Italian Oven Baked Chicken Nuggets (Basil And Parmesan)

These baked chicken cutlets are a simple alternative to fried chicken. Coated with homemade Italian breadcrumbs, they are not deep-fried and do not require flour or egg for the coating, making the process much easier. The breadcrumbs are flavored with Parmesan cheese, fresh garlic, and basil, creating a distinctive and flavorful crust. The result is a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior.

Growing up, we often enjoyed cotoletta alla palermitana during the summer. This baked version of the veal Milanese was a lighter option.

The breadcrumbs kept the meat crispy, and the flavor from the basil and Parmesan meant that the fried crust was not missed.

Since I use them very often, I always have a stock of Italian-flavored breadcrumbs in the freezer, making this recipe practically effortless.

This recipe follows that same tradition, offering a lighter option that is full of flavor.

The same technique can be used either for cutlets or nuggets, with the nugget form being perfect for salads and on-the-go lunches, like in lunch boxes, as they don't require a knife.

Here you can find the recipe for the traditional fried chicken nuggets and for more baked recipes with breadcrumbs, you can make: baked chicken cutlets, beef braciolette, Sicilian Spiedini Recipe - Beef, Chicken, Fish, Or Veggies.

Ingredients

• Chicken Breast: For this recipe, use deboned and skinless chicken breasts. Large chicken breasts can be difficult to cook evenly, so it's recommended to cut them into thin slices to speed up cooking time.
• Breadcrumbs: Stale breadcrumbs are ideal as they have some moisture and create a crispy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Garlic, and Basil: These ingredients are what give the breadcrumbs a distinctive flavor. This combination creates a crispy crust packed with flavor, differentiating these nuggets from others.
• Olive Oil: Used to season the chicken and help the breadcrumbs adhere to the meat.
• Salt and Pepper: Used to season the chicken.

Find the measurement in the recipe card.

Storing and Preparing the Breadcrumbs

To save time while cooking, I always prepare a large batch of the seasoned Italian breadcrumb mixture for my recipes and keep it in the freezer.

It is a convenient ingredient to have on hand for quick meals, as you don't need to thaw them before use.

Because I don't like to waste food, using stale bread to make these flavorful breadcrumbs is a great way to reduce waste.

1. To make the breadcrumb mixture, combine a cup of shredded breadcrumbs with basil or parsley leaves and a garlic clove using an electric blender.
2. Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese to the blended mixture and
3. Stir with a fork to remove any lumps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F).

7. Once cooked, the nuggets are ready to be served.

How to serve them

These Italian baked chicken nuggets are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways.

A simple and light option is to serve them on a bed of crisp lettuce, seasoned like a Caesar salad.

They also pair wonderfully with a fresh tomato salad on the side.

Since they are easy to eat without a knife, they are a perfect choice for a packed lunch.

For more baked recipes with breadcrumbs

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