Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Breading & Coating
- 3/4-1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Cooking spray (preferably avocado oil spray)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to prepare your nuggets.
- Mix Nugget Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup grated parmesan, 1 egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use clean hands or gloves to mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Prepare Egg Wash: Lightly whisk 1 egg on a separate plate to create an egg wash that will help the breading stick to the nuggets.
- Prepare Breading: On another plate or shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese evenly to create the breading mixture.
- Form Nuggets and Coat: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture and shape it into oval nuggets with your hands, making approximately 20-24 nuggets. Dip each nugget first into the egg wash ensuring it’s lightly coated, then press firmly into the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture to fully coat each nugget.
- Arrange and Spray: Place the coated nuggets evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to aid browning and crispiness.
- Bake and Flip: Bake the nuggets in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, carefully flip each nugget over, spray the tops again lightly with cooking spray, and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated parmesan cheese as it has better flavor and texture than pre-grated versions.
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey if preferred.
- Ensure the nuggets are evenly coated on all sides for a crispy exterior.
- If you don’t have avocado oil spray, other neutral cooking sprays or oils can be used.
- These nuggets freeze well before baking; just bake a few extra minutes if baking from frozen.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat