Homestyle "Shake And Bake" Chicken Nuggets
Homestyle 'Shake And Bake' Chicken Nuggets offer crispy, flavorful bites perfect for quick family meals or snacks, with fresh herbs and savory coatings that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Rinse and pat dry the chicken pieces.
- Put bread crumbs, chopped parsley, and dry soup mix into a large plastic bag and shake to mix.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
- Dip some chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then place into the plastic bag and shake to coat with the crumb mixture.
- Repeat with remaining chicken pieces until all are coated.
- Let the coated chicken dry on a plate for a few minutes.
- Cook the nuggets by stir-frying in a small amount of oil for a few minutes or microwaving until done.
- Turn the nuggets often during cooking.
- For added flavor, stir-fry the nuggets at the end with some garlic or onion.
- Serve with rice and green salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat bread crumbs or gluten-free alternatives. If you want extra crunch, try adding some crushed cornflakes to the crumb mixture. You can also experiment with different dry soup mixes, such as herb or vegetable, for varying flavors. For a quicker method, you could bake the nuggets instead of stir-frying them.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these chicken nuggets with a side of rice and a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. They also pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like honey mustard or barbecue sauce. For a complete dinner, consider serving alongside American recipes such as Easy Creamed Chicken or a light vegetable stir-fry.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken nuggets in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This will help retain their crispiness compared to microwaving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homestyle "Shake And Bake" Chicken Nuggets contains roughly 589 calories, with 45g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (125% of the Daily Value), iron (124% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (94% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1461mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add more flavor and moisture to your nuggets. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through compared to breasts.
How do I make these nuggets spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the bread crumb mixture. You might also consider using a spicy soup mix or serving them with a spicy dipping sauce to elevate the flavor profile.
Can I freeze the chicken nuggets before cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the coated chicken nuggets before cooking. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, there's no need to thaw; just cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).