Description
These heart-shaped chicken nuggets are a fun and flavorful twist on a classic favorite, perfect for a family meal or special occasion. Made with seasoned chicken breast coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust and baked to golden perfection, they combine easy preparation with a cute presentation that kids and adults will both love.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Breading
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- ½ cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other
- Cooking spray or oil, for baking
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy clean-up.
- Set Up the Breading Station: Prepare three separate bowls: one with a mixture of flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; a second with the beaten eggs; and a third with the breadcrumbs. This setup will make the breading process efficient and organized.
- Coat the Chicken: Take each piece of chicken and first coat it evenly in the flour mixture, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure a thorough coating for a crispy texture.
- Shape the Nuggets: Using a small heart-shaped cookie cutter, press each breaded chicken piece to create the heart shape. If you don’t have a cutter, shape the nuggets by hand into small hearts. Place each shaped nugget on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray them with cooking oil to help them brown nicely in the oven.
- Bake the Nuggets: Bake the chicken nuggets in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to cook evenly and develop a golden-brown crust. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the heart-shaped nuggets warm alongside your favorite dipping sauces such as ketchup, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce for a delicious and charming meal.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs.
- If you don’t have a heart-shaped cutter, shaping the nuggets by hand works perfectly.
- Ensure chicken pieces are similar in size for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- These nuggets can be prepared ahead and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
