Crispy Homemade Parmesan Chicken Nuggets Recipe for Kids

Crispy parmesan chicken nuggets dance between comfort food nostalgia and gourmet excitement.

Golden breading whispers promises of delightful crunch with every bite.

Weeknight dinners deserve something special that sparks joy at the table.

Kids and adults alike will devour these irresistible morsels faster than you can plate them.

Perfectly seasoned and baked to a delectable golden brown, these nuggets transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary moments.

Minimal effort meets maximum flavor in this crowd-pleasing recipe that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

Dive into this culinary adventure and watch magic unfold on your plate.

FAQs

• Are Parmesan Chicken Nuggets healthier than store-bought frozen nuggets?

Yes, homemade nuggets let you control ingredients, reduce preservatives, and use lean chicken breast with a protein-rich Parmesan cheese coating, making them a healthier alternative.

• Can I make these nuggets gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste and texture.

• How do I know when the chicken nuggets are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is completely safe to eat without overcooking.

• What are the best dipping sauces for these Parmesan Chicken Nuggets?

Ranch, marinara, honey mustard, and barbecue sauce complement the Parmesan and Italian seasoning flavors perfectly, offering delicious pairing options.

Parmesan Chicken Nuggets That Everyone Will Love

• Quick and Easy Dinner Solution: Whip up these crispy Parmesan chicken nuggets in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast, delicious meal that everyone will love.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will devour these golden, cheesy nuggets that offer a healthier homemade alternative to frozen or fast-food versions.
• Versatile Cooking Method: Pan-frying these nuggets ensures a crispy exterior and juicy interior, with minimal cooking skills required and simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
• Customizable Flavor Boost: Easily adapt the recipe by switching up seasonings or trying different cheese blends to keep this dish exciting and match your family's taste preferences.

Nuggets with a Parmesan-Coated Crunch

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat for the base of the nuggets, best when fresh and trimmed of excess fat.

• Eggs, Parmesan Cheese, Breadcrumbs, Italian Seasoning: Crispy, flavorful mixture that creates a golden and crunchy exterior for the chicken.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Olive Oil: Essential for seasoning and cooking the nuggets to achieve perfect browning and taste.
• Paper Towels: Used for draining excess oil and keeping nuggets crisp.

Chicken Nuggets Parmesan Prep Steps

Step 1: Trim and Season Chicken

Grab fresh chicken breasts and slice them into perfect bite-sized chunks.

Sprinkle each piece with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavors.

Step 2: Create Dipping Stations

• Whisk eggs in the first bowl until smooth and well-blended
• Combine in the second bowl
• Breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning blend

Step 3: Coat Chicken Pieces

Dunk each chicken chunk into the whisked eggs, allowing excess to drip off.

Roll the egg-coated piece in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a crispy, even coating.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place coated chicken pieces in a single layer.

Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they transform into a beautiful golden brown and reach a fully cooked internal temperature.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Transfer hot nuggets to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb extra oil.

Plate immediately with your favorite dipping sauce – marinara, ranch, or honey mustard work wonderfully.

Nugget Tips for Parmesan Chicken Bites

• Pat chicken pieces completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispier, more even coating that sticks perfectly.
• Use medium-low heat and avoid overcrowding the skillet, allowing nuggets to cook evenly without burning the breadcrumb layer.
• Add extra grated Parmesan directly onto the nuggets while cooking to create delightful crispy cheese edges.
• Replace traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and juicy nuggets every single time.

Parmesan Chicken Nuggets Storage

• Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Place cooled nuggets in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, preserving them for up to 3 months.
• Warm nuggets at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, ensuring they become crispy and heated through evenly.
• Reheat nuggets for 30-45 seconds, but expect slightly softer texture compared to oven method.

Easy Dips for Parmesan Chicken Nuggets

• Zesty Ranch Dip: Whip up a cool, tangy ranch sauce with buttermilk, herbs, and a dash of garlic powder to complement the nuggets' crispy Parmesan coating.
• Fresh Caprese Salad: Create a light side with ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze to balance the richness of the chicken.
• Crisp White Wine Pairing: Select a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc with bright, citrusy notes that cut through the nuggets' savory breading and enhance their flavor profile.
• Quick Roasted Veggie Medley: Toss zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus with olive oil and herbs, roasting until tender and caramelized for a nutritious accompaniment.

Parmesan Chicken Nuggets Snack Twists

• Gluten-Free Nuggets: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free cornflakes or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Chicken Bites: Swap breadcrumbs with ground pork rinds or crushed keto-friendly cheese crisps for a carb-conscious alternative.
• Herb-Infused Nuggets: Add fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, or sage to the coating mixture for an aromatic herbal kick.
• Baked Option: Skip pan-frying and place nuggets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, baking at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy and golden.

Parmesan Chicken Nuggets Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy Parmesan Chicken Nuggets blend golden breading with rich Italian cheese for an irresistible comfort meal. Perfectly seasoned and baked to crunchy perfection, these nuggets promise delightful flavor in every bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Liquid Binding:

• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Slice chicken breasts into uniform, bite-sized morsels, ensuring each piece is seasoned with a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper for enhanced flavor.
2. Create two separate preparation stations: whisk eggs in one shallow dish until smoothly blended, and combine breadcrumbs, finely grated Parmesan cheese, and aromatic Italian seasoning in another vessel.
3. Carefully immerse each chicken piece into the whisked egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then thoroughly coat with the seasoned breadcrumb blend, gently pressing to ensure complete coverage.
4. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, allowing the pan to reach an even temperature before adding chicken nuggets in a single, uncrowded layer.
5. Cook nuggets for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, rotating once to achieve a uniform golden-brown exterior and ensuring the internal temperature reaches complete doneness.
6. Remove crispy nuggets from the skillet and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any residual oil, preserving their delightful crunch and preventing sogginess.
7. Plate the freshly prepared Parmesan chicken nuggets immediately and serve alongside your preferred dipping sauce for a delectable dining experience.

Notes

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender and uniform nuggets.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help the coating stick better and ensure crispiness.
• Avoid overcrowding the skillet to maintain consistent heat and prevent soggy nuggets.
• Experiment with different cheese types like pecorino or aged cheddar for varied flavor profiles.
• For a gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
• Prep nuggets ahead of time and refrigerate before cooking to help the coating set firmly.
• Check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption using a meat thermometer.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg