Homemade Cheesy Chicken Nuggets: The Ultimate Recipe
Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor - these homemade chicken nuggets will change your snack game forever

Cheesy Chicken Nuggets: A Homemade Delight
Forget about fast food and frozen options – these homemade cheesy chicken nuggets are about to revolutionize your dinner table. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and filled with gooey melted cheese, these nuggets are irresistible to both kids and adults alike. The best part? You can make them in your own kitchen with simple ingredients and know exactly what goes into them.
Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a fun family dinner, or just a delicious snack, these cheesy chicken nuggets deliver on all fronts. The combination of seasoned ground chicken and melted cheese creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that takes just 30 minutes from start to finish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Mixture:
- 1½ pounds (680g) ground chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (for mixing with breadcrumbs)
- Cooking spray (preferably avocado oil)
Optional Cheese Filling:
- Mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes (if making cheese-stuffed version)
Kitchen Tools Required
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 3 shallow bowls for breading station
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Cooking thermometer (if frying)
- Wire rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s important to prepare your workspace and ingredients properly:
- If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Set up your breading station: Place flour in the first bowl, beaten eggs in the second bowl, and combine panko breadcrumbs with ½ cup parmesan cheese in the third bowl.
- If you’re making cheese-stuffed nuggets, cut your mozzarella into small cubes and have them ready.
Making the Chicken Mixture
The foundation of great chicken nuggets starts with a well-seasoned chicken mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, ¼ cup parmesan cheese, 1 egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Using clean hands (or gloved hands), mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined. The mixture should be somewhat sticky but hold together well.
Forming the Nuggets
You can make these nuggets in two delicious variations – with cheese mixed throughout or with a cheese-stuffed center:
Option 1: Standard Cheesy Nuggets
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the chicken mixture into balls (about 2 tablespoons each).
- Shape each ball into an oval or traditional nugget shape with your hands. This recipe should make approximately 20-24 nuggets.
Option 2: Cheese-Stuffed Nuggets
- Take a palm-sized portion of the chicken mixture and flatten it in your hand.
- Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center.
- Fold the chicken mixture over the cheese and seal the edges well.
- Shape into a nugget form, ensuring the cheese is completely enclosed.
Breading the Nuggets
The secret to crispy nuggets is in the breading process:
- Take each formed nugget and dredge it first in flour, ensuring it’s completely coated. Shake off any excess.
- Next, dip the floured nugget into the beaten egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Finally, press the nugget into the panko-parmesan mixture, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated on all sides.
- Place the breaded nugget on your prepared baking sheet and repeat with remaining nuggets.
Cooking Methods
Baking Method (Healthier Option)
- Place breaded nuggets on your parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each nugget.
- Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with cooking spray – this helps achieve a golden-brown finish.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes.
- Flip the nuggets, spray the other side lightly, and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Frying Method (Crispier Result)
- Heat oil in a deep pan to approximately 350°F (180°C).
- Carefully place nuggets in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile cheesy chicken nuggets can be served in numerous ways:
- Classic dipping: Serve with ketchup, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.
- Make it a meal: Pair with fresh-cut vegetables, sweet potato fries, or a simple salad.
- Party platter: Arrange on a serving tray with a variety of dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Kid’s meal: Serve alongside apple slices and carrot sticks for a balanced children’s meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These nuggets are great for meal prep and can be easily stored for later enjoyment:
- Refrigeration: Store cooled nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Place uncooked breaded nuggets on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat refrigerated nuggets in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes until heated through and crispy. Frozen cooked nuggets may need 15-20 minutes.
- Cooking from frozen: Uncooked frozen nuggets can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of cheesy chicken nuggets (approximately 4 nuggets) contains:
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 320 |
Protein | 25g |
Carbohydrates | 18g |
Fat | 16g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sodium | 520mg |
Recipe Variations
Get creative with these tasty alternatives to the basic recipe:
- Spicy kick: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
- Mediterranean style: Use feta cheese instead of cheddar and add chopped olives and herbs to the mixture.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute regular flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Extra crispy: Double-dip in egg and breadcrumb mixture for an extra crunchy coating.
- Air fryer method: Cook in an air fryer at 380°F (193°C) for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?
A: Yes, you can use finely chopped or minced chicken breast instead of ground chicken. Process it in a food processor until it reaches a consistency similar to ground meat. You may need to add a bit more egg to help bind the mixture.
Q: Why are my nuggets falling apart during cooking?
A: This could be due to several reasons: the chicken mixture might be too wet, the cheese-to-chicken ratio might be too high, or the nuggets might not have been sealed properly. Try chilling the formed nuggets for 30 minutes before breading to help them hold their shape better.
Q: Can I make these nuggets ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare and bread the nuggets up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook. You can also freeze the uncooked breaded nuggets for longer storage.
Q: What’s the best cheese to use for stuffing the nuggets?
A: Mozzarella is ideal because it melts well and creates that satisfying cheese pull. However, other good options include cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a combination of cheeses for more complex flavor.
Q: How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking?
A: Make sure to completely seal the chicken mixture around the cheese. Also, using cheese cubes rather than shredded cheese for stuffing helps contain the melted cheese better. If baking, the lower temperature cooking method is less likely to cause cheese leakage than frying.
These homemade cheesy chicken nuggets are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Not only are they delicious and satisfying, but they’re also versatile enough to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re cooking for kids, preparing appetizers for a party, or simply looking for a tasty dinner option, these nuggets deliver big on flavor while being surprisingly simple to make. Give them a try and discover your new go-to comfort food!
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