Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting irresistible, baked Herbed Chicken Nuggets right in your own kitchen! These golden-brown bites are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone, from the pickiest toddlers to the most discerning adults. Forget the greasy drive-thru; our homemade chicken nuggets offer a healthier, more flavorful alternative that’s surprisingly easy to prepare and incredibly delicious. Prepare to transform your family dinners with this wholesome and satisfying recipe!
In a world often driven by convenience, it’s easy to fall back on fast-food options for quick meals. However, once you discover the simplicity and superior taste of these homemade herbed chicken nuggets, you’ll think twice before heading to the drive-through again. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknights, yet it delivers a depth of flavor and a satisfying crunch that far surpasses any store-bought or restaurant version. Plus, knowing exactly what goes into your family’s meal provides invaluable peace of mind.
Why You Must Make These Homemade Chicken Nuggets
There are countless reasons why these baked chicken nuggets have become a cherished staple in my family’s meal rotation, and why I believe they’ll quickly become one of yours too:
- Unanimous Family Approval: It’s a rare feat to find a dish that pleases every member of the family, especially with picky eaters in the mix. Yet, this chicken nugget recipe consistently achieves just that. Even our semi-vegetarian daughter, who usually avoids meat, makes an exception for these flavorful bites!
- A Healthier Alternative: While these nuggets get a delightful dip in melted butter, they are baked, not fried. This simple preparation method significantly reduces fat content compared to deep-fried fast-food versions, making them a much more wholesome choice without sacrificing flavor or crispiness.
- Irresistible Flavor and Texture: The secret lies in the coating. Crushed seasoned croutons, combined with savory herbs and real Parmesan cheese, create an incredibly crunchy exterior and infuse each nugget with an exceptional depth of flavor that’s both comforting and exciting.
- Easy and Quick Preparation: Despite their gourmet taste, these nuggets are surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal active prep time. They are perfect for a weeknight dinner when you need a quick yet satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on quality.
The inspiration for this beloved recipe hails from an old Southern Living magazine I stumbled upon over two decades ago. I was vacationing at a serene lake house in Arkansas, enjoying quiet evenings flipping through stacks of cooking magazines. When I saw the promising headline for homemade baked chicken nuggets, I was immediately intrigued. I jotted down the recipe, eager to try a healthier twist on a family favorite. The results were astounding – my family devoured them, and they’ve been a regular fixture on our dinner table ever since!
Ingredient Notes for Perfect Chicken Nuggets
Crafting delicious homemade chicken nuggets begins with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential for achieving the best results:
- Kitchen Staples: You’ll need just a few everyday items to elevate these nuggets.
- Butter (Melted): I prefer using salted butter as it enhances the overall flavor of the coating. Butter is key for getting the breading to adhere and for achieving that coveted golden-brown crispiness.
- Dried Thyme and Dried Basil: These classic herbs provide a fragrant, earthy undertone that complements the chicken beautifully. They infuse the coating with a savory aroma and taste, making each bite more complex and appealing.
- Seasoned Croutons (5-ounce bag): This is one of the recipe’s brilliant shortcuts! Instead of plain breadcrumbs, seasoned croutons bring an automatic burst of flavor and a wonderfully coarse texture. You’ll need to process or crush them into fine crumbs. This step is quick and adds an incredible crunch that makes these nuggets truly stand out.
- Grated Parmesan: Opt for real Parmesan cheese, freshly grated if possible, or a high-quality pre-grated variety, rather than the kind that comes in a green shaker can. Real Parmesan offers a sharp, nutty, and salty flavor profile that is essential for the authentic taste and golden finish of these nuggets.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The foundation of our wholesome nuggets. Cut the chicken breasts into uniform 1×1-inch pieces. Using whole pieces of chicken breast ensures you’re getting pure, lean protein with a tender interior, a significant upgrade from the mystery meat often found in commercial nuggets.
How to Make the Best Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Over two decades ago, with three energetic children aged 2-8 and a discerning husband, preparing a dinner that everyone would eat without a single complaint felt like an impossible mission. McDonald’s chicken nuggets were a guaranteed hit with the little ones, and I was determined to create a healthier, more appealing homemade version that offered both peace of mind and deliciousness.
My quest led me to this simple yet ingenious combination: a coating of real Parmesan cheese and crushed seasoned croutons, subtly enhanced with a medley of dried herbs. These baked chicken nuggets quickly earned universal acclaim! I was particularly thrilled that these nuggets were made from real, solid chunks of chicken breast, a stark contrast to the processed, often questionable “ground chicken and skin” found in many commercial options. There’s something undeniably more wholesome and satisfying about biting into a tender piece of real chicken, isn’t there?
The process itself is wonderfully straightforward: you’ll dip bite-sized pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into melted butter, coat them generously with the flavorful crumb mixture, and then bake them to golden-brown perfection. It’s truly as easy as that, yet the results are incredibly rewarding. Read on for detailed, step-by-step instructions and expert tips to ensure your homemade chicken nuggets are nothing short of spectacular.
Expert Tips for Flawless Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Even though this recipe incorporates a convenient bag of seasoned croutons, these baked nuggets are a far cry from their greasy fast-food counterparts, offering a significantly healthier and more flavorful experience. To ensure your homemade chicken nuggets turn out perfectly crispy and tender every time, consider these invaluable tips:
- Precision Cutting: For uniform nuggets that cook evenly and look professionally made, try cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts while they are still slightly frozen. The firmness of partially frozen chicken gives you much better control over the knife, allowing you to achieve precise 1×1-inch cubes.
- Temperature Matters: While cutting chicken partially frozen is a great hack, it’s crucial that the chicken pieces are fully defrosted before you dip them into the melted butter. If the chicken is too cold, the melted butter will congeal upon contact, creating an uneven and patchy coating that won’t adhere properly. Allow the chicken to come to a more neutral temperature before dipping.
- PRO-Tip: The Two-Handed Dipping Method: For efficient and thorough coating, I highly recommend using two separate pie plates or shallow bowls. Designate one for the melted butter and the second for the breading mixture. To minimize mess, try to keep one hand dedicated solely to handling the wet chicken (dipping in butter) and the other hand dry for coating with the crumbs. While this “clean hand/dirty hand” technique often proves elusive for me in the heat of cooking, striving for it can save you some cleanup!
- Flavorful Herb Boost: The right blend of herbs is paramount for creating the most flavorful chicken nuggets. I find that a combination of dried basil and dried thyme, added directly to the crushed crouton mixture, provides a wonderful aromatic and savory kick. With seasoned croutons and Parmesan cheese already contributing saltiness, there’s typically no need for additional salt in the breading, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
- PRO-Tip: Easy Cleanup with Foil: To make post-dinner cleanup a breeze, line your baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil. This simple step prevents the nuggets from sticking and catches any drips, allowing you to simply discard the foil after baking. It’s not strictly necessary, but it’s a convenience I frequently employ.
- Achieving Golden Perfection: Bake your chicken nuggets until they are beautifully browned and wonderfully crispy. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes in a 400°F (200°C) oven. Keep in mind that baking time can vary slightly depending on the exact size and thickness of your nuggets, so always use visual cues for doneness.
- Optimal Crispy Texture: For chicken nuggets that are equally crispy on the bottom as they are on the top, consider placing an oven-safe wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet. Arrange the uncooked nuggets on this rack before baking. This technique allows hot air to circulate completely around each nugget, ensuring all sides brown evenly and crisp up perfectly. While my family is content with nuggets baked directly on the baking sheet, enjoying them immediately to prevent them from “sweating” and softening, the wire rack method offers an extra level of crispness for those who desire it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Unlike many fast-food versions that contain a long list of ingredients including various oils, starches, and artificial flavors, our homemade chicken nuggets are made with simple, wholesome components. Specifically, they contain: white boneless, skinless chicken breast, melted butter, seasoned croutons, grated real Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and dried thyme. While the seasoned croutons contribute their own set of ingredients, this list is significantly shorter and contains far fewer processed elements than the typical fast-food alternative.
A single serving of this homemade recipe (one quarter of the entire batch) contains approximately 441 calories. This is quite similar to the calorie count found in about 8 fast-food chicken nuggets. However, the crucial difference lies in the protein content and overall quality. Because our homemade nuggets are made with pure, solid chicken breast and no fillers, they boast a protein content that is 2½ times greater than that of most fast-food versions. This means you get a more satisfying and nutrient-dense meal without unnecessary additives.
The baking time for chicken nuggets can vary based on several factors: whether they are fresh or frozen, precooked or raw, and the size of the individual nuggets. For these freshly prepared, uncooked homemade chicken nuggets, baking in a 400ºF (200°C) oven typically takes about 20-25 minutes. Always ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165ºF (74°C) for food safety.
To achieve maximum crispiness, particularly on the bottom of the nuggets, use an oven-safe wire rack. Place this rack over a rimmed baking sheet, then arrange your uncooked chicken nuggets on the rack. Bake them as directed. This method allows the hot air in the oven to circulate freely around all sides of each nugget, promoting even browning and a superior crispy texture all around. While baking directly on a foil-lined sheet pan works well, especially if serving immediately to prevent steam from softening the bottom, the wire rack technique is ideal for ultimate crunch.
The modern chicken nugget was invented in the 1960s by Robert C. Baker, a food science professor at Cornell University. His innovation involved dehydrating ground chicken and mixing it with binders to form shapes, making chicken more convenient to consume. Initially marketed as “chicken sticks,” they quickly became a sensation in New York State, paving the way for the popular chicken nuggets we know today.
Absolutely! Air frying is an excellent method for achieving incredibly crispy results with less oil. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the coated chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model.
These versatile chicken nuggets pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces. Classic choices include ketchup, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing. For a more adventurous twist, try a sweet chili sauce, a creamy sriracha mayo, or even a homemade aioli. The herbed flavor of the nuggets also stands alone beautifully, making them delicious without any sauce at all!
Yes, these chicken nuggets are great for meal prep and freezing! After coating, arrange the uncooked nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours, or until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time, or until cooked through and golden.
You May Also Like These Family-Friendly Recipes
If you love the idea of recreating fast-food favorites or discovering new crowd-pleasing entrees at home, here are some other fantastic recipes you might enjoy trying:
- Slow Cooker Copycat Wendy’s Chili from the Real Housemoms – A hearty and comforting chili that tastes just like the restaurant original.
- Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese from Rachel Cooks – Creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying, this mac and cheese is a guaranteed hit.
- Homemade {Baked} Chick-fil-A Sandwiches from Barefeet in the Kitchen – Enjoy the classic flavors of a beloved chicken sandwich, made healthier at home.
- Plus, don’t miss my Classic Coleslaw with Buttermilk Dressing, the perfect fresh and tangy side dish for any meal.
- And for an international flavor, this Easy Chicken Stir Fry tastes as if it came straight from your favorite Chinese restaurant!
- Be sure to check out all my Best Main Dish Recipes for more dinner inspiration.
Stay in touch and share your culinary creations with me through social media! You can find me @ Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Don’t forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes! And if you love the results as much as my family does, please consider giving it a 5-star rating in the recipe card below – your feedback means the world to me!
Herbed Chicken Nuggets
10 minutes
25 minutes
35 minutes
4 servings
An easy, delicious weeknight meal that will please the whole family.
Ingredients
- 5 ounces seasoned croutons, processed or crushed into crumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan (use real Parmesan, not the green can)
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 stick (½ cup) of butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400ºF (200°C). Prepare a large baking sheet by covering it with foil for easy cleanup, or simply lightly grease the baking sheet.
- In a pie plate or shallow bowl, combine the crushed croutons, grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and dried thyme. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are well blended.
- Pour the melted butter into a second separate pie plate or shallow bowl, creating your dipping station.
- Take each 1-inch piece of chicken and first dip it into the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, immediately transfer the butter-dipped chicken to the crouton mixture, pressing and rolling to ensure a complete and even coating. Place the coated chicken nuggets in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken nuggets are cooked through, golden brown, and crispy on the outside. Ensure an internal temperature of 165ºF (74°C) is reached.
Notes
Recipe inspired by an old Southern Living magazine. For extra crispiness, bake nuggets on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet.
Recommended Products
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- Food Processor
- USA Pan Bakeware Half Sheet Pan
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 441Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 123mgSodium: 724mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 45g
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