In today’s fast-paced world, finding a recipe that is both convenient and packed with flavor can feel like hitting the culinary jackpot. That’s exactly what you get with Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets—a delicious, wholesome dish that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with bold, savory flavor.
This article goes beyond a basic recipe and dives deep into how to make these nuggets perfect every time, explores different variations, answers common questions, and provides valuable tips to help you make this dish a staple in your kitchen.
Why Everything But The Bagel Seasoning Works So Well
Everything Bagel seasoning, a simple yet powerful mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and sea salt, has quickly become a pantry essential. Originally inspired by the iconic New York-style bagel topping, it has evolved into a culinary secret weapon.
When combined with chicken, this seasoning offers:
- Umami depth from toasted garlic and onion
- Crunchy texture from sesame and poppy seeds
- Salt balance to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor
- Visual appeal that makes these nuggets pop on the plate
It’s this flavor complexity that transforms a basic chicken nugget into something extraordinary.
The Secret to Truly Great Chicken Nuggets
What separates average chicken nuggets from unforgettable ones? It’s not just about breading and frying—true greatness comes from texture, flavor balance, and cooking technique. Here are the foundational principles used in this recipe:
1. Quality Chicken
Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh pieces. Thighs are juicier, but breasts offer leaner protein and hold their shape well.
2. Three-Layer Coating System
The combination of egg wash, seasoned cream cheese, and a crispy topping (breadcrumb or almond flour mix) ensures the nuggets stay moist inside and crispy outside.
3. Flavor-Packed Breading
Using parmesan cheese in the outer coating adds saltiness, crispiness, and umami depth. Pair that with Everything Bagel seasoning, and you get flavor in every bite.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Here’s everything you need to create this dish from scratch:
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into nugget-sized chunks (1½-inch pieces)
- 1 tablespoon Everything But The Bagel seasoning (plus extra for garnish)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free/keto version)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Olive oil cooking spray
- (Optional) 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill for garnish
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls (at least 3 for breading station)
- Baking sheet + wire rack (for oven method)
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or chopsticks for dipping
- Air fryer (optional)
How to Make Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper. For extra tenderness, soak the chicken in a light salt brine (1 tablespoon salt in 2 cups water) for 30 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.
Step 2: Make the Seasoned Cream Cheese
In a medium bowl, mix 4 oz of cream cheese with ½ tablespoon of Everything Bagel seasoning. This creamy layer helps the breading stick and adds a rich flavor inside the crust.
Step 3: Set Up the Breading Station
Use 3 shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 2: Seasoned cream cheese
- Bowl 3: Mix of panko, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and remaining seasoning
Step 4: Coat the Nuggets
Dip chicken in this order:
- Egg
- Cream cheese mixture (spread evenly)
- Crumb coating, press gently to adhere
Step 5: Bake or Air Fry
For Oven:
Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Place nuggets on a rack over a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spray with olive oil. Bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
For Air Fryer:
Preheat to 380°F (193°C). Arrange nuggets in a single layer. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping at the 5-minute mark. Don’t overcrowd.
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Protein | 27g |
| Carbohydrates | 9g (2g fiber) |
| Fat | 16g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
| Sugar | 1g |
This makes the nuggets a high-protein, low-carb, and moderately low-calorie option—perfect for balanced eating.
Pro Tips for Crispy, Juicy Nuggets
- Use room-temperature cream cheese to ensure it spreads evenly and doesn’t tear the chicken.
- Don’t skip the wire rack when baking—it helps hot air circulate and prevents sogginess.
- Flip halfway during cooking for even browning.
- Want extra crunch? Add crushed pork rinds to the breadcrumb mix.
- For a dairy-free version, use a cashew-based cream cheese alternative and skip parmesan.
Creative Serving Ideas
These chicken nuggets are incredibly versatile. Here’s how to serve them beyond the basic dipping sauce:
🍱 Meal Prep Lunch Bowl
Layer nuggets with roasted vegetables, brown rice, and a tahini drizzle.
🥗 Salad Protein Topper
Add warm nuggets to a bowl of baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon vinaigrette.
🌯 Wrap It Up
Wrap the nuggets in low-carb tortillas with shredded lettuce, pickles, and ranch dressing.
🍴 Appetizer Board
Skewer the nuggets and serve with multiple dipping sauces like garlic aioli, sriracha mayo, and honey mustard.
Sauces That Pair Perfectly
- Honey Mustard: Sweet + tangy contrast to salty coating
- Garlic Ranch: Cool and creamy
- Spicy Mayo: For heat lovers
- Lemon Dill Yogurt: Bright and refreshing
- Classic BBQ: A smoky-sweet match
How to Store & Reheat
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze fully cooled nuggets in a single layer, then transfer to a sealed bag. Lasts up to 2 months.
Reheating Instructions:
- Oven: 375°F for 8–10 minutes
- Air Fryer: 350°F for 3–5 minutes
- Avoid microwave to retain crispiness
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prep and coat the nuggets, refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance, then cook when ready.
❓Are these nuggets kid-friendly?
Absolutely. They’re mild in spice, fun to dip, and packed with flavor even picky eaters will love.
❓Can I double or triple the recipe?
Yes. Use the scale feature in the recipe card or double the ingredients manually. Bake in batches to maintain crispiness.
❓How can I make these spicier?
Add ½ tsp cayenne to the breadcrumb mix or serve with a spicy dipping sauce.
Make Your Own Everything Bagel Seasoning
Want to DIY your seasoning? Here’s a quick mix:
- 1 tbsp white sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp black sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp dried minced garlic
- 1 tbsp dried minced onion
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- 1 tsp coarse sea salt
Store in an airtight jar for up to 6 months. This homemade version allows you to control salt and ingredient quality.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
✅ Quick to make – 25 minutes from start to finish
✅ Customizable – gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb options included
✅ Perfect for all ages – kid- and adult-approved
✅ Meal-prep friendly – ideal for busy weeks
✅ Better than takeout – no preservatives or artificial fillers
Final Thoughts
These Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets are more than just a fun dinner—they’re a flavorful, nutritious, and crowd-pleasing dish that suits any lifestyle. Whether you’re eating low-carb, cooking for your kids, or meal prepping for the week, these nuggets will find a regular place in your recipe rotation.
