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Crispy Parmesan chicken nuggets with golden panko coating served with ketchup and honey mustard.

Crispy Parmesan Chicken Nuggets

Juicy pieces of chicken breast coated in seasoned Parmesan and crispy panko breadcrumbs, then oven-baked until golden for an easy family-friendly homemade chicken nugget recipe.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ lb 680g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup 65g all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1½ cups 90g panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup 50g finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • ¾ teaspoon salt divided or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Olive oil cooking spray or approximately 1–2 tablespoons olive oil

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment or place an oven-safe wire rack over the baking sheet.
  3. Pat chicken dry and cut into approximately 1½-inch pieces.
  4. Lightly season chicken with salt and pepper.
  5. Place flour in the first shallow bowl.
  6. Beat eggs thoroughly in a second shallow bowl.
  7. In a third bowl, combine panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, remaining salt, and black pepper.
  8. Coat each chicken piece lightly in flour and shake off excess.
  9. Dip into beaten egg and allow excess to drip away.
  10. Coat thoroughly in the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing gently so the breading adheres.
  11. Arrange nuggets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet with space between them.
  12. Lightly spray or drizzle the nuggets with oil.
  13. Bake for approximately 10 minutes.
  14. Flip the nuggets carefully and lightly spray again if needed.
  15. Bake for another 6–8 minutes, or until golden and the thickest chicken pieces reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
  16. Rest for 2–3 minutes.
  17. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

  • Cut chicken into similar-sized pieces for more even cooking.
  • Panko breadcrumbs provide a crispier coating than traditional breadcrumbs.
  • Finely grated Parmesan adheres better than large shreds.
  • Don't overcrowd the baking sheet.
  • Cooking time varies with nugget size and oven performance, so use an instant-read thermometer to verify 165°F (74°C).
  • Store cooked leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
  • Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the crispiest results.