Description

Meet your new dinner hero: Easy, Cheesy, Baked Chicken Nuggets! Crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and loaded with cheesy flavor, these golden bites prove comfort food can be both wholesome and wildly delicious. Made with just five simple ingredients (yes, even canned chicken!), they’re perfect for busy weeknights, kid-approved meals, or cozy nights in. No fryer, no mystery ingredients—just pure, baked-to-perfection goodness that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

Scale

1 (12.5 oz) can chicken breast, drained & flaked (or 1½ cups cooked shredded chicken)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
⅓ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp smoked paprika, salt & pepper to taste

Optional: 1 tbsp ranch seasoning or everything bagel mix for a flavor twist

Instructions

Preheat oven: Set to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix: In a medium bowl, combine drained chicken, egg, cheeses, and seasonings. Mix gently until well combined.
Shape: Scoop about 1 tbsp of the mixture and shape into nuggets or small patties.
Bake: Arrange on the baking sheet (don’t crowd them!) and bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and crisp.
Cool & Serve: Let rest 5 minutes before serving for the perfect texture.

Notes

Buffalo Blue: Add 2 tbsp buffalo sauce + 2 tbsp crumbled blue cheese.
Pizza Party: Mix in ¼ cup chopped pepperoni & 1 tsp Italian seasoning.
Everything Bagel: Swap seasonings for 2 tbsp everything bagel mix.
Herb Garden: Add 2 tbsp fresh parsley, dill, and chives for bright flavor.
Dairy-Free: Skip cheese, add 1 tbsp nutritional yeast, and 1 extra egg white.

Nutrition

Calories: 180 cal Per Serving
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 22g