Let’s cook this! Growing up, nothing made me smile like the smell of crispy, homemade cheese chicken nuggets drifting from Grandma Mary’s oven. These aren’t your average freezer nuggets they’re golden, cheesy bites of love, made from scratch with real ingredients and lots of heart. Perfect for weeknight dinners, school lunches, or cozy weekends at home.
Why you’ll love this cheese chicken nuggets recipe
These nuggets have it all: tender ground chicken, a gooey cheese center, and a perfectly crispy panko coating. They’re oven-baked for a lighter crunch and made with a blend of cheddar and parmesan that melts beautifully. They’re high in protein, incredibly kid-friendly, and delicious dipped in honey mustard or ranch.
Ingredients cheese chicken nuggets
You’ll find everything you need right in your fridge and pantry.
Ingredients needed (cheese chicken nuggets)
- Ground chicken
- Cheddar cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Eggs
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil spray
Importance of these ingredients
Ground chicken is tender and lean, while cheddar and parmesan bring cheesy richness. Garlic and onion powders add flavor without fuss. Panko breadcrumbs provide that signature crunch. Eggs bind it all together, and a little olive oil spray helps them crisp up without deep frying.
Preparation instructions cheese chicken nuggets
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and mist it lightly with olive oil spray.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, cheddar, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3:
Beat eggs in a shallow bowl. Place panko breadcrumbs in another.
Step 4:
Scoop about a tablespoon of the chicken mixture and gently shape into a nugget. Dip into the egg, then coat with panko.
Step 5:
Lay nuggets on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
Step 6:
Spray the tops with olive oil and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Hint: Let the nuggets cool for 3–5 minutes before serving the cheese sets just right!
Cooking Tips
- Chill the nuggets for 10 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
- Use sharp cheddar for extra flavor.
- To make them even crispier, switch to broil mode for the last minute of baking.
Personal Anecdote
I remember one rainy afternoon when Grandma Mary let me help in the kitchen. I was maybe eight, wearing one of her oversized aprons and covered in breadcrumbs. We were making cheesy nuggets for the cousins, and I accidentally dropped a whole egg on the floor. She just laughed and said, “That’s what aprons are for, sweet pea.”
We spent the rest of the afternoon singing to the radio and rolling nugget after nugget. That day, I learned that cooking wasn’t just about food it was about joy, patience, and stories that stick.
Cheese chicken nuggets substitutes
- Ground turkey or plant-based meat instead of chicken
- Dairy-free cheese alternatives
- Crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs
Variations on cheese chicken nuggets
- Mix in finely chopped broccoli or carrots
- Add a dash of chili powder for heat
- Use mozzarella for a stretchy cheese center
Equipment cheese chicken nuggets
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cheese grater
- Tongs or spatula
Storage Tips cheese chicken nuggets
Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Reheat in the oven at 375°F until heated through.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 210 per serving
- Protein: 19g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
Grandma Mary’s Secret cheese chicken nuggets
Hide a tiny cube of cheddar inside each nugget for a melty surprise in the middle. It’s the little things that bring the biggest smiles.
FAQ about cheese chicken nuggets
Do they still make chicken nuggets with cheese in them?
Yes! You’ll find cheesy nuggets from brands like Perdue, Save A Lot, and Tyson in many grocery stores.
Which cheese is best for nuggets?
Cheddar melts well and adds great flavor, but you can mix it with mozzarella or parmesan for variety.
What are cheesy nuggets?
They’re chicken nuggets with cheese either mixed into the meat or stuffed in the center.
What are Chick-fil-A’s nuggets made of?
Chick-fil-A uses seasoned chicken breast, cut into pieces and cooked in peanut oil.
Conclusion
These homemade cheese chicken nuggets are comfort food made with love. Crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, they’re a hit with kids and grown-ups alike. Pair them with a cozy drink like our hot cocoa recipe for the perfect treat.
Classic Cheese Chicken Nuggets
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Cheese grater
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
Nuggets
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with olive oil.
- In a bowl, mix together the ground chicken, cheddar, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Set up a breading station with beaten eggs in one bowl and panko in another.
- Shape the chicken mixture into small nuggets. Dip in egg, then coat with panko.
- Place nuggets on the baking sheet and spray lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.