Name: Easy Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground chicken; ¾ cup cooked and chopped small broccoli florets (ensure they are fully dry); ½ cup finely shredded mild cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese; 1.5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ – ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs; ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs

If you love comforting food but also want to feel good about every bite, these Easy Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Nuggets will win you over instantly! They’re the perfect marriage of sneaky veggies, melty cheese, and tender chicken, all bundled into nuggets that make both kids and adults eagerly reach for seconds. Whether you’re serving them as a weeknight dinner, packing them in lunchboxes, or laying them out for a casual gathering with friends, you’ll be amazed at how fast they disappear—and how easy they are to whip up!

Easy Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Nuggets Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about these Easy Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Nuggets is how accessible and familiar the ingredients are. Each component has a role—whether that’s giving juiciness, a perfect golden coating, pops of flavor, or color that makes your platter shine. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these nuggets so irresistible.

1 lb. ground chicken: The juicy and tender base for our nuggets, balancing flavor and lean protein.
¾ cup broccoli florets, cooked and chopped small: Adds color, nutrients, and a subtle veggie flavor—just make sure it’s thoroughly dry for the perfect texture!
½ cup mild cheddar cheese, finely shredded: Melts into creamy pockets, infusing every bite with cheesy goodness.
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated: Brings a savory, nutty depth that’s impossible to resist.
1.5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Helps keep the chicken moist and adds a touch of richness.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Rounds out the savory flavor profile with gentle aromatic notes.
¼ – ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Brings all the flavors into focus—start on the lower end and adjust to your taste.
¼ teaspoon paprika: Not just for color, paprika adds a mild warmth that ties everything together.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Lends a subtle kick and enhances every other ingredient.
¼ cup plain breadcrumbs: Classic breadcrumbs help give the nuggets that familiar, satisfying bite.
¼ cup panko breadcrumbs: Panko provides extra crispiness and a light crunch to the coating.

How to Make Easy Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Nuggets

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Tray

Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Take a baking tray and line it with parchment paper—this step guarantees easy cleanup and prevents sticking, letting your nuggets crisp up beautifully without fuss.

Step 2: Mix the Breading

Combine the plain and panko breadcrumbs in a small bowl. Mixing these two types of crumbs gives you a breading that’s both airy and satisfying, resulting in that signature crunch everyone loves in a nugget.

Step 3: Make the Chicken Mixture

In a separate large mixing bowl, add your ground chicken, finely chopped (and very well-dried) steamed or boiled broccoli, shredded mild cheddar, parmesan, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until just combined, being careful not to over-mix—this ensures your Easy Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Nuggets stay tender, not tough.

Step 4: Shape the Nuggets

Wet your hands lightly with water (such a game changer!) and shape the mixture into evenly sized nuggets. Keeping each nugget uniform in size and thickness promotes even cooking and a picture-perfect presentation.

Step 5: Bread the Nuggets

Take each formed nugget and dredge it through your breadcrumb mixture, coating every side evenly. This is where those panko and plain breadcrumbs fuse to create that irresistible golden edge. Arrange the nuggets on your prepared tray with a bit of space in between so they crisp and bake up beautifully.

Step 6: Bake and Broil

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, remembering to flip the nuggets halfway through. Give the second side a quick spritz of avocado oil cooking spray for extra crispness. If you really want that craveable golden look, broil your Easy Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Nuggets for an additional 1–2 minutes at the end—watch closely!

Step 7: Check for Doneness

The key to juicy, safe chicken? Make sure each nugget reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Once done, pull them out, let them cool for a minute or two, and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces for the ultimate bite!

How to Serve Easy Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Nuggets

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top can brighten up your tray visually and add a mild freshness. For a fun twist, try a light dusting of extra parmesan for that classic Italian finish—these Easy Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Nuggets love a little savory sparkle!

Side Dishes

Pair your nuggets with classic sides like sweet potato fries, baked potato wedges, or a vibrant mixed salad for balance. Steamed green beans or roasted carrots also round things out for a dinner plate that’s satisfying and colorful—perfect for both kids and grown-ups.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a party? Skewer each nugget with a cocktail pick and arrange them in rows, or serve them on a platter alongside mini dipping bowls of ranch, honey mustard, or ketchup. For lunchboxes, tuck a couple of Easy Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Nuggets into a bento box with crisp veggies and fruit for a meal that feels special and nourishing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making them a quick and easy snack or lunch option throughout the week. Avoid overcrowding the container so the coating stays as crisp as possible.

Freezing

Easy Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Nuggets are freezer friendly! Arrange cooled nuggets in a single layer on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they’re easy to grab and reheat whenever you need a quick meal or snack—no thawing necessary.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the nuggets in the oven or air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until fully warmed and crispy, usually about 8–10 minutes from the fridge (or a little longer from frozen). Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that crave-worthy crunch!

FAQs

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes! Ground turkey works beautifully in place of chicken. Just make sure it’s fully thawed and drained of excess liquid for the best texture in your Easy Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Nuggets.

How do I ensure the broccoli isn’t soggy?

After steaming or boiling, press your broccoli well with paper towels until completely dry. Wet or soggy broccoli can make the nuggets fall apart and feel heavy, so this step is essential.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

You can, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and binds everything together better. Pre-shredded often includes anti-caking agents that may prevent perfect melting in your Easy Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Nuggets.

What dipping sauces taste best?

Classic ketchup is a crowd-pleaser, but don’t overlook honey mustard, ranch, or even a mild sriracha mayo for a little kick—the flavors really shine alongside the cheesy, savory filling.

Are Easy Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Nuggets good for meal prep?

Absolutely! They reheat wonderfully and hold their flavor and texture for several days, making them perfect for lunches, snacks, or even quick weeknight dinners that everyone will look forward to.

Final Thoughts

Give these Easy Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Nuggets a try and watch them disappear from your table in record time! They’re just the right mix of wholesome, fun, and delicious—and with every golden, cheesy bite, you’ll be wishing you’d made a double batch. Enjoy making them and sharing with those you love!