuggets aren’t soggy and helps the coating adhere properly.
Step 6: Dredge the Chicken Nuggets
Dredge each chicken piece first in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it into the melted butter and egg mix, and finally coat it thoroughly with the Parmesan-panko mixture. Place each coated nugget evenly spaced on the wire rack. Repeat until all chicken pieces are coated and ready.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your prepared baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes. Be sure to turn the nuggets halfway through baking to ensure even crispiness and browning. Watch for that irresistible golden crunch — your favorite sign that these nuggets are done.
Step 8: Finish with Broil for Extra Crunch (Optional)
If you want your golden pearls of deliciousness an extra shade crispier, switch your oven to broil and give them a few extra minutes. Keep a careful eye though, because they can go from perfect to burnt pretty fast.
Step 9: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Remove the nuggets from the oven and let them rest a minute or two so they settle perfectly crispy. Then serve hot with your choice of dipping sauces and get ready to enjoy that harmony of juicy chicken and crunchy, cheesy coating.
How to Serve Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil over the nuggets for a fresh, vibrant touch that adds color and subtle flavor notes. A little zest of lemon on top can also brighten the dish perfectly without overpowering.
Side Dishes
You can keep it classic with crispy oven-baked fries or a fresh green salad for balance. For something creamier, coleslaw or a cool cucumber-yogurt salad pairs wonderfully with the richness of Parmesan. Roasted veggies or garlic mashed potatoes create a heartier plate if you want a full meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Make these nuggets party-ready by skewering them with some olives, cherry tomatoes, or pickles for an easy finger food option. Another fun twist is serving them in a slider bun with a dab of aioli or spicy mayo for a bite-sized sandwich treat. Use colorful dips in mini bowls to make it inviting and interactive for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining most of their crispness when reheated properly.
Freezing
You can freeze these nuggets either before baking or after cooking. When freezing before baking, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen following the baking directions, adding a few extra minutes. Cooked nuggets freeze well, too; just reheat from frozen for a quick snack.
Reheating
To keep the coating crispy on reheating, use your oven or an air fryer instead of the microwave. Reheat at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crunchy again. This helps restore that fresh-from-the-oven texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and more forgiving, so you’ll still get delicious, crispy nuggets. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs might need a few extra minutes.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by mixing ½ cup milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This acidity helps tenderize the chicken just like buttermilk does.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep the coating crispy and safe for gluten-sensitive eaters. Just make sure your Parmesan and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
How do I keep the nuggets crispy after baking?
Using a wire rack for baking lets air circulate, which is key for crispiness. Also, avoid stacking the nuggets when storing them, and reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back crisp texture instead of microwaving.
What dipping sauces go best with these chicken nuggets?
The possibilities are endless! Classic options include honey mustard, ranch, or marinara sauce. For a flavorful kick, try garlic aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, or even a fresh pesto dip for something a little different.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Nuggets Recipe, it will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. The combination of juicy chicken, crispy golden coating, and rich Parmesan flavor is simply irresistible. These nuggets are foolproof, fun to make, and a great way to bring smiles to any table—so go ahead and enjoy every crunchy, cheesy bite!
Print
Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Baked Chicken Nuggets are crispy, golden, and packed with parmesan flavor for a deliciously tender bite. Using a coating of panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and an optional herb blend, the nuggets bake to a perfect crisp in the oven, making them a healthier alternative to traditional fried versions without sacrificing any crunch or taste. Perfect for a family-friendly meal or snack, these nuggets are easy to prepare and bake, then served hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 teaspoon kosher or coarse salt (divided)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (divided)
- ½ cup buttermilk
Breading
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (grated, good quality)
- 1 teaspoon favorite herb blend (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Coating Mixture
- ½ cup butter (melted)
- 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Setup: Heat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Cover a rimmed baking sheet with foil and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and spray that with nonstick cooking spray as well to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and cut them into approximately 1½-inch pieces. Place the pieces in a medium bowl. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Pour in the buttermilk and mix gently to coat all the chicken pieces evenly. Set aside to marinate briefly.
- Mix Breading Ingredients: In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and your choice of herb blend if using. Stir well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Set Up Dipping Stations: Prepare four shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour, one with the melted butter, one with the lightly beaten eggs, and one with the breadcrumb mixture. These will be used in sequence to coat the nuggets.
- Drain Excess Buttermilk: Strain the marinated chicken pieces over a mesh strainer placed above a bowl to remove excess buttermilk so the coatings adhere better.
- Coat the Chicken Nuggets: Line up the four dipping dishes. Take each piece of chicken and dredge it first in the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip it into the butter mixture, followed by the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb-parmesan-herb mixture. Place each coated piece on the prepared wire rack.
- Bake the Nuggets: Transfer the cooking sheet to the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake the nuggets for 20-30 minutes, flipping them over halfway through cooking (after about 10-15 minutes) to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Check for Doneness: The chicken nuggets are ready when they are golden brown, crispy on the outside, and cooked through internally.
- Optional Broil for Extra Crispiness: If the nuggets are not as crispy as you’d like after baking, switch your oven to broil and cook them for a few additional minutes, watching closely to avoid burning, until they reach your desired crunch.
- Serve Hot: Remove the nuggets from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces such as ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch dressing.
- Enjoy! Sit back and enjoy these healthier, crispy baked chicken nuggets perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- Using a wire rack on the baking sheet helps the heat circulate evenly, ensuring a crispier nugget all around.
- Adjust the seasoning and herb blend in the breadcrumb mixture to suit your taste preferences.
- Ensure chicken pieces are uniformly sized for even cooking.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
- Keep an eye during broiling to prevent burning as it happens quickly.
- Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
