Description
Crispy parmesan chicken nuggets offer a delightful twist on classic finger food. Homemade golden-brown morsels with a cheesy, herbed coating provide a crowd-pleasing meal that you’ll eagerly devour.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (907 g) chicken breasts or thighs, skinless, boneless, cut into 1–2 inch pieces
- 1 cup breadcrumbs, dried
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsps parsley, fresh, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp garlic salt (or regular salt)
- 1/8 tsp black pepper, ground
- Large pinch Italian seasoning, dried
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness and remove any residual moisture.
- Flavor Development: Melt butter and infuse with minced garlic. In a separate shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, kosher salt, garlic powder, Italian herbs, and black pepper to create a robust seasoning blend.
- Coating Technique: Immerse each chicken piece completely in the garlic-butter mixture, then meticulously coat with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to establish a uniform, adherent crust that will crisp beautifully during baking.
- Baking Process: Distribute breaded nuggets across a non-stick baking sheet, maintaining slight spacing to promote even heating and optimal crispness. Roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, rotating midway to achieve consistent golden-brown coloration and thorough cooking.
- Finishing Touch: Confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. Allow nuggets to rest for 3-4 minutes, permitting the coating to solidify and meat juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum flavor and texture.
Notes
- Moisture Management: Thoroughly pat chicken dry with paper towels to achieve a super-crispy exterior that won’t become soggy.
- Coating Technique: Press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto chicken to create a thick, even layer that locks in flavor and ensures maximum crunchiness.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches exactly 165°F, preventing undercooking while maintaining juicy meat.
- Resting Ritual: Allow nuggets to rest 3-4 minutes after baking, letting the coating set and juices redistribute for optimal texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg