Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets are the ultimate mash-up of comfort food and sneaky veggie magic—think of golden, cheesy bites that sneak a pop of green into every crunchy moment. These little nuggets pack a punch of flavor, pairing tender white meat chicken with finely chopped broccoli, all woven together with gooey cheddar and a whisper of garlic and onion powders. They’re crunchy on the outside, delightfully soft inside, and so addictive that even the pickiest eaters will be reaching for seconds. Whether you’re chasing busy weeknight dinners or hunting for a guilt-free snack that feels like a treat, these nuggets deliver big time.
I still remember the first time I whipped these up for a hungry crowd. The kids hovered around, eying each nugget like it was the golden ticket. And when that first crisp bite hit, followed by that cheesy, slightly garlicky center, they were hooked. It was so easy—no deep fryer required, just a hot oven and a quick brush of oil for that perfect crunch. Plus, they store beautifully (if you can actually resist eating them all at once!), making them a kitchen MVP for meal prep during busy weekdays. Ready to turn ordinary ingredients into extraordinary finger food? Let’s dive into the hearts of these nuggets and see what makes them so irresistible.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI NUGGETS
Before you roll up your sleeves and start shaping these delightful nuggets, let’s chat about the lineup of ingredients that makes this recipe shine. Each element plays its part, from bringing in texture and flavor to binding everything together so each nugget stays in perfect, bite-sized shape.
- Chicken breast
Lean, tender, and mild in flavor, finely chopped cooked chicken breast forms the meaty base of these nuggets. It provides protein and a hearty texture while taking on the seasonings and cheese seamlessly.
- Broccoli florets
Finely chopped broccoli adds a splash of green and a subtle earthy taste. It sneaks in fiber, vitamins, and a gentle crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft chicken.
- Breadcrumbs
Acting as both binder and coating, breadcrumbs absorb moisture and help each nugget hold together. They also crisp up in the oven, creating a golden exterior that’s utterly irresistible.
- Cheddar cheese
Sharp and melty, shredded cheddar brings gooey cheesiness to the center of each nugget. It adds richness, a pleasing tang, and helps everything stick together.
- Eggs
Beaten eggs work as the ultimate binding agent. They coat the chicken-broccoli mixture, ensuring each nugget holds its shape and bakes up into a cohesive bite.
- Garlic powder
A hint of garlic powder infuses these nuggets with a warm, savory depth. It creates a subtle background note that plays off the mild chicken and broccoli.
- Onion powder
Onion powder lends a sweet, aromatic layer of flavor without the moisture of fresh onions. It keeps the mixture dry enough to form nuggets while offering that beloved oniony kick.
- Salt
Just a touch of salt enhances all the flavors, balancing the cheese and spices while bringing out the natural taste of the chicken and broccoli.
- Black pepper
Freshly ground black pepper adds a gentle bite and aromatic warmth, cutting through the richness and brightening each mouthful.
- Vegetable oil
A light brush of vegetable oil on the baking sheet and nuggets helps create that crave-worthy golden crust, preventing sticking and promoting even browning.
HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI NUGGETS
Getting these nuggets from bowl to plate is a breeze. Follow these steps to create golden, cheesy morsels that will disappear fast.
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Ensuring the oven is hot and the surface is prepared means your nuggets will bake evenly and release easily.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped cooked chicken breast and broccoli florets. Stir until each piece is evenly distributed, creating a uniform base for the rest of the ingredients.
3. Add the breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the chicken and broccoli mixture. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to mix until every shred of cheese and breadcrumb is coated in seasoning.
4. In a separate small bowl, beat the eggs until smooth and well mixed. Pour the eggs into your chicken-broccoli blend and gently fold the mixture until it becomes a consistent, slightly sticky dough.
5. Using your hands, shape the mixture into small nugget-sized pieces (about 1½ inches in diameter). Place each formed nugget onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them so they bake to crisp perfection.
6. Lightly brush or spray each nugget with vegetable oil. This step is key to achieving a golden-brown, crunchy exterior without deep frying.
7. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the nuggets for 15–20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and the centers are cooked through. Keep an eye on them at the 15-minute mark to prevent overbrowning.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the nuggets to cool slightly before serving. This brief rest time helps everything set so each bite holds together beautifully.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI NUGGETS
When you’ve got a tray of golden Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets fresh from the oven, you’ll want to serve them in ways that elevate every crispy, cheesy bite. Whether you’re hosting a casual game night, packing lunches, or simply enjoying a cozy dinner, these ideas will inspire you to plate up perfection.
- Pair with honey mustard dip
The sweet-tangy balance of honey and mustard complements the savory, cheesy nuggets brilliantly. Whisk together equal parts honey and Dijon mustard, add a splash of mayonnaise for creaminess, and serve in a small ramekin.
- Serve alongside classic ketchup
For that familiar comfort-food vibe, serve warm nuggets with a side of rich, tomatoey ketchup. Try a homemade blend of ketchup with a dash of smoked paprika or hot sauce for extra zest.
- Accompany with a fresh garden salad
Create a colorful contrast by serving nuggets on a bed of crisp mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and sliced cucumbers. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheddar.
- Build a kid-friendly snack box
Pack nuggets in a bento or lunchbox with carrot sticks, apple slices, and a mini container of ranch dressing. This portable, balanced meal is perfect for school lunches or on-the-go snacks.
HOW TO STORE CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI NUGGETS
Keeping your nuggets tasting fresh and crunchy is all about proper storage. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy these cheesy bites for days—or even weeks—after baking. Here’s how to preserve that signature crisp exterior and tender interior so every nugget feels freshly made.
- Refrigerator storage
Once cooled completely, place nuggets in an airtight container, separating each layer with a sheet of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To revive the crunch, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
- Freezer storage
For longer keeping, flash-freeze nuggets on a baking sheet for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay at peak quality for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes.
- Reheating in the oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C), arrange chilled or thawed nuggets on a baking sheet, and heat for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway. This gentle warmth crisps the coating without drying out the interior.
- Reheating in an air fryer
For lightning-fast reheating, pop refrigerated or thawed nuggets into a preheated air fryer at 360°F (180°C) for 3–4 minutes. The hot circulating air restores that crisp exterior in no time.
CONCLUSION
There you have it—your go-to recipe for Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets that are as fun to make as they are to eat. From the moment you combine tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and melty cheddar in one bowl, you’re on track to creating golden bites that will steal the show at snack time, lunch, or dinner. These nuggets prove that healthy can be undeniably delicious: everything bakes right on a single sheet, cleanup is a breeze, and the result is a crowd-pleaser with a satisfying crunch and gooey center. Remember, you can print this article now and save it for later, ensuring that you’ll always have the steps at your fingertips whenever nugget cravings strike.
You’ll also find a FAQ below to answer any lingering questions, from ingredient swaps to reheating tips. If you give these Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets a try—or already have your own twists—please drop a comment, question, or piece of feedback. I love hearing your stories, troubleshooting any hiccups, and sharing in the joy of home cooking. Enjoy, and happy nugget making!
Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets
Description
These delightful chicken and broccoli nuggets are packed with savory flavors, crunchy textures, and cheesy goodness, making them a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped cooked chicken breast and broccoli florets until evenly mixed.
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Add the breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the chicken and broccoli mixture, stirring until well combined.
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In a separate small bowl, beat the eggs until they are well mixed. Pour the eggs into the chicken and broccoli mixture, blending thoroughly to create a cohesive mixture.
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Using your hands, shape the mixture into small nugget-sized pieces, roughly about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
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Lightly brush or spray each nugget with vegetable oil to help them crisp up while baking.
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Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the nuggets for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
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Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Note
- These nuggets can be served with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup or honey mustard.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or your favorite cheese variety.
- To make the nuggets gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Leftover nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of chili powder to the mixture.
