These golden chicken nuggets are a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing party snack that delivers crispy texture with bold, cheesy flavor in every bite. Made from boneless chicken breasts, seasoned with dry mustard and onion, and coated in Parmesan cheese and herb-seasoned crumbs, these nuggets offer a crunchy, golden crust. Perfect for prepping ahead and freezing, they bake quickly from frozen, making them ideal for game days, potlucks, or last-minute gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 whole chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup fine dry breadcrumbs (unseasoned)
- 2 tsp dry mustard
- 1 tsp dried thyme leaf
- 1 tsp dried basil leaf
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp monosodium glutamate (MSG)
- ½ cup butter (melted)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Coating Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, dry mustard, thyme, basil, salt, and MSG.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Dip each piece of chicken into the melted butter.
- Roll each piece in the herb and cheese breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
Step 4: Freeze Nuggets
- Arrange coated chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Freeze until firm, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags.
Step 5: Bake When Ready to Serve
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Place frozen nuggets on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Tips
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier texture.
- Replace butter with olive oil for a lighter version.
- Add paprika, garlic powder, or black pepper for extra flavor.
- Use shredded cheddar instead of American cheese for a sharper taste.
- Freeze uncooked nuggets individually and bake straight from frozen.
- Serve with honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch for dipping.
- Turn into a meal by baking longer (12 to 14 min) and serving over salad.
- Substitute turkey breast for a leaner variation.
- Make gluten-free using GF breadcrumbs.
- Add a touch of cayenne for subtle heat.
Nutrition
Calories: 247kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 30gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 87mgSodium: 416mgPotassium: 521mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 85IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 89mgIron: 1mg
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