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As a kid, I always looked forward to family movie nights, where my parents would whip up the most delicious snacks. One of my favorites was chicken nuggets, but they always seemed to lack that extra zing. One night, we decided to experiment, and that’s when we stumbled upon the idea of using Cheez-Its as a crunchy coating. Fast forward to today, and Cheez-It Crusted Chicken Nuggets have become a household favorite. They’re fun to make and even more enjoyable to eat, offering a burst of cheesy flavor that kids and adults love alike.
These nuggets are not just delicious; they’re incredibly easy to whip up. Coated in Cheez-Its and baked to crispy perfection, they provide a healthier alternative to fried nuggets without sacrificing taste. Plus, serving them with ranch dressing elevates the experience even more. Let’s dive into how to make these crowd-pleasers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheez-It Crusted Chicken Nuggets are a perfect blend of crunchy and cheesy, making them an instant hit at any gathering or a simple weeknight dinner. They require minimal ingredients, are quick to prepare, and will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
How to Make Cheez-It Crusted Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 Tbsp ranch seasoning
- 5 cups Cheez-Its, crushed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- Ranch dressing, for serving
Directions
- Arrange racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat it to 425 degrees.
- Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and ranch seasoning. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat thoroughly.
- In another large bowl, mix the crushed Cheez-Its and shredded cheddar together.
- Working with a few pieces at a time, take the chicken from the egg mixture and let any excess drip off before adding it to the Cheez-Its mixture. Press down to coat well.
- Divide the coated chicken nuggets between two baking sheets, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded.
- Bake them in the oven until the chicken is cooked through and an instant-read thermometer reads 165 degrees, about 12 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked nuggets to a platter and serve with ranch dressing on the side.
Tips to Make Cheez-It Crusted Chicken Nuggets
- For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate in the egg and buttermilk mixture for about 30 minutes before coating.
- If you’re a fan of spices, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or garlic powder to the Cheez-Its mixture.
- Make sure the oven is fully preheated before baking for the best results.
How to Serve Cheez-It Crusted Chicken Nuggets
These cheesy nuggets pair perfectly with classic sides like French fries, carrot sticks, or a fresh salad. They’re also fantastic as an appetizer for parties. Don’t forget the ranch dressing for dipping!
How to Store Cheez-It Crusted Chicken Nuggets
Store any leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through for the best texture.
Variation
You can switch things up by using different flavored Cheez-Its or adding a sprinkle of your favorite herbs to the coating.
FAQs About Cheez-It Crusted Chicken Nuggets
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work just fine and may even offer more flavor and juiciness.
2. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can use gluten-free Cheez-Its or similar gluten-free crackers to make this recipe gluten-free.
3. Can I freeze the nuggets?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked coated nuggets. Just freeze them in a single layer before transferring them to a bag or container. They can go straight from the freezer to the oven when you’re ready to bake them.
4. What can I serve instead of ranch dressing?
Feel free to serve them with your favorite dipping sauce like BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or even a spicy aioli!
Cheez-It Crusted Chicken Nuggets
Delicious and easy-to-make chicken nuggets coated with Cheez-Its for a cheesy crunch. Perfect for movie nights or gatherings!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available
Ingredients
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 Tbsp ranch seasoning
- 5 cups Cheez-Its, crushed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- Ranch dressing, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and arrange racks in the upper and lower thirds.
- Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and ranch seasoning. Add the chicken and toss to coat thoroughly.
- In another bowl, mix the crushed Cheez-Its and shredded cheddar.
- Coat the chicken pieces in the Cheez-Its mixture and press down to ensure they stick.
- Divide the coated nuggets between two baking sheets, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Bake for about 12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F.
- Transfer cooked nuggets to a platter and serve with ranch dressing on the side.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the egg and buttermilk mixture for 30 minutes. You can also add spices like cayenne pepper or garlic powder to the coating.
