I absolutely love this Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe because it s quick, straightforward, and hits that comfort-food spot perfectly without the mess of frying. When I first tried this, I was amazed how chicken from a can could transform into tasty, crispy nuggets baked right in the oven-no deep fryer needed! You ll find it s a perfect last-minute snack or a simple family dinner that even picky eaters enjoy.

One thing that really makes these nuggets special is how customizable they are. The blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses gives them a melty, flavorful crust, while the light seasoning keeps things nice and balanced. Plus, baking them means less oil and cleanup, so you ve got more time to enjoy your meal and less time scrubbing pans. Trust me, once you try this Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe, it ll be a staple in your kitchen.

♥

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Prep: Only a handful of ingredients and simple steps make this recipe beginner-friendly and fast.
Healthy Alternative: Baking instead of frying gives you guilt-free chicken nuggets with less oil and calories.
Kid-Approved: My family goes crazy for these nuggets, especially when paired with fun dipping sauces.
Versatile Flavor: Easy to tweak with your favorite cheeses and spices for a personalized touch every time.

A white plate filled with many golden brown, small, oval-shaped nuggets with a slightly crispy texture and spots of darker browning. In the upper right corner, a small clear glass bowl holds smooth dark brown sauce with one nugget partially dipped in it. The plate sits on a black and white checkered cloth, and the background shows a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe are straightforward, which is what I appreciate most – no complicated shopping trips or hard-to-find items. Plus, the blend of cheeses really helps bind the chicken while packing in flavor.

Canned chicken breast: Drained well to avoid sogginess; this is the star that keeps things super easy!
Large egg: Acts as the glue holding all the nuggets together, making shaping easier.
Shredded mozzarella: Adds melty, mild cheesiness and helps with texture.
Grated parmesan: Brings a punch of flavor and a delicate crispness as it bakes.
Optional seasonings: I love garlic powder and black pepper for a simple yet tasty boost – smoked paprika is a fun twist!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe can easily be personalized depending on what you have around or your family’s preferences. Feel free to switch up the cheeses or seasonings to keep things exciting!

Cheese swap: Sometimes I use sharp cheddar instead of mozzarella for a bolder flavor that my kids surprisingly enjoy.
Gluten-free flour coating: For a crunchier texture, I toss the shaped nuggets in gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes before baking.
Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the mix makes a fun grown-up version I like to experiment with.
Herb infusion: Fresh parsley or thyme folded into the mixture can elevate the nuggets for special dinners.

How to Make Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Then, open your canned chicken and drain it thoroughly – I like to press it gently in a fine mesh strainer with my fingers to squeeze out excess moisture so the nuggets won t be soggy.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients into Nugget Batter

In a medium bowl, combine the drained chicken with the egg, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and your choice of seasoning (I stick with garlic powder and black pepper). Stir everything well until it forms a sticky, cohesive mixture. Avoid adding salt here because the cheeses already bring plenty of saltiness.

Step 3: Shape Your Nuggets

Using your hands (clean hands, of course!), scoop out about a heaping tablespoon of the mixture and mold it into bite-sized nuggets. I usually get around 12 nuggets from this batch. Don t worry if they re not perfectly shaped – rustic is charming and they still taste amazing!

Step 4: Bake, Flip, and Finish

Place the nuggets on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-22 minutes. About halfway through, flip them over gently so they crisp evenly on both sides. You re aiming for golden brown nuggets that are cooked through and tender on the inside.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once baked, let the nuggets cool slightly and then dive in! I love pairing these with Ray s no sugar added BBQ sauce or a cool ranch dressing. You can serve them as a snack, appetizer, or part of a family meal.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Drain Thoroughly: Removing as much moisture as possible from the canned chicken prevents soggy nuggets and ensures a better crust.
Use Two Cheeses: The combo of mozzarella and parmesan gives ideal meltiness and flavor without overpowering the chicken.
Don t Skip Flipping: Turning nuggets halfway through baking helps both sides get that perfectly browned, crispy finish.
Skip Extra Salt: Since parmesan is salty, adding more salt can make the nuggets too intense-stick to other spices instead.

How to Serve Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

A white round plate holds fourteen golden-brown grilled pieces arranged around a small clear glass bowl filled with smooth dark brown dipping sauce. Each piece has a slightly rough texture with darker grill marks and a warm yellow color. One piece is held by a woman's hand just above the sauce, ready to dip. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a black and white checkered cloth beside it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

I usually garnish these nuggets with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of smoked paprika on top for an extra pop of color and flavor-plus, it looks inviting on the plate! Sometimes, a wedge of lemon on the side adds a bright contrast when squeezed over right before eating.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides include sweet potato fries or a crisp green salad to balance out the richness. For a kid-friendly meal, steamed veggies like broccoli or carrots pair perfectly, and a bowl of fresh fruit rounds out the plate with natural sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

I ve found that serving these nuggets in mini baskets lined with parchment paper makes for fun finger food at parties. For a casual family night, offering a trio of dipping sauces in small ramekins encourages everyone to get creative with their flavor combinations. You can even skewer nuggets alternately with cherry tomatoes and cheese cubes for a playful twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually stay great for up to 3 days. When I make a bigger batch, this helps me have easy snacks ready to go without any extra effort.

Freezing

Freezing baked chicken nuggets works wonderfully. I freeze them before baking by shaping the nuggets on a tray lined with parchment, flash freezing for an hour, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When I’m ready, I bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

For reheating, I pop leftovers in a preheated oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes to regain their crispness. Microwaving tends to make them soft, so I avoid that if I want the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned for this Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe?

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh chicken, cook and finely chop or pulse it in a food processor before mixing with the other ingredients. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked and drained well to avoid making the nuggets soggy.
What dipping sauces go best with these chicken nuggets?

I often recommend classic options like BBQ sauce, ranch, or honey mustard-each adds a different flavor profile. For a healthier choice, try Greek yogurt-based dips or a tangy tzatziki. My personal favorite is a no sugar added BBQ sauce for a sweet-savory combo.
How do I make these nuggets crispier?

To up the crisp factor, try coating the nuggets lightly in breadcrumbs or panko before baking. Also, baking on a wire rack rather than directly on the pan helps air circulate around them, improving crispness.
Can this Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe be made dairy-free?

Yes, by swapping out the mozzarella and parmesan for dairy-free cheese alternatives or omitting cheese altogether. You might want to add extra seasoning and a binding agent like ground flaxseed mixed with water to keep the texture intact.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it s both so approachable and comforting. I often rely on it when I want something quick but still feel like I’m serving homemade, nourishing food. Give it a try-you ll love how straightforward it is and how happy it makes everyone at your table. Honestly, once you master this, you ll be surprised how often it becomes your go-to meal or snack!

Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 149 reviews

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 nuggets 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

These Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets are a healthier, homemade alternative to traditional fried nuggets, using canned chicken breast, cheese, and simple seasonings baked to perfection. They’re perfect for a quick snack or meal and pair wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauces.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken Nugget 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 (to taste)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Prepare Chicken: Open and drain the canned chicken breast thoroughly. Use a fine mesh strainer and press with your fingers to remove as much excess moisture as possible to ensure the nuggets hold together while baking.
Mix Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the drained chicken with the egg, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and your choice of optional seasonings such as garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Avoid adding salt as cheeses already add some saltiness.
Form Nuggets: Use your hands to shape the mixture into small, bite-sized nuggets. Approximately a heaping tablespoon per nugget, yielding about 12 nuggets in total.
Bake the Nuggets: Arrange the nuggets evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, flipping them halfway through baking to ensure even cooking and browning.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove the nuggets from the oven once golden brown and cooked through. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as no sugar added BBQ sauce or ranch dressing.

Notes

Removing excess moisture from the canned chicken is crucial to help the nuggets hold together and crisp up during baking.
Do not add extra salt, as the cheeses contribute sufficient saltiness.
Customize seasonings to your taste – smoked paprika adds a smoky depth, while garlic powder and black pepper provide classic flavor.
Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Flip nuggets halfway through baking to maximize even cooking and browning.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 nugget
Calories: 70
Sugar: 0.4g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 4.5g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 45mg