Let me tell you, this Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe is a total game-changer when you want that crispy, satisfying nugget fix without the mess of frying. I love this recipe because it s simple, quick, and uses pantry basics that you might already have on hand, like canned chicken and just a few cheeses. The baking method means you get tender, flavorful nuggets that aren t soaked in oil, which keeps things lighter but still delicious.
When I first tried this, I was pleasantly surprised by how easily the nuggets held together and how crispy they got in the oven. It s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or even a casual snack that everyone in the family goes crazy for. Plus, you ll find that customizing the seasoning is a breeze, making it a recipe you ll want to come back to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy Ingredients: Uses canned chicken and simple cheeses you probably have in the fridge already.
- Baked, Not Fried: Crispy and tender without the greasy cleanup of frying.
- Quick Prep and Cook Time: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Kid-Approved: A hit with kids and adults alike, making family meals a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients here are straightforward but work beautifully together to create a nugget that s juicy inside with a flavorful crust. Don t skip draining the canned chicken well-it makes such a difference in texture.
- Canned Chicken Breast: Look for one packed in water for the best texture and be sure to drain and squeeze out excess moisture thoroughly.
- Large Egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
- Shredded Mozzarella: Adds gooey, melty texture inside the nuggets.
- Grated Parmesan: Brings a sharp, nutty flavor to balance the richness.
- Optional Seasonings (Garlic Powder & Black Pepper): I like these for a subtle kick; smoked paprika is fantastic if you want some smoky warmth.
Variations
I like to switch things up depending on what I have or the flavor profile I m craving. The base is super flexible, so feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses or spices.
- Spicy Kick: Adding cayenne pepper or chili powder gave my family a fun heat boost-they loved the extra zing!
- Herb Lover s Style: Mixing in dried oregano and basil made it feel a bit Italian, perfect for pairing with marinara sauce.
- Gluten-Free Option: Since this recipe skips breading with flour or crumbs, it s naturally gluten-free-just double-check your seasonings for hidden gluten.
- Cheese Swap: Try sharp cheddar instead of mozzarella for a different but equally delicious flavor.
How to Make Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Step 1: Drain and Prep the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper-this little step saves cleanup later. Open your canned chicken and drain it thoroughly using a fine mesh strainer. I like to press down gently with my fingers to squeeze out as much water as possible; this helps your nuggets stay firm and not fall apart in the oven.
Step 2: Mix All the Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the drained chicken with the egg, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and your chosen seasonings. I usually go with garlic powder and black pepper, but feel free to add smoked paprika for a smoky touch. Use your hands (or a spoon, if you prefer) to mix everything into an even, sticky mixture. This is where you want to make sure all the flavors come together nicely.
Step 3: Form Your Nuggets
Here s the fun part: shape your mixture into bite-sized nuggets. I use about a heaping tablespoon per nugget and ended up with 12 perfect-sized pieces. If you press them firmly, they ll hold together better while baking. Don t worry if they look a little rustic – homemade charm totally counts here!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your nuggets on the prepared baking sheet and pop them in the oven for about 18 to 22 minutes. Make sure to flip them over halfway through cooking so they crisp on both sides evenly. You ll know they re done when they re golden brown on the outside and cooked through inside. Keep your eye on them around the 18-minute mark to avoid overbaking-they cook quickly!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these warm with your favorite dipping sauce. I personally love Ray’s no sugar added BBQ sauce or classic ranch dressing-both pair perfectly with the cheesy, garlicky nuggets.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Don t Skip Draining: Excess water in canned chicken can make your nuggets soggy-use a fine mesh strainer and press gently with your fingers for best results.
- Firm Fingers Win: Press the nuggets tightly when shaping to help them hold their shape while baking.
- Flip Midway: This ensures even crispiness all around, so don t forget to turn them halfway through baking.
- Season Wisely: I learned to keep salt minimal since canned chicken is often slightly salty; garlic powder and black pepper do a fantastic job!
How to Serve Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley or a pinch of smoked paprika over the top just before serving to add a pop of color and flavor. It makes the nuggets look a little more special and gives a subtle fresh note that balances the richness.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides are crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries or a fresh garden salad. Sometimes I pair the nuggets with roasted veggies like green beans or broccoli for a well-rounded meal that s still quick to throw together.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or a fun family dinner, try serving the nuggets on a platter with mini bowls of different dipping sauces-think honey mustard, buffalo sauce, and blue cheese dressing. Arranging colorful veggies like carrot sticks and cucumber slices alongside makes it inviting and snackable for all ages.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover nuggets store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always let them cool completely before sealing to avoid sogginess, which keeps them tasting fresh.
Freezing
I ve frozen these nuggets several times with great success. I recommend freezing them in a single layer on a tray first, then transferring to a freezer bag to avoid sticking. They keep well up to 2 months-perfect for prepping in advance!
Reheating
To reheat, pop the nuggets back in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy. I avoid microwaving because it can make them rubbery, and that crispiness is part of why I love this recipe so much.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chicken for this Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute fresh chicken breast, but you’ll want to cook and shred or finely chop it first before mixing with the other ingredients. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, and you might need to adjust the egg amount to help bind the mixture properly.
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What dipping sauces go best with these baked chicken nuggets?
I love classic ranch and no-sugar-added BBQ sauce for these nuggets, but honey mustard, buffalo sauce, or even a simple ketchup are great choices. Offering a variety of dips makes serving even more fun and customizable for everyone.
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Can I make these Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe naturally avoids breadcrumbs, making it inherently gluten-free. Just double-check all your seasonings for any hidden gluten, and you re good to go.
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How do I ensure my nuggets are crispy after baking?
To get that great crispiness, make sure you drain the canned chicken really well and press the nuggets firmly when shaping. Also, flipping them halfway through baking helps both sides brown evenly. If you want extra crisp, try finishing them off under the broiler for a minute or two-just keep a close eye!
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Is it okay to add other spices or herbs to the nuggets?
Definitely! I encourage you to make the recipe your own by adding spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, or herbs like oregano and basil. Just start with small amounts and adjust to taste, so the flavors don t overpower the cheesy, chicken goodness.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe brings something fresh to a classic favorite with zero fuss and minimal ingredients. Whether you re cooking for picky eaters, need a quick snack, or want a healthier twist on nuggets, this one consistently hits the spot. I highly recommend giving it a try-you might be surprised at how quickly it becomes a staple in your kitchen like it has in mine!
Print
Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 nuggets
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These easy baked chicken nuggets are a healthier alternative to fried nuggets, made with canned chicken breast and a cheesy, flavorful mix of mozzarella and parmesan. Quick to prepare and perfect for a protein-packed snack or meal, they bake to golden perfection in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 1 (12.5oz) can chicken breast, drained
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, black pepper, smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Drain Chicken: Open and drain the canned chicken breast thoroughly. Place the chicken in a fine mesh strainer and press with your fingers to remove any excess moisture, which will help the nuggets hold together better.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the drained chicken, egg, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and your choice of seasonings such as garlic powder, black pepper, or smoked paprika. Avoid adding salt as the cheeses already add a salty flavor.
- Form Nuggets: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small, bite-sized nuggets. Each nugget should be about a heaping tablespoon. This recipe yields approximately 12 nuggets.
- Bake: Place the formed nuggets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispness.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Enjoy your baked chicken nuggets with your favorite dipping sauces like no sugar added BBQ sauce or ranch dressing.
Notes
- Be sure to press out as much liquid as possible from the canned chicken for best texture.
- Do not add extra salt as the cheeses provide sufficient flavor.
- Customize seasonings to your preference, smoked paprika adds a nice depth.
- Flip nuggets halfway through baking to achieve even browning and crispiness.
- Use parchment paper for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 nugget
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
