Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Nuggets

Chicken nuggets have long been a staple in households across the country, beloved by both children and adults alike. However, in our recipe, we’re giving this classic dish a delightful twist, transforming it into a healthier option without compromising on its irresistible taste and crunchiness.

By choosing to bake instead of fry, we’re cutting down on the oil while ramping up the flavor, ensuring a meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.

A Healthier Alternative:

Fried foods have always been a guilty pleasure for many, but the health implications can no longer be ignored. Baked chicken nuggets offer a fantastic alternative, providing that much-loved crispy texture without the added fats and oils.

This not only makes for a lighter meal but also ensures that you’re serving up a dish packed with genuine nutritional value.

The golden, crispy exterior paired with the tender, juicy interior of our chicken nuggets will have everyone at the table reaching for more, completely oblivious to the fact that they’re enjoying a healthier version of their favorite dish.

Ingredients:

Creating this mouth-watering dish requires a harmonious blend of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering the final, delectable result. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show, providing a lean source of protein.
  • 1 teaspoon of kosher or coarse salt, divided: For seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken.
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper, divided: Adds a slight heat and depth to the seasoning.
  • ½ cup of buttermilk: Helps in tenderizing the chicken, ensuring it stays moist during baking.
  • ½ cup of good quality grated parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, cheesy flavor and aids in achieving a golden crust.
  • 1 teaspoon of your favorite herb blend (optional): For an extra layer of flavor.
  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour: Helps in forming the coating on the chicken.
  • 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs: The secret to that irresistible crunch.
  • ½ cup of melted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the coating to the chicken.
  • 2 lightly beaten eggs: Works with the flour to create a crispy outer layer.

With these ingredients at the ready, you’re all set to create a dish that’s not just a treat for the taste buds but also a healthier option for your family.

Stay tuned as we dive into the step-by-step cooking guide, ensuring you nail this recipe and serve up a plate of perfection.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide:

Creating these crispy baked parmesan chicken nuggets is a breeze, and with this detailed guide, you’ll be able to whip up a batch in no time. Here’s how:

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Start by heating your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C). Grab a rimmed baking sheet, cover it with foil for easy cleanup, and give it a good spray with nonstick cooking spray. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and give that a spray as well. This setup ensures that the heat circulates around the chicken nuggets, making them crispy all over.
  2. Cut and Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and cut them into bite-sized pieces, around 1½ inches each. Place the chicken pieces in a medium bowl and sprinkle them with ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Pour in the buttermilk and give everything a good mix until the chicken is well-coated. Set this aside to let the buttermilk work its magic.
  3. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and your choice of herbs. This is your coating mixture that will give the nuggets their crispy, flavorful crust.
  4. Set Up Your Dipping Stations: You’ll need four shallow dishes for this next part. In one, place the all-purpose flour. In another, the melted butter. In the third, the beaten eggs. And in the fourth, your breadcrumb mixture. You’ve now created your dipping stations, ready to transform your chicken into nuggets of gold.
  5. Coat the Chicken: Take a piece of chicken and dredge it in the flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Tap off any excess, then dip it into the butter, followed by the eggs, and finally, coat it well in the breadcrumb mixture. Place the coated chicken on the wire rack. Repeat this process until all the chicken pieces are coated.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Slide the baking sheet into the oven, positioning it on the middle rack. Let the nuggets bake for 20-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
  7. Check for Doneness: Your chicken nuggets are ready when they’re golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. If they’re not as crispy as you’d like after 30 minutes, switch your oven to broil and give them a few more minutes, watching closely to make sure they don’t burn.
  8. Serve and Enjoy: Take the nuggets out of the oven and serve them hot, with your favorite dipping sauces on the side.

And there you have it, a plate of crispy, flavorful baked parmesan chicken nuggets that are sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Enjoy the crunch, savor the flavor, and relish in the fact that you’ve just served up a healthier version of a beloved classic.

Serving Suggestions:

Now that you’ve mastered the art of making these scrumptious baked parmesan chicken nuggets, let’s talk about how to serve them up in style.

Dipping Sauces Galore: Chicken nuggets and dipping sauces go hand in hand. You can serve these crispy delights with a variety of sauces to suit all taste buds.

Think classic ketchup, tangy barbecue sauce, or a creamy ranch. For those who like it spicy, a drizzle of hot sauce or a side of buffalo sauce would be perfect. And let’s not forget honey mustard for a sweet and tangy kick. The possibilities are endless!

Perfect Pairings: When it comes to side dishes, you want something that complements the crispy texture of the nuggets.

A side of sweet potato fries, a fresh garden salad, or some steamed vegetables would make for a balanced and wholesome meal.

Kid-Friendly Fun: If you’re serving these nuggets to kids, why not make it fun? Arrange the nuggets in a smiley face pattern on their plate or serve the dipping sauces in colorful cups.

Making mealtime enjoyable encourages kids to try new foods and can turn a regular dinner into a delightful experience.

Nutrition:

These baked parmesan chicken nuggets are not just delicious; they’re also a healthier alternative to the traditional fried version.

By baking instead of frying, you significantly reduce the amount of oil and fat in the dish, making it a lighter option.

Each serving packs in protein, essential for growth and development, while the parmesan adds a calcium boost.

  • Calories: 620 kcal
  • Protein: 33g
  • Fat: 33g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 3g

Making It a Family Activity:

Cooking can be a fun family activity, and this recipe is simple enough to get the kids involved.

Let them help with coating the chicken (with supervision, of course), setting the table, or choosing the dipping sauces. Not only does this create precious family memories, but it also teaches them valuable life skills.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

If you find yourself with leftovers, these nuggets store well in the fridge for up to three days.

When it’s time to reheat, pop them back in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F until they’re heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy.

These baked parmesan chicken nuggets are a testament to the fact that healthier doesn’t have to mean less flavorful.

With their crispy exterior, tender interior, and a burst of cheesy goodness, they’re sure to become a new family favorite.

So go ahead, give them a try, and watch as even the pickiest eaters at your table ask for seconds. Enjoy your meal, and here’s to healthier, happier family dinners!

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