Cheesy Chicken Nugget Bake
Indulge in this Cheesy Chicken Nugget Bake, a delightful twist on classic comfort food that's perfect for family dinners or potlucks. This casserole features crispy chicken nuggets smothered in rich spaghetti sauce and two layers of gooey cheese topped off with Italian herbs for a burst of flavor. Easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying, it's a surefire hit with kids and adults alike. Serve it with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen chicken nuggets
1 (13 1/2 ounce package)
Grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 (cup)
Spaghetti sauce
1 (26 1/2 ounce can)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
1 (cup)
Italian seasoning
1 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Grease an 11-inch x 7-inch x 2-inch baking dish with a light layer of cooking spray or oil.
3
Evenly distribute the frozen chicken nuggets across the bottom of the baking dish, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer.
4
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the chicken nuggets.
5
Pour the spaghetti sauce evenly over the top of the cheese and nuggets, spreading it gently with a spatula.
6
Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the spaghetti sauce, creating a vibrant layer of melting goodness.
7
Finally, evenly sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the mozzarella cheese to enhance the flavors.
8
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
9
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken nuggets are heated through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10
Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking for an extra crispy top if desired.
11
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Cheesy Chicken Nugget Bake!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Chicken Nugget Bake?
It is a comfort food casserole made with crispy chicken nuggets, spaghetti sauce, two types of cheese, and Italian herbs.
How many ingredients do I need for this recipe?
You need 5 main ingredients: frozen chicken nuggets, grated Parmesan cheese, spaghetti sauce, shredded mozzarella, and Italian seasoning.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for this recipe.
What size baking dish should I use?
An 11-inch x 7-inch x 2-inch baking dish is recommended.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, grease the dish with a light layer of cooking spray or oil before adding ingredients.
Do the chicken nuggets need to be thawed first?
No, the recipe uses frozen chicken nuggets arranged in a single layer.
How much spaghetti sauce is used?
The recipe calls for one 26.5-ounce can of spaghetti sauce.
What is the first layer of cheese?
The first layer is grated Parmesan cheese, which is sprinkled directly over the nuggets.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
You will need 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
What seasoning is used in this bake?
One teaspoon of Italian seasoning is sprinkled over the top.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil before putting it in the oven.
How long does the chicken nugget bake take to cook?
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is heated through and cheese is bubbly.
How can I make the top of the bake extra crispy?
Remove the aluminum foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are good side dishes for this meal?
It pairs well with a fresh side salad or garlic bread.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it is a surefire hit with kids because it features chicken nuggets and gooey cheese.
What type of chicken nuggets should I buy?
A 13.5-ounce package of standard frozen chicken nuggets is used.
Can I use marinara sauce instead of spaghetti sauce?
Yes, any red pasta sauce like marinara will work effectively.
How much Parmesan cheese is required?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Do I need to stir the ingredients?
No, the ingredients are layered and the sauce is spread gently with a spatula.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It is a cheesy, gooey casserole with savory sauce and soft-yet-baked chicken nuggets.
Is this a good recipe for potlucks?
Yes, it is easy to transport and generally popular in group settings.
How do I know the dish is done?
The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the chicken should be hot in the center.
Can I add extra cheese?
Yes, you can increase the amount of mozzarella if you prefer a cheesier top.
What is the preparation time like?
Preparation is very quick as it involves layering pre-made ingredients.
Can I use fresh chicken?
This specific recipe is designed for frozen nuggets; fresh chicken would require different cooking times.
Is Italian seasoning necessary?
It is recommended to enhance the flavors, but you can omit it if preferred.
Should I let it cool before serving?
Yes, letting it cool for a few minutes helps the sauce and cheese set.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a chicken casserole or a quick family dinner.
Is the Parmesan cheese fresh or canned?
The recipe specifies grated Parmesan cheese, so either fresh or shelf-stable works.