If you’re searching for an incredibly easy yet utterly delicious chicken dish that pleases everyone, look no further! These homemade Parmesan Chicken Nuggets are the answer. Irresistibly tasty, they boast a perfectly crunchy coating made from a blend of savory Parmesan cheese and golden breadcrumbs, enveloping tender, juicy chicken on the inside. Forget the store-bought versions; once you try these, your family and friends will agree they’re the best chicken nuggets they’ve ever tasted!

These versatile bites are fantastic for a quick and satisfying dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering, or a fun, kid-friendly snack. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the simple, step-by-step process of making these delightful Parmesan crusted chicken nuggets right in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress with minimal effort!

Why These Homemade Parmesan Chicken Nuggets Are a Family Favorite

It’s Friday again, and the weekend is just beginning! For many families, Friday night means indulging in some delicious fast food. While classics like shawarma wraps, Dutch kroketten, and even gourmet hot dogs are popular choices, chicken nuggets hold a special place in everyone’s hearts. Of course, you can always buy them pre-made – and we’ve all done that from time to time – but my family unanimously agrees that nothing beats the homemade version.

The best part? Making these Parmesan chicken nuggets from scratch is surprisingly easy and incredibly rewarding. They’ll make your taste buds jump for joy with their juicy chicken interior and a perfectly crispy, flavorful crust infused with salty Parmesan cheese. They’re not just a delicious snack; they also make a fantastic meal, especially when served with a delightful dipping sauce. This recipe is so simple and delicious, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

Benefits of Making Your Own Chicken Nuggets

• Unbeatable Flavor: Fresh ingredients and homemade care result in a taste far superior to frozen, processed nuggets.
• Crispy Perfection: Our Parmesan and breadcrumb coating delivers an amazing crunch every time.
• Healthier Option: You control the ingredients, allowing for healthier oil choices and fresh chicken without additives.
• Kid-Friendly & Customizable: A guaranteed hit with children, and easy to adapt with various seasonings or dipping sauces to suit any palate.
• Cost-Effective: Making them at home is generally more economical than frequent fast-food purchases.
• Versatility: Perfect for dinner, appetizers, lunchboxes, or game-day snacks.

Essential Ingredients for Crispy Parmesan Chicken Nuggets

To prepare these mouthwatering Parmesan Chicken Nuggets, you’ll need a handful of common ingredients. The precise quantities can be found in the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this blog post, but here’s a breakdown of what each ingredient brings to the table:

• Chicken Breast: For this recipe, I highly recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breast. Its lean protein and consistent texture make it ideal for cutting into uniform, bite-sized cubes. Chicken breast fillets also work perfectly. Ensure the chicken is patted dry before cutting to help the coating adhere better.
• Cornstarch and All-Purpose Flour: These two ingredients are crucial for creating a light yet protective batter. The cornstarch contributes to an extra crispy exterior, while the flour helps bind the breadcrumbs to the chicken, ensuring a perfect, even coating. Together, they create a tenderizing layer that locks in the chicken’s juices.
• Breadcrumbs: The foundation of our crispy outer layer! Standard breadcrumbs provide that classic golden crunch. For an even coarser and crispier texture, consider using Japanese Panko breadcrumbs (more on that in the tips section).
• Sunflower Oil: Essential for deep-frying the chicken nuggets to golden perfection. Sunflower oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it excellent for frying. You can also use other neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil.
• Parmesan Cheese: The star ingredient that elevates these nuggets! This delicious, salty, hard Italian cheese is finely grated and mixed with the breadcrumbs, infusing the crispy outer layer with its distinctive savory, umami flavor. It melts slightly during cooking, creating an incredible cheesy crust.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the flavor of both the chicken and the coating. Feel free to adjust to your taste.
• Water: Used to create the batter consistency when combined with the flour and cornstarch.

Step-by-Step: Preparing Your Perfect Parmesan Chicken Nuggets

Making these “kid-proof” (and adult-proof!) chicken nuggets is a straightforward process. For a printable recipe with detailed measurements, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here’s how we’ll get those golden, crispy nuggets ready:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step to ensure the batter adheres properly. Then, using a sharp knife, carefully cut the chicken fillet into uniform 1 × 1 inch (approximately 2 × 2 cm) cubes. Consistency in size helps them cook evenly.
2. Create the Batter: In your first shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Gradually add about ¼ cup of water, whisking continuously until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter. It should be thick enough to coat the chicken but not overly pasty.
3. Mix the Breading: In a second shallow bowl, use a fork to thoroughly mix the breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese. This is where the magic happens, creating that signature savory, crispy coating.
4. Dredge the Chicken: Take each chicken piece and first dip it into the wet batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess batter drip off. Then, immediately transfer the battered chicken to the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. Press the breadcrumbs gently but firmly onto all sides of the chicken piece to ensure a good, even coating that will stick during frying. Repeat with all chicken pieces.
5. Deep Fry to Golden Perfection: Heat your deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot with sunflower oil to 350 °F (approximately 177 °C). Carefully place the breaded chicken nuggets into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the fryer. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy, not crispy, nuggets. Fry in batches for about 5 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Drain and Serve: Once cooked, use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the chicken nuggets from the oil. Transfer them to a plate lined with kitchen paper to drain any excess oil, helping them stay extra crispy.

These crispy delights are fantastic served with classic sides like oven-baked fries and a refreshing cucumber dill salad. Alternatively, serve them as a party snack alongside an array of tasty dips, such as a tangy BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or a creamy garlic aioli. The possibilities are endless!

Tips, Tricks, Substitutions, and Delicious Variations

This Parmesan Chicken Nuggets recipe is incredibly adaptable! Here are some ideas to customize them to your liking or accommodate different cooking methods:

• For Extra Freshness: Elevate the flavor by adding some finely grated lemon zest to your breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese mixture. The bright citrus notes will beautifully complement the savory cheese.
• For a Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, mix ¼ teaspoon of chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce into the breadcrumb mixture with the Parmesan cheese.
• Achieve Ultimate Crunch with Panko or Cornflakes:
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Instead of regular breadcrumbs, opt for Japanese Panko. These are coarser, lighter, and absorb less oil, resulting in an even crispier and airier coating.
  • Crushed Cornflakes: For a fun and extra crunchy alternative, place plain cornflakes in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Use these as your coating for a unique texture that kids especially love!
• Enhance with Herbs: Mix a teaspoon of Italian seasoning (a blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary) or fresh chopped parsley into the breadcrumbs for an aromatic boost of flavor. Garlic powder and onion powder are also excellent additions.
• Cheese Swaps: While Parmesan is key for this recipe, you can experiment with other grated hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste, or a blend of Parmesan and a milder cheese. If you use melting cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar, be aware that the crispness of the crust might be slightly different as they tend to melt more.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Oven-Baked or Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Nuggets: A Healthier Alternative

If you prefer to avoid deep-frying or are looking for a slightly lighter option, these chicken nuggets bake beautifully in the oven or air fryer. While they might be slightly less golden-brown than their deep-fried counterparts, they will still be wonderfully crispy and delicious!

• Oven Method:
  1. Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C).
  2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
  3. Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking tray, ensuring they have some space between them for even cooking.
  4. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy. Flipping them halfway through can help ensure even browning.
• Air Fryer Method:
  1. Lightly spray the breaded chicken nuggets with baking spray or olive oil spray. This helps achieve that desirable golden-brown crispness.
  2. Place the breaded chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding; you may need to cook in batches.
  3. Air fry at 350 °F (180 °C) for 10-12 minutes.
  4. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the chicken nuggets to ensure even crisping on all sides. Continue cooking until golden brown and fully cooked.

Can you use other cheese instead of Parmesan?

Yes, you absolutely can! While Parmesan cheese provides a unique salty and nutty flavor that defines these nuggets, you can experiment with other grated hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. Softer, melting cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or Gouda are also possible. However, because these cheeses melt more, the crispness and texture of the crust will differ slightly compared to using Parmesan. For the best crispy coating, hard, aged cheeses work best.

How do I ensure my chicken nuggets are extra crispy?

Several factors contribute to extra crispy nuggets! First, ensure your chicken is patted completely dry before breading. Second, use a blend of cornstarch and flour in your batter, as cornstarch significantly aids crispiness. Third, consider using Panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier coating. Finally, whether deep-frying, baking, or air frying, avoid overcrowding the cooking vessel. This ensures consistent, high heat, which is essential for a truly crispy exterior. For oven or air fryer, a light spray of oil also helps.

Can I make these Parmesan chicken nuggets ahead of time?

Yes, you can! You can prepare the chicken pieces and coat them with the batter and breadcrumb mixture in advance. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they don’t touch, and freeze them for about 30-60 minutes until firm. Once firm, you can transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container and store them for up to 2-3 months. When ready to cook, you can fry them directly from frozen (adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time) or thaw them in the refrigerator first.

What are the best dipping sauces for chicken nuggets?

The beauty of chicken nuggets is their versatility with dips! Classic choices include ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, and ranch. For something a bit different, try a creamy garlic aioli, a spicy sriracha mayo, a sweet and sour sauce, or even a simple lemon-herb yogurt dip. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorites!

Did you make this delicious recipe? We’d love to see your culinary creations! Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I always enjoy seeing what you’ve cooked up and regularly share the most beautiful photos from my community. Did you enjoy this recipe? Then please consider leaving a rating and review on the recipe card below! Your valuable feedback helps other home cooks discover and enjoy these recipes, and it supports me immensely.

Need more culinary inspiration?

• You can find exciting video recipes on my YouTube channel.
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Andréa