Cheese chicken nuggets are a delicious and easy-to-prepare dish that combines the flavors of tender chicken and gooey cheese. Here’s a simple recipe to make cheese chicken nuggets at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite melting cheese)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs work well)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Cooking oil (canola, vegetable, or any oil suitable for frying)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating the oven will allow you to keep the cooked nuggets warm while you finish frying the rest.
- Prepare the breading station:
- In one shallow bowl, place the all-purpose flour.
- In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
- In a third shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using).
- Keep the shredded cheese ready on the side.
- Assemble the cheese chicken nuggets:
- Take a piece of chicken, place a small amount of shredded cheese on top, and press another piece of chicken on top to create a cheese-filled chicken bite.
- Repeat the process with the rest of the chicken pieces.
- Dredge the nuggets:
- Roll each cheese-stuffed chicken bite in the all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the nugget into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s coated evenly.
- Roll the nugget in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
- Fry the nuggets:
- In a large skillet or frying pan, add enough cooking oil to cover the bottom by about 1/4 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken nuggets in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook the nuggets for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the cooked nuggets from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Bake the nuggets (optional):
- If you want your nuggets to be extra crispy or if they aren’t fully cooked inside after frying, you can transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Serve the cheese chicken nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.
Enjoy your homemade cheese chicken nuggets! They make a great appetizer, snack, or even a main course when paired with some sides.
