Go Back
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil spray - Parchment paper Gathering these ingredients is easy. You can find chicken breast at any store. Panko breadcrumbs give a great crunch. Grated Parmesan adds a sharp taste. Fresh garlic brings out the best flavor. The spices enhance everything, making each bite special. Parchment paper helps the nuggets bake without sticking. Olive oil spray keeps them crispy without adding too much fat. Using these fresh and simple ingredients makes this snack a favorite. You can easily adjust the spices to fit your taste. Want it spicier? Add some cayenne pepper. Prefer more cheese flavor? Toss in extra Parmesan. Cooking should be fun, and these nuggets let you explore. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for a nice, crispy texture. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will stop the nuggets from sticking. Now, let’s mix the ingredients. In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In another shallow dish, beat 2 large eggs. In a third shallow dish, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. This mix brings great flavor! It’s time to coat the chicken! Start by dipping each piece into the flour mixture. Make sure to coat it well. After that, shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the chicken into the beaten eggs. Allow any extra egg to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure it sticks well. This step is important for that crunchy texture. Place the coated nuggets on your baking sheet. If you want, lightly spray the tops with olive oil. This helps them get even crispier in the oven. Now, let’s bake! Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the chicken nuggets for 15 to 20 minutes. They should turn golden brown and be fully cooked. Halfway through, flip the nuggets for even cooking. This ensures each side gets that perfect crunch. Once baked, let them rest for a minute before serving. This helps them stay juicy inside. Enjoy your tasty garlic Parmesan chicken nuggets! To get that perfect crunch, I always choose panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Panko is lighter and crispier, which makes your nuggets extra crunchy. When you coat your chicken, spray a bit of olive oil on top. This helps achieve that golden color and crispiness. The oil brings out the best in the breadcrumbs. Want to spice things up? You can add other herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mix. Try some Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or even a touch of cayenne for heat. These additions will take your nuggets to the next level. For dips, I love serving them with marinara or garlic aioli. Both pair well with the garlic and cheese flavor. You can choose to bake or fry your nuggets. Baking is great if you want a healthier option. Just remember to flip them halfway through cooking. If you prefer frying, use a pan with hot oil for a crispy finish. Air fryers are another fantastic choice. They cook the nuggets quickly and keep them crispy without much oil. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives a robust flavor that powdered garlic cannot replicate. Make sure to use fresh cloves for the best taste! Double-Dip for Extra Crunch: For an even crunchier texture, dip the chicken nuggets in the egg mixture twice before coating them in breadcrumbs. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize your breadcrumb mixture with different herbs and spices like Italian seasoning or cayenne pepper for a kick! Let Them Rest: Allowing the baked nuggets to rest for a couple of minutes after cooking will help them retain their juiciness and make them easier to handle. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in your nuggets. Use chicken thighs or tenders instead of breast. Chicken thighs are juicier and add great flavor. Tenders also stay moist and cook quickly. You can also try turkey nuggets. They offer a leaner option with similar taste. For a plant-based choice, look for veggie or tofu nuggets. They absorb flavors well and make a tasty alternative. Change the cheese for a fun twist. Try cheddar for a sharper taste. Mozzarella gives a milder, creamy flavor. Adjust the garlic to suit your taste. Use less for a subtle hint or more for a bold kick. You can even swap fresh garlic for garlic powder. This makes it easier and just as tasty. Pair these nuggets with different sauces. BBQ sauce adds a nice sweetness. Ranch dressing is creamy and cool. You can also try garlic aioli for a rich flavor. Serve with fresh veggies like carrot sticks or a crisp salad. The crunch of veggies balances the hearty nuggets. This makes for a fun and healthy snack or meal. To store leftover chicken nuggets, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. It is best to eat them within this time for the best taste and texture. For freezing, let the nuggets cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you want to eat them, take them out and let them thaw overnight in the fridge. You can reheat the nuggets in an oven, microwave, or air fryer. For the oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 10-12 minutes until crispy. In the microwave, heat for about 1-2 minutes. But be careful, as this can make them soggy. The air fryer is a great option too. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps them crunchy and delicious. To make these nuggets crispy, focus on the coating and oil. Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Panko gives that extra crunch you want. When you coat the chicken, make sure to shake off any extra flour. This helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick better. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil before baking. This gives them a nice golden color and a crispy texture. Bake them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. Yes, you can prepare the nuggets in advance. If you want to store them, place the uncooked nuggets in an airtight container. They can stay in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just lay the coated nuggets on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to cook, bake them directly from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. These chicken nuggets taste great with many dipping sauces. Marinara sauce is a classic choice and adds a nice tang. Garlic aioli brings a creamy, rich flavor that complements the garlic in the nuggets. You can also try ranch dressing for a cool dip or BBQ sauce for a sweet kick. Honey mustard is another fun option that pairs well with the savory notes of the chicken. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite! You learned how to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Nuggets with simple steps. We covered ingredients, cooking methods, and storage tips. You can achieve crispy nuggets by coating them well and using olive oil. Remember to experiment with flavors and try different proteins. These nuggets are great with various sauces and sides. Now, you have everything you need for a tasty meal. Enjoy making this dish with your favorite variations!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Nuggets

Crispy and flavorful chicken nuggets coated in garlic and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • as needed olive oil spray (or regular olive oil for frying)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a shallow dish, mix the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • In a second shallow dish, beat the eggs.
  • In a third shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s well coated. Shake off any excess flour.
  • Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.
  • Finally, coat the chicken pieces in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating well.
  • Place the coated chicken nuggets on the prepared baking sheet. If desired, lightly spray the tops with olive oil for extra crispiness.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
  • Once baked, let them rest for a minute before serving.

Notes

Serve with marinara sauce or garlic aioli for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Keyword chicken, garlic, nuggets, Parmesan