Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
Breading
- 1 cup plain bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
Coating
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and lightly grease one or two baking sheets to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized nugget pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Mix Bread Crumb Coating: In a small mixing bowl, combine the plain bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, and salt, mixing well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Melt Butter: Melt the salted butter in the microwave using 30-second increments on medium power until fully liquid.
- Coat Chicken Nuggets: Dip each chicken piece individually or in small batches into the melted butter, ensuring full coating, then immediately transfer to the breadcrumb mixture and coat evenly. Place the coated nuggets onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart to allow for proper baking and crispness.
- Bake: Bake the nuggets in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink inside. For safety, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfectly cooked chicken nuggets.
- For extra crispiness, flip the nuggets halfway through baking.
- You can substitute salted butter with unsalted butter plus a pinch of salt if preferred.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue, or ranch dressing.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American