There’s something unforgettably comforting about homemade chicken nuggets. Maybe it’s the crispy coating that crunches just right or the juicy bite that takes me back to childhood dinners. They’re like tiny golden treasures, perfect for a casual get-together or a cozy night in. Plus, with all the talk about nostalgia these days, these nuggets might just be your new-old favorite comfort food.
Steps
- Gather all necessary ingredients and set your oven to preheat at 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the chicken breasts into pieces approximately 1 1/2 inches in size.
- In a medium bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, basil, thyme, and salt. Pour the melted butter into a separate bowl for dipping.
- Dip each chicken piece in the melted butter, then thoroughly coat it with the bread crumb mixture.
- Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on a lightly greased baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown.
- Serve the chicken nuggets warm, optionally with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
- 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup melted butter
Nutritional Values
Total Calories: 1848 | Total Fat: 114g | Saturated Fat: 66g | Cholesterol: 486mg | Sodium: 5934mg | Total Carbohydrate: 90g | Dietary Fiber: 6g | Total Sugars: 6g | Protein: 114g | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 852mg | Iron: 12mg | Potassium: 1422mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?
- Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with other hard cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano. Just keep in mind that it might slightly alter the flavor of your nuggets.
- How do I ensure my chicken nuggets turn out crispy?
- To achieve a crispier texture, you can bake the nuggets on a wire rack placed over the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the chicken pieces. Additionally, lightly spraying them with cooking oil before baking can help enhance the crispiness.
- Can I make these chicken nuggets gluten-free?
- Absolutely! Simply swap the Italian seasoned bread crumbs with a gluten-free version. Ensure all other ingredients, like spices, are also certified gluten-free.
- What can I do if my chicken nuggets aren’t browning well in the oven?
- If your nuggets aren’t browning as desired, you can finish them off by pan-frying in a little vegetable oil for a couple of minutes on each side after baking. This should give them a nice golden color and enhance the texture.
- Is it possible to prepare these chicken nuggets in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the chicken nuggets ahead of time by coating them and then freezing them. When you’re ready to cook, bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Tips
- For a more golden and crispy finish, consider lightly pan-frying the chicken nuggets in vegetable oil for two minutes on each side after baking.
- If you prefer a lower sodium option, you can reduce or omit the salt, and experiment by using a mix of plain and Italian bread crumbs for varied flavor.
- To achieve the best texture with homemade bread crumbs, use stale bread that’s finely chopped, which adds a fresh, homemade touch to your nuggets.
- To prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, arrange the nuggets in a single layer on a lightly greased baking sheet.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet/Cookie Sheet – A high-quality, non-stick baking sheet for baking the chicken nuggets.
- Mixing Bowls – A set of mixing bowls for combining ingredients.
- Oven Thermometer – To ensure the oven is at the correct temperature.
- Basting Brush – For coating the chicken with melted butter.
