Description
Cheesy Baked Chicken Nuggets for Kids deliver a crispy, golden crust with a cheesy twist and juicy inside, perfect as a wholesome weeknight dinner or fun party snack that children will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Coating Mixture: In a shallow dish, thoroughly mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, grated Cheddar cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the flavorful crust for the chicken nuggets.
- Beat the Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the 2 large eggs until smooth; this will act as the binding agent to help the coating adhere to the chicken.
- Prepare the Flour: Place the all-purpose flour in another shallow dish to use for dredging the chicken pieces before dipping into the egg mixture.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, followed by coating thoroughly with the breadcrumb and cheese mixture, ensuring an even crust.
- Arrange and Drizzle: Place the coated chicken nuggets evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil over the nuggets to help create a crispy, golden finish as they bake.
- Bake the Nuggets: Bake the chicken nuggets in the oven for 18-20 minutes or until they are cooked through (juices run clear) and the coating turns golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot with honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping, making a delicious meal or snack that kids will adore.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, flip the nuggets halfway through baking.
- You can substitute the Cheddar cheese with mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version.
- Leftover nuggets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
