Ah, chicken nuggets—a nostalgic nod to childhood meals, yet they’ve grown up into something even more delightful. Imagine the crispy satisfaction of fast food, but transformed into a healthier masterpiece you’ll feel good about serving. These baked chicken nuggets, with their golden crust and tender insides, pair perfectly with your favorite dipping sauce or just a sprinkle of sea salt.
Steps
- Gather all the ingredients and preheat your oven to 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 thoroughly. Pour the melted butter into a separate dish for dipping.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the melted butter, ensuring it’s well-coated, then roll it in the bread crumb mixture.
- Arrange the coated chicken pieces on a lightly greased baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single layer.
- Bake the chicken nuggets in the preheated oven for around 20 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked and the coating is golden brown.
- Once ready, serve the nuggets warm, accompanied by your preferred dipping sauces if desired.
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Ingredients
- 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup bread crumbs with Italian seasoning
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter, melted
Nutritional Values
Total Nutritional Values for the Entire Recipe | 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 bread crumbs for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute Italian seasoned bread crumbs with plain bread crumbs or even use homemade crumbs from stale bread. Adding your own herbs can help replicate the Italian seasoning.
- What can I do if my chicken nuggets aren’t browning properly in the oven?
- If your nuggets aren’t browning, you can finish them in a pan with a little vegetable oil for about two minutes per side after baking. This will improve their color and texture.
- Is it possible to make this recipe without butter?
- Yes, you can use a butter substitute like olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative to coat the chicken pieces before dipping them in the bread crumb mixture.
- How can I make these chicken nuggets healthier?
- To make the nuggets healthier, consider reducing the amount of salt, using whole wheat bread crumbs, or baking them on a rack to allow excess fat to drip away.
- What dipping sauces pair well with these chicken nuggets?
- These chicken nuggets go well with a variety of dipping sauces such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or a simple marinara sauce.
Tips
- For a crispier texture, try reheating the baked nuggets in a pan with a little vegetable oil for a couple of minutes on each side until they achieve a golden brown color.
- If you prefer to reduce sodium intake, consider using half Italian seasoned bread crumbs and half plain bread crumbs, or omit the added salt altogether.
- To enhance the flavor, use homemade bread crumbs made from finely chopped, day-old bread. This can add a unique taste and texture to your nuggets.
- For an extra burst of flavor, experiment by adding a pinch of garlic powder or paprika to the bread crumb mixture before coating the chicken pieces.
Equipment
- Medium Mixing Bowl – For mixing the bread crumbs, Parmesan, basil, thyme, and salt.
- Baking Sheet (Cookie Sheet) – Used for placing the chicken nuggets in the oven.
- Oven Thermometer – Useful for ensuring your oven reaches the correct temperature of 400 degrees F.
- Silicone Baking Mat or Parchment Paper – For lining the baking sheet to prevent sticking (if you prefer not to grease the sheet).
- Kitchen Shears or Knife – For cutting the chicken breasts into pieces.
- Digital Meat Thermometer – To ensure the chicken is cooked through properly.
