Alright, I’ll say it — I grew up thinking chicken nuggets came in a frozen bag with a cartoon dinosaur on the front. My mum would shove them in the oven while juggling a screaming toddler and a burnt saucepan. It was survival food, not a culinary moment. But then… I found this version — baked, golden, and downright addictive — and everything changed.
These Jamie Oliver-style chicken nuggets aren’t trying to be fancy. They’re not deep-fried or dipped in twenty obscure spices. They’re just right — juicy chicken, crispy coating, and that lovely savoury tang from Parmesan and herbs. My little boy once ate ten in one sitting and then asked if we could have them for breakfast. (We didn’t. But I did think about it.)
Why You’ll Love It
- Baked, not fried — so you can eat a dozen without the guilt
- Crunchy on the outside, tender and juicy in the middle
- Parmesan adds a proper savoury kick — not just boring breadcrumbs
- No faff — basic pantry stuff and 30 mins start to finish
- Kids go absolutely feral for them (in a good way)
- They freeze beautifully for a midweek lifesaver
Ingredients
- 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs — gives that extra herby depth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese — the real umami magic
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter, melted
How to Make It
Cut up your chicken:
Trim any odd bits and cube the chicken breasts into roughly 1.5-inch pieces. Doesn’t need to be perfect — just bite-sized and friendly.
Mix up the crunchy stuff:
In a medium bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, basil, thyme, and salt. Give it a little sniff — it should smell like an Italian grandma’s hug.
Melt your butter:
Do this gently in a small saucepan or microwave. Pour it into a shallow bowl. Try not to taste it — I always do.
Dip, then coat:
Dunk each chicken piece in the melted butter, then roll it lovingly in the breadcrumb mix. This part’s messy and therapeutic — like edible arts and crafts.
Line them up:
Place the coated nuggets on a lightly greased baking tray in a single layer. No crowding. Let them breathe. They’ll thank you with crispiness.
Bake till golden:
Pop them in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 20 minutes. You want them golden and cooked through. I sometimes give them an extra 3 minutes just for extra crunch.
Let them rest (if you can wait):
Out of the oven, give them a few minutes to cool — the insides stay juicy this way. I always burn my mouth on the first one. Every single time.
Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them
Why are my nuggets soggy?
You probably crowded the pan or didn’t bake them long enough. Spread them out and give ’em a few more minutes.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely — more flavour, even juicier. Just cut off any excess fat and adjust the baking time slightly.
Why is the coating falling off?
Could be too much butter or not enough pressing into the breadcrumb mix. Try gently pressing the crumbs on with your fingers.
I forgot to season the crumbs!
Been there. You can sprinkle a bit of flaky salt over the nuggets after baking. Saves the day.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat:
- Oven: Best method. 180°C for 8–10 mins.
- Air fryer: 4–5 mins and they’re crispy again.
- Microwave: Works, but they’ll be a bit soft. Still tasty though.
To freeze, place them in a single layer on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen — just add a couple more minutes in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yep — swap the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version. Schär or homemade work well.
Can I prep them ahead?
Definitely. Coat them and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Then bake fresh.
Can I use an air fryer?
Oh yes. 180°C for 10–12 minutes, flip halfway. They come out super crisp.
Can kids help make these?
Yes, if you don’t mind a bit of chaos. Dipping and coating is great for little hands — just expect a mess and some missing nuggets.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 12g
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 0.5g
Try More Jamie Oliver Recipes:
Jamie Oliver Chicken Nuggets
Description
Tender chunks of chicken baked in a crispy, cheesy breadcrumb coating — comfort food without the fryer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut chicken into 1.5-inch chunks.
- Mix breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs, and salt in a bowl.
- Dip chicken in melted butter, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange on greased baking tray.
- Bake for 20 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
- Let cool a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the baking tray — it’ll steam, not crisp.
- For extra crunch, add 2 tbsp cornmeal to the coating.
- Parmesan should be grated fresh if possible — way better.
- If using an air fryer, adjust time to 10–12 mins at 180°C.