Chicken Parm Nuggets Are What All Nuggets Dream of Becoming

Chicken Parm Nuggets — Thrillist Recipes
Drew Swantak/Thrillist
Drew Swantak/Thrillist

Chicken Parmesan has all the makings of a perfect meal -- fried meat, cheese, and sauce -- but all too often the execution falls flat. Once you smother the cutlet in melted cheese and hot marinara, you've got a mere minute and a half before it starts getting soggy. After that, what's the point?

These ultra-crispy chicken Parmesan nuggets put the cheese on the inside and the sauce on the side so they stay ultra crispy until the last bite, like all fried things should.

Why didn't Nonna think of this?
Drew Swantak/Thrillist

Chicken Parm Nuggets Recipe

Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 16-18 pieces

INGREDIENTS:
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 pound chicken tenders
  • 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 1.5” x .5” pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup canned or jarred tomato sauce
  • Minced parsley for garnish
DIRECTIONS:
  • In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Set aside.
  • Cut each chicken tender crosswise in half. Using a paring knife, cut a pocket into each piece lengthwise. Gently insert a finger into the pocket to expand it without tearing it. Push a stick of mozzarella into the pocket until it's completely enclosed with chicken. Repeat until all nuggets are stuffed.
  • Season nuggets with more salt and ground black pepper. Dredge each piece in flour and tap off excess, then dip in egg, then dredge in bread crumb mixture.
  • In a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan, heat oil over high heat until almost smoking. Add chicken nuggets, 6 at a time, and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Heat tomato sauce in a medium saucepan until simmering.
  • Garnish nuggets with parsley and Parmesan. Serve with sauce on the side for dipping.
cutting chicken
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finger in chicken
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cheese in chicken
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chicken stuffed with cheese
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chicken dipping in egg
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breaded chicken
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