There’s something undeniably fun about transforming childhood favorites into satisfying meals. Picture this: a busy weeknight where dinner feels more like a chore than a joy. That’s when I sought out a little inspiration, and I stumbled upon a creative way to elevate chicken nuggets – introducing Cheez-It Crusted Chicken Nuggets!
The crunch of Cheez-Its, combined with juicy chicken and a hint of ranch flavor, creates a mouthwatering crunch that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike. These nuggets are not only quick to whip up but also bring a level of comfort to any dinner table or game day gathering. Perfect for satisfying cravings while keeping the fast food at bay, this recipe invites you to join in the fun of homemade cooking. Get ready to impress your family with a meal that’s as playful as it is delicious!
Why are Cheez-It Crusted Chicken Nuggets a must-try?
Irresistible Crunch: The combination of crushed Cheez-Its creates a crunchy coating that adds a nostalgic twist to a classic dish.
Quick and Easy: With just a few steps, dinner is on the table in 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Kid-Approved: These nuggets are a hit with children, turning mealtime into an engaging experience that even picky eaters will love.
Versatile Pairing: Serve them with your favorite sides like mac & cheese or roasted veggies for a complete meal. For more tasty side ideas, explore our easy side dishes.
Game Day Delight: Perfect for gatherings, these nuggets are fun finger foods that everyone will enjoy!
Comfort Food Classic: Combining ranch flavor and cheesy goodness, they offer that warm, satisfying feeling we all crave.
Cheez-It Crusted Chicken Nuggets Ingredients
• Dive into these delightful nuggets with all the essentials right here!
For the Chicken
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – Cut into 1″ pieces for even cooking excellence.
- Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor; adjust based on your family’s taste preferences.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Use to taste; it adds a warm depth that complements the dish.
For the Coating
- Large Egg – Binds the coating to the chicken; no substitutes recommended for best results.
- Buttermilk – Adds moisture and flavor; can substitute with milk + lemon juice (1 cup) for a quick alternative.
- Ranch Seasoning – Infuses the buttermilk with flavor; any leftover can jazz up salads or dips.
- Cheez-Its (Crushed) – This main ingredient brings the crunch and cheese flavor; substitute with other cheese crackers if desired.
- Shredded Cheddar – Enhances cheesiness; feel free to swap with mozzarella for a milder taste.
For Serving
- Ranch Dressing – Perfect for dipping; use your favorite brand or whip up a homemade version!
How to Make Cheez-It Crusted Chicken Nuggets
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Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1″ pieces. Season them with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor, making sure every piece is well coated.
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Mix the Coating: In a medium bowl, whisk together the large egg and buttermilk until smooth. Add in ranch seasoning and stir well to infuse the mixture with flavor, creating a delicious base for your nuggets.
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Crush the Cheez-Its: Place Cheez-Its in a resealable bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin until you achieve a variety of textures. This mix of sizes will create a delightful crunch in your coating.
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Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it’s completely covered, then roll it in the crushed Cheez-Its. Place the coated nuggets on a greased baking sheet for even baking.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the chicken nuggets for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe and juicy chicken.
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Serve: Serve the Cheez-It crusted chicken nuggets warm, accompanied by ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy the crunch and flavor with your loved ones!
Optional: Serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or roasted broccoli!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Cheez-It Crusted Chicken Nuggets Variations
Looking to add your own twist to these delectable nuggets? Here are some fun ideas to customize your experience!
- Cheese Crackers Swap: Use different cheese-flavored crackers like Goldfish or Parmesan Crisps for a unique taste and texture.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in some cayenne pepper or paprika with the ranch seasoning for an extra zing that spice lovers will adore.
- Herb Infusion: Add dried herbs such as oregano or parsley to the buttermilk mixture, enhancing that ranch flavor with freshness.
- Barbecue Flair: Substitute ranch seasoning with barbecue seasoning for a smoky flavor that will elevate your nuggets to new heights.
- Panko Crunch: Swap Cheez-Its for panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture, giving your nuggets a delightful crispy bite.
- Baked Option: Consider coating with olive oil instead of buttermilk for a healthier baked version that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Cheddar Bliss: Double the shredded cheddar for an even cheesier nugget that will make you melt with each bite!
- Sweet and Savory: Introduce a bit of honey or maple syrup to the buttermilk for a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory elements.
Expert Tips for Cheez-It Crusted Chicken Nuggets
- Uniform Size: Cut chicken pieces into 1″ sizes to ensure even cooking. Larger pieces may take longer to cook through, resulting in an inconsistent texture.
- Crush Just Right: Use a rolling pin to crush Cheez-Its, avoiding a food processor. This keeps varied textures for an enjoyable crunch in your Cheez-It Crusted Chicken Nuggets.
- Don’t Skip the Egg: The egg is essential for binding the coating; Don’t substitute it, as it could lead to unevenly coated nuggets.
- Monitor Baking: Keep an eye on the nuggets while baking to prevent over-browning. Everyone loves golden color, but too dark can lead to burnt bits.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the nuggets to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps them firm up a little and preserves their delicious juiciness.
- Creative Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheese crackers or seasonings for a fun twist that will keep everyone coming back for more!
Make Ahead Options
These Cheez-It Crusted Chicken Nuggets are a fantastic meal prep solution for busy weeknights! You can prepare the chicken pieces and coat them with the buttermilk mixture and crushed Cheez-Its up to 24 hours in advance. Simply season the chicken, mix the buttermilk and ranch seasoning, and coat the chicken bites. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This prep ensures the flavor melds beautifully while maintaining the nuggets’ signature crunch. When you’re ready to serve, just pop them in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until they are golden and cooked through, bringing comfort food to your table with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Cheez-It Crusted Chicken Nuggets?
It’s easy to create a delightful meal around these crispy, cheesy bites that everyone will love.
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Creamy Mac & Cheese: This classic comfort food pairs seamlessly, adding rich creaminess that complements the crunchy nuggets.
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Roasted Broccoli: The freshness and slight bitterness of roasted broccoli balance out the rich flavors of the nuggets, creating a perfect dish.
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Crispy French Fries: A beloved duo, golden fries provide a satisfying crunch and are always a crowd-pleaser alongside chicken nuggets.
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Garden Salad: A light, refreshing salad with crisp greens and a zesty dressing adds a fresh contrast, making your meal wholesome.
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Sweet Corn on the Cob: Tender corn offers a sweet contrast to the savory nuggets and is a fun finger food that enhances any family dinner.
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Ranch Dipping Sauce: Serve extra ranch on the side for dipping, enhancing the flavors of the chicken nuggets while keeping the meal engaging and interactive.
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Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings freshness and a hint of sweetness, balancing the meal and making it a hit with kids.
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Lemonade or Iced Tea: For drinks, a refreshing lemonade or iced tea pairs wonderfully, adding a touch of brightness to a cozy meal.
How to Store and Freeze Cheez-It Crusted Chicken Nuggets
Fridge: Store leftover Cheez-It Crusted Chicken Nuggets in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and ready for snacking.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To enjoy the nuggets later, reheat in the oven at 375°F until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. This helps restore their crunchy exterior.
Room Temperature: If you have any nuggets left after serving, they should not be left out for more than 2 hours to ensure safety and freshness.
Cheez-It Crusted Chicken Nuggets Recipe FAQs
What are the best Cheez-Its to use for this recipe?
Absolutely! I recommend using the original Cheez-Its for their classic cheesy flavor. However, feel free to experiment with Cheez-It flavors like cheddar or white cheddar for a fun twist on the taste!
How should I store leftover Cheez-It Crusted Chicken Nuggets?
Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure they’re cooled completely before sealing to maintain their crispiness.
Can I freeze Cheez-It Crusted Chicken Nuggets?
Very! To freeze, allow the cooked nuggets to cool completely. Then, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months. This method prevents them from sticking together.
What’s the best way to reheat frozen nuggets?
To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the frozen nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This helps restore their delicious crunch!
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Absolutely! These nuggets are fantastic for meal prep. Simply make a batch at the beginning of the week, store them in the fridge, and enjoy them throughout the week as quick snacks or lunch additions!
Are these nuggets suitable for kids with dietary restrictions?
Great question! If you’re accommodating gluten-free diets, you can substitute the Cheez-Its with gluten-free cheese crackers. Additionally, if there’s an egg allergy, the egg can be replaced with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes until it thickens).
Cheez-It Crusted Chicken Nuggets You'll Crave Again and Again
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut the boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1" pieces. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk until smooth. Add ranch seasoning and stir well.
- Place Cheez-Its in a resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin until achieving varied textures.
- Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk mixture, then roll in crushed Cheez-Its. Place on a greased baking sheet.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serve warm with ranch dressing for dipping.