Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- cup butter, melted
Directions:
Step 1: Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 400F (200C).
Step 2: Cut the chicken breasts into 1 1/2-inch pieces.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, basil, thyme, and salt. Mix well.
Step 4: Pour the melted butter into a separate dish for dipping the chicken pieces.
Step 5: Dip each chicken piece into the melted butter, then coat thoroughly with the bread crumb mixture.
Step 6: Place the coated chicken pieces on a lightly greased baking sheet in a single layer.
Step 7: Bake the chicken bites in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the nuggets are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
Step 8: Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 308
- Total Fat: 19g (24% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 11g (57% Daily Value)
- Cholesterol: 81mg (27% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 989mg (43% Daily Value)
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g (5% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 1g (5% Daily Value)
- Total Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 19g (39% Daily Value)
- Vitamin C: 2mg (2% Daily Value)
- Calcium: 142mg (11% Daily Value)
- Iron: 2mg (12% Daily Value)
- Potassium: 237mg (5% Daily Value)
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History of the Dish
Chicken nuggets, as we know them today, were first introduced by food scientist Robert C. Baker in the 1950s. Baker, a professor at Cornell University, developed the concept of boneless, breaded chicken pieces to be deep-fried and served as an easy-to-eat snack or meal. His invention aimed to make chicken consumption more convenient, especially for fast food establishments. The concept of chicken nuggets quickly gained popularity, and it wasn't long before fast food chains like McDonald's embraced them, forever changing the way we think of chicken in convenient, bite-sized form.
Regional Variations
While chicken nuggets are a popular American dish, they have been embraced worldwide with unique twists depending on the region. In the United States, classic chicken nuggets are often made with a simple breaded coating, while in the UK, they may feature a more complex seasoning or even be served with a tangy curry sauce. In Asia, particularly in Japan, chicken nuggets may be seasoned with soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil for an Eastern flavor profile. Similarly, in other parts of the world, such as the Middle East, spices like cumin and coriander are sometimes added to the breading to impart additional warmth and flavor.
How This Differs from Similar Dishes
Chicken nuggets are often confused with other fried chicken dishes, such as chicken tenders or chicken fingers. However, there are key differences. Chicken tenders typically use whole pieces of chicken breast, while chicken nuggets are made from ground or chopped chicken that is shaped into uniform pieces. Chicken nuggets are usually smaller and bite-sized, making them easier to snack on compared to chicken tenders, which tend to be longer and require a bit more effort to eat. Additionally, nuggets are often breaded or battered, while tenders can be simply seasoned or lightly breaded.
Where They're Typically Served
Chicken nuggets are commonly served in fast food chains and casual dining restaurants worldwide. In the United States, they are a staple on kids menus and are frequently paired with a variety of dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, barbecue, ranch, and sweet and sour sauce. They are also popular at parties and gatherings as finger food due to their portability and ease of serving. Aside from restaurants, homemade chicken nuggets are a favorite among families, as they can be easily customized and made healthier by baking instead of frying.
Fun Facts
- Chicken nuggets are one of the most consumed fast food items globally, with McDonald's selling over 100 million McNuggets each year.
- The worlds largest chicken nugget, weighing 51 pounds, was created in 2009 by a group of scientists in the UK. It was made to promote healthier eating, using all-natural ingredients.
- In the early days of chicken nugget production, they were made using a patented method called "mechanical separation," which involved separating the chicken meat from the bones using a machine. Today, most chicken nuggets are made using whole or ground meat.
- Chicken nuggets are often cited as a quintessential comfort food for children. However, adults have increasingly embraced them as well, particularly when served as a late-night snack or appetizer.
FAQ about Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Comments
Michelle Ramey
10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM
These were very good and tender! I didn't want to use all of that butter, so I used two beaten eggs mixed with a splash of olive oil. I was running short on Parm so I used half the amount. Served with Honey mustard dressing- very tasty!
BIANKAT
10/01/2002 02:48:16 PM
I reviewed this one a few years back...still making these today. Do what a reviewer below suggests and use panko crumbs plus bake on a rack. I turn them 3/4 through for even browning. I also add pressed garlic to the butter for extra yummy flavor.
Allrecipes Member
11/16/2002 07:09:46 AM
these were great! Very tasty and crisp and much better than fried. I used a beaten egg to get the batter to stick rather than melted butter for a lower fat content.
catglamy
10/03/2024 01:42:43 AM
I made some slight changes to seasoning. I added 1tsp garlic powder, 2t dried parsley, ½ t fresh ground pepper. Reduced basil to ½ t. I also used plain panko crumbs. As someone else suggested I put butter in a large ziploc and crumbs in another and shook them to coat and places on parchment lined cookie sheet. When I took them out of the oven I sprinkled with sea salt. Delicious!
Kristy
10/08/2020 01:09:48 PM
I really liked the recipe. I did everything except the cheese due to an allergy. It had a really good taste and I can't wait to make it again. Baking these did not work. I did bake them, but the chicken never turned a "golden" color and the breading came off. I ended up cooking it over the stove top and it had a better crisp to it then the oven. I will for sure make these again but over the stove top.
bugsy muldhoon
02/29/2024 04:46:03 PM
I use egg instead of butter. Then I double dip and coat and in between put in the fridge. Bread crumbs stay on better that way. I use ground chicken and mix in Parm and salt and pepper and herbs.
Victoria Wardle Bateman
02/15/2019 03:48:48 PM
First time my toddler actually ate the chicken I gave him! Win! I followed the breading recipe, soaked the chicken tenders in milk with a bit of white vinegar (or you could use buttermilk) for about 10 mins and then dipped into the breading. Sprayed breaded chicken with canola spray and baked at 400F on a raised grate on a foil-covered cookie sheet for 20-25 mins. The tenders were not crispy as I had hoped, but they were a win for my 16 month old. May try a bit of panko next time instead of all seasoned bread crumbs.
FlamingoLove
08/17/2020 01:54:04 AM
This recipe is fantastic! I did follow another comment and use egg to dip the chicken into. I made a huge batch and put some in the air fryer (they cooked really quick), some in the oven, and some on the stove in a bit of oil. All were good, but the ones fried on the stove were the most moist. (Go figure--but then they wouldn't be baked.) My whole family LOVED them and my husband kept saying that they were gourmet!! I wouldn't go that far, but I will definitely be making these again. Thanks for the great recipe!
SteadyGyro3118
01/13/2024 10:24:45 AM
This is a pretty good recipe for nuggets. I used panko crumbs and added some cayenne to make spicy nuggets and they came out great.
Rhonda Occorso
03/09/2020 03:14:28 AM
Loved this recipe and so did my 12yr old. I bought the chicken already cut. It was so easy and delicious. I used bread crumbs from Whole Foods they have no sugar or corn syrup added. Dipped in the butter and then the breadcrumbs. I seasoned them myself and then baked with a little bit of olive oil on wax paper. And turned them after 20 mins and the were nice and crispy. No more Perdue chicken Nuggets!!! Thanks All Recipes for this one!
Candy Campbell
08/09/2023 04:06:43 PM
Fantastic nuggets that my McDonald's loving son couldn't get enough of! Followed the suggestion and used a beaten egg. Also swapped out regular bread crumbs for panko. Made these twice now and will be adding it to our cooking repertoire.
Carmen
09/21/2025 07:38:26 PM
We had these for lunch today. Super easy, not much of a mess. The flavor was perfect. I ate them right out of then oven and used a fork so I was initially disappointed they weren't more like finger-food. But, when I went back for a few more, the ones that were left to rest on the sheet could be picked up with my fingers and popped right into my mouth.
Diana Moutsopoulos
09/04/2025 05:35:44 PM
Made this for my family and everyone loved them. Baked for exactly 20 minutes as stated and they were so tender and juicy. The only change I made was based on reading some previous reviews; I used a mixture of olive oil and ranch dressing instead of the butter. Otherwise followed the recipe to a T. Thank you for such a deliciously easy recipe!
Kaicooker
08/16/2025 06:49:22 PM
This was very easy to make and tasted great!
QuickPea7141
06/05/2025 01:42:44 PM
I didn't change recipe
SwiftJelly4957
05/15/2025 02:06:22 PM
It was so good and I have a rose toy
Rachel Hill
05/12/2025 09:10:16 AM
Tasted like something from a café.
Margaret Sanchez
05/04/2025 10:20:45 PM
Made it for my book club — everyone asked for the recipe.
William Green
03/03/2025 05:11:50 PM
This recipe deserves a standing ovation.
Dee Reilman
02/17/2025 08:55:31 PM
I've been making this recipe for a couple of years.. It's very easy to pull it together & baking it makes it a wonderful meal for us.. I use ''dry parmesan'' instead of grated. I also shake the nuggets in a plastic bag instead of a dish.. It's seasoned well & my husband loves them.. I make a dipping sauce that's very similar to what I get with ''take-out'' nuggets.. We eat a lot of chicken, so it's nice to have various recipes.