Baked Parmesan Chicken Nuggets: A Crispy Delight for All Ages

Craving something delicious and easy to prepare? Look no further than these Baked Parmesan Chicken Nuggets. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together, these nuggets are sure to impress with their crispy coating and savory flavor. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 cup dried breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt (can substitute regular salt)
• Large pinch dried Italian seasoning
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1- to 2-inch pieces

Directions:

Preheat the Oven

1. Set the Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Position a rack in the center of the oven to ensure even cooking.

Prepare the Chicken

2. Pat the Chicken Pieces Dry: Use paper towels to pat the chicken pieces dry. This step is crucial as it helps achieve a crispy breading when baked.

Prepare the Coatings

3. Butter and Garlic Mix: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and minced garlic.
4. Breadcrumb Mixture: In another bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, kosher salt, garlic salt, dried Italian seasoning, and ground black pepper.

Coat the Chicken

5. Dredge the Chicken Pieces: Dip each chicken piece into the butter and garlic mixture, ensuring it is well-coated. Then, dredge the butter-coated chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Bake the Nuggets

6. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken pieces on a non-stick baking sheet or a parchment-lined baking sheet for easier cleanup.
7. Bake: Bake the chicken nuggets in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. The chicken is done when it is cooked through and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C). Note: The chicken will brown more on the bottom side than the top, especially if using a non-stick pan.

Serve

8. Cool Slightly: Allow the chicken nuggets to cool slightly before serving.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4-6

Tips for Perfect Chicken Nuggets

• Patting the chicken dry ensures a crispy texture.
• Using fresh parsley adds a burst of flavor, but you can substitute with dried parsley if necessary.
• For extra crispiness, consider flipping the nuggets halfway through the baking time.

Enjoy these Baked Parmesan Chicken Nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce or a fresh side salad. They’re a hit with both kids and adults alike, making them a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire. Happy cooking!

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Feel free to share your experience or any variations you tried in the comments below. Don’t forget to tag us on social media with your delicious creations!

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