Description
Deliciously crispy and flavorful Cheez-It Crusted Chicken Nuggets baked to golden perfection. These nuggets are coated in a cheesy Cheez-It and cheddar blend for a crunchy, savory crust and served with ranch dressing for dipping. Perfect for a family-friendly meal or party appetizer, these nuggets bring a cheesy twist to classic chicken bites.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1″ pieces
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning
Coating
- 5 cups Cheez-Its, crushed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For Serving
- Ranch dressing
Instructions
- Preheat and season the chicken: Arrange oven racks in the upper and lower thirds and preheat oven to 425°F. Season the chicken pieces all over with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Prepare egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and ranch seasoning. Add the seasoned chicken to this mixture and toss well to coat each piece evenly, allowing the flavors to meld and help the coating adhere.
- Mix coating ingredients: In another large bowl, combine the crushed Cheez-Its and shredded cheddar cheese thoroughly to create the cheesy crust mixture.
- Coat the chicken pieces: Working with a few pieces at a time, remove the chicken from the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Then press the chicken pieces firmly into the Cheez-It and cheddar mixture to coat completely, ensuring a crunchy crust when baked.
- Arrange for baking: Place the coated chicken nuggets on two baking sheets, making sure not to overcrowd them. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy all around.
- Bake the nuggets: Bake in the preheated oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the chicken registers 165°F and the crust is golden and crispy, about 12 minutes.
- Serve: Transfer the baked nuggets to a serving platter and offer ranch dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheets to achieve a crispy crust on each nugget.
- You can crush Cheez-Its using a food processor or place them in a zipper bag and crush with a rolling pin for a more rustic texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked to 165°F for best food safety.
- Leftover nuggets can be reheated in the oven to retain crispiness rather than the microwave.
- Substitute ranch seasoning with your favorite seasoning blend if desired for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
