Crispy Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Ingredients

• 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (cut into bite‑size nugget pieces)
• 1 cup All‑Purpose Breadcrumbs (can use panko for extra crunch)
• 0.25 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
• 1 tsp Dried Basil (ground or whole dried leaves)
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme (ground or whole dried leaves)
• 0.5 tsp Salt (fine sea salt)
• 3 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted)
• 1 spray Cooking Spray (to lightly grease baking pan)

Instructions

1. Cut Chicken

   Place the chicken breast on a cutting board and cut into bite‑size nugget pieces, about 1‑inch cubes.

   Time: PT5M

2. Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture

   In a mixing bowl combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, dried basil, dried thyme, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.

   Time: PT3M

3. Melt Butter

   Microwave the butter in a small bowl for 20‑30 seconds or melt in a saucepan over low heat until fully liquid.

   Time: PT2M

4. Coat Chicken

   Dip each chicken piece first into the melted butter, letting excess drip off, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Place coated pieces on a plate.

   Time: PT5M

5. Arrange on Baking Sheet

   Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray or line with parchment paper. Lay the coated nuggets in a single layer, leaving a little space between each.

   Time: PT3M

6. Bake in Oven

   Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake the nuggets for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

   Time: PT20M

   Temperature: 400°F

7. Air Fryer Alternative (Optional)

   If using an air fryer, preheat to 400°F and arrange nuggets in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crisp and cooked through.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: 400°F

8. Serve

   Remove nuggets from oven or air fryer, let cool 2 minutes, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

   Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

250

Protein

20g

Carbohydrates

12g

Fat

12g

Fiber

1g