Trust me when I say this Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving crispy, flavorful chicken bites without the mess of frying. It’s quick, wholesome, and comes together with just a handful of ingredients—perfect for family dinners, snack cravings, or even meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple Ingredients: Uses canned chicken and a few cheeses for flavor and texture without any complicated prep.
- Quick and Mess-Free: No frying needed — just pop them in the oven and let them crisp up perfectly.
- Customizable Flavors: Easily tweaked with your favorite seasonings to suit your taste buds or dietary needs.
- Kid-Approved: Perfectly bite-sized and cheesy, these nuggets disappear fast at any family table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these nuggets just right starts with a handful of affordable and approachable ingredients. Each one plays a key role — from bringing moist chicken texture to cheesy, melty goodness and that irresistible savory punch.
- 1 (12.5oz) can chicken breast: This makes the recipe so easy and keeps the chicken perfectly tender without any mess of fresh meat prep.
- 1 large egg: Acts as the binder to hold your nuggets together for easy shaping and baking.
- 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella: Adds gooey, cheesy richness that kids and adults alike will love.
- 3 tbsp grated parmesan: Delivers a salty, nutty flavor boost and helps with crisping as they bake.
- Optional seasoning (garlic powder & black pepper recommended): A dash of garlic powder and black pepper amps up the flavor without overwhelming the chicken.
Variations
One of the best things about this Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe is how customizable it is. Feel free to get creative or swap ingredients to suit what you have on hand or dietary preferences.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the mix for a gentle kick that balances the cheesy flavors.
- Herby Freshness: Mix in finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano to brighten up the nuggets.
- Gluten-Free Coating: Instead of traditional breadcrumbs, lightly dust the nuggets with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for extra crunch.
- Dairy-Free Adjustment: Swap the cheeses for a dairy-free shredded blend to keep it allergen-friendly while maintaining moisture.
How to Make Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Chicken
Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper—it helps keep the nuggets from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Then open and drain the canned chicken very well. To get the best texture, use a fine mesh strainer and press the chicken to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step prevents soggy nuggets and helps them crisp up beautifully.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix together the drained chicken, egg, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and your choice of seasonings. Personally, I avoid adding extra salt since the parmesan brings plenty of savory flavor. Garlic powder and a bit of black pepper create a simple but tasty seasoning base, but you can also experiment with smoked paprika or herbs if you love bold flavors!
Step 3: Shape Your Nuggets
Using your hands makes this easy—and dare I say, fun! Scoop about a heaping tablespoon of the chicken mixture and mold it into bite-sized nuggets. I usually end up with around 12 tasty morsels. Placing them evenly spaced on your parchment-lined sheet ensures they bake evenly and get a nice golden crust on every side.
Step 4: Bake and Flip
Bake your nuggets for 18-22 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure both sides get that perfect crispiness. The aroma will start filling your kitchen, and when they’re golden and firm to the touch, they’re ready to come out!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, serve your nuggets hot alongside your favorite dipping sauces. I love dipping mine in Ray’s no sugar added BBQ sauce or classic ranch dressing—it’s such a satisfying combo that everyone will rave about!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Remove Excess Moisture: Drying your canned chicken thoroughly is crucial to avoiding soggy nuggets—don’t skip this!
- Even Nugget Sizes: Keeping nugget portions consistent helps them bake evenly and look appetizing.
- Flip Halfway Through: Turning your nuggets mid-bake ensures both sides get golden and crispy rather than just one.
- Watch the Bake Time: Baking for too long can dry out the nuggets—keep a close eye to pull them just as they turn golden brown.
How to Serve Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little freshly chopped parsley, chives, or even some grated parmesan over the nuggets right before serving to add a fresh herbal note and a pop of color—presentation and flavor both get a little boost! A dash of smoked paprika dusted on top adds a lovely smoky finish as well.
Side Dishes
These nuggets pair like a dream with crispy oven fries, a crunchy side salad, or even steamed veggies drizzled with lemon. For a comfort-food vibe, creamy mac and cheese or buttery mashed potatoes make cozy companions too.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the nuggets on a colorful platter with a trio of dipping sauces like honey mustard, spicy sriracha mayo, and classic ranch for a fun, party-ready look. Serving them inside mini pita pockets with lettuce and a smear of your favorite sauce transforms them into casual sliders everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—this keeps them fresh and ready for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, freeze uncooked shaped nuggets arranged on a tray for about an hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months and bake just as nicely from frozen by adding a few minutes of cook time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover nuggets in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through to maintain that crisp exterior. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crispy—they get soggy fast that way!
FAQs
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Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! If using fresh chicken breast, cook it first (poached or baked) and shred it thoroughly before mixing with the other ingredients. Just be sure to drain any liquid to keep the nugget mixture from becoming too wet.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Since this recipe doesn’t use breadcrumbs, it’s naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that the canned chicken and cheeses don’t have any hidden gluten-containing additives.
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Can I make these nuggets vegan or vegetarian?
For a vegan twist, substitute the canned chicken with shredded tofu or chickpeas mashed well, and replace the cheeses with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. Keep in mind the texture will be a bit different, but you can still get delicious nuggets!
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What are the best dipping sauces for these nuggets?
Classic choices include ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or even spicy sriracha mayo. For a healthier option, try Greek yogurt-based dips with herbs or a squeeze of fresh lemon mixed with tahini.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe enough for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. It’s comfort food with a healthy twist, made effortlessly with everyday ingredients that turn into a golden, cheesy delight. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked just like I am!
PrintEasy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
These Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets are a healthier, delicious snack or meal option made with canned chicken breast, mozzarella, and parmesan. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a crispy texture without frying, perfect for a quick and protein-packed bite enjoyed with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 nuggets
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 1 (12.5 oz) can chicken breast, drained
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- Optional seasoning: 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 facilitate easy cleanup.
- Prepare Chicken: Open and drain the canned chicken breast thoroughly. To remove excess moisture, place the chicken in a fine mesh strainer and press gently with your fingers to squeeze out as much water as possible.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the drained chicken, egg, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and your choice of optional seasonings like garlic powder and black pepper. Avoid adding salt as the cheeses already contribute saltiness. Mix well until the ingredients form a cohesive mixture.
- Shape Nuggets: Using your hands, mold the chicken mixture into small, bite-sized nuggets approximately a heaping tablespoon each. This recipe yields about 12 nuggets.
- Bake Nuggets: Arrange the nuggets on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes. Flip them halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking and browning on both sides.
- Serve: Once golden and cooked through, remove the nuggets from the oven. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces such as no sugar added BBQ sauce or ranch dressing.
Notes
- Do not add salt to the mixture since the cheeses provide enough saltiness.
- Optional seasonings can be adjusted to taste; smoked paprika adds a nice smoky flavor.
- To ensure crispy nuggets, squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the canned chicken before mixing.
- These nuggets are great for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
