Name: Heart-Shaped Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned); ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon paprika (optional); 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for coating); cooking spray or olive oil (for baking)

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If you want a meal that’s packed with playfulness and flavor, you’ll fall in love with Heart-Shaped Chicken Nuggets. These adorable nuggets combine tender ground chicken, a savory Parmesan kick, and a crunchy panko coating, all shaped with love for a snack or meal that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re looking for a special lunchbox surprise or planning a memorable family meal, Heart-Shaped Chicken Nuggets are sure to be the star on any occasion.

Heart-Shaped Chicken Nuggets Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these nuggets is in their simplicity. Each ingredient has a purpose—bringing out max flavor, making the texture irresistible, or giving you that golden, crispy finish every perfect nugget deserves.

Ground chicken (1 pound): The heart and soul of these nuggets, ground chicken keeps every bite moist and packed with protein.
Breadcrumbs (½ cup, plain or seasoned): These bind the mixture together and add body, so the nuggets stay nice and tender.
Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): This touch of cheese brings a subtle, salty richness that makes the nuggets irresistible.
Large egg (1): The ultimate binder, helping all the delicious flavors stick together and hold their cute heart shape.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds savory, aromatic depth to every nugget without overwhelming the delicate chicken.
Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Delivers a subtle sweetness and complexity in the background.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Brightens and sharpens every ingredient’s natural flavor.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Just a hint to bring warmth and balance.
Paprika (½ teaspoon, optional): For a touch of color and gentle smokiness if you like to play with flavor.
Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup, for coating): These create that golden, outrageously crispy nugget shell everyone craves.
Cooking spray or olive oil (for baking): A spritz or brush is all you need for extra crunch and gorgeous color in the oven.

How to Make Heart-Shaped Chicken Nuggets

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your Heart-Shaped Chicken Nuggets won’t stick, and it makes for breeze-free cleanup later.

Step 2: Mix the Nugget Base

Grab a big mixing bowl and add your ground chicken, regular breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika if you’re using it. Now, gently mix everything together just until it’s combined—overmixing can make the nuggets dense, so stop as soon as you see the ingredients evenly distributed.

Step 3: Shape with Love

Spoon the chicken mixture onto a fresh sheet of parchment paper, and flatten it into a half-inch-thick slab using your hands or a rolling pin. Now, use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to press out those adorable nuggets. Gather up any scraps, reshape, and keep cutting hearts until you’ve used up all the mixture. Each little nugget should already look pretty charming!

Step 4: Coat for Crunch

Pour the panko breadcrumbs onto a plate. One by one, dip each heart-shaped nugget into the panko, lightly pressing so the coating sticks. This gives your Heart-Shaped Chicken Nuggets a satisfyingly golden, crispy crust once baked.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Arrange your panko-coated nuggets on the prepared baking sheet. Finish with a light mist of cooking spray or a gentle brush of olive oil on top—this is the trick for that irresistible crunch. Slide the tray into your preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through to get them perfectly golden on both sides. Use a thermometer to check that the centers hit at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Serve them piping hot with your favorite dips!

How to Serve Heart-Shaped Chicken Nuggets

Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the platter for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Tiny skewers with cherry tomatoes or fun decorative toothpicks make the Heart-Shaped Chicken Nuggets even more enticing, especially for little ones (but let’s be honest, adults love them too!).

Side Dishes

Pair your Heart-Shaped Chicken Nuggets with classic choices like sweet potato fries, a crisp green salad, or some oven-roasted veggies. Fruit slices or apple wedges add a sweet twist and balance out the savory flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Set out a rainbow of dipping sauces—think honey mustard, sriracha mayo, tangy barbecue, or zesty ranch—for everyone to mix and match. For a Valentine’s Day or party platter, arrange the nuggets in the shape of a giant heart, or alternate them with fruit and veggie hearts for a show-stopping centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Heart-Shaped Chicken Nuggets (lucky you!), let them cool to room temperature before packing in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days, making for easy lunches or last-minute snacks.

Freezing

To freeze, lay the shaped but unbaked nuggets on a tray lined with parchment, freezing until solid before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months—just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the oven time.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Heart-Shaped Chicken Nuggets in the oven or air fryer at 375°F until they’re hot and crispy again—usually 7 to 10 minutes. The microwave will work in a pinch, but you’ll lose some of that crave-worthy crunch.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will yield equally delicious, juicy nuggets with just a slightly different flavor profile.

Do I need a heart-shaped cookie cutter?

A heart-shaped cutter makes things extra cute, but you can use a knife or shape them by hand if you’re feeling crafty. The important part is having fun with it!

Can I make Heart-Shaped Chicken Nuggets gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap both the regular and panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives, and you’ll have nuggets that everyone can enjoy.

What dips go best with these nuggets?

Ketchup is a classic, but honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch, or a spicy aioli all pair wonderfully with Heart-Shaped Chicken Nuggets’ savory crunch.

Can I air fry instead of bake?

Yes, the air fryer makes them just as crispy! Cook at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, and check that the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Final Thoughts

Bring some joy and a little extra love to your table with these Heart-Shaped Chicken Nuggets. They’re simple, wholesome, and just the thing for turning any mealtime into something special. Give them a try and let your family and friends feel the love bite after delicious bite!

Heart-Shaped Chicken Nuggets Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 38 minutes
Yield: 20–24 nuggets 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These heart-shaped chicken nuggets are a fun and delicious twist on a classic favorite. Made with ground chicken and a blend of seasonings, these nuggets are baked to perfection and make a perfect snack or meal for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Nuggets:

1 pound ground chicken
½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for coating)
cooking spray or olive oil (for baking)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika if using. Mix until just combined.
Shape the Nuggets: Transfer the mixture onto a piece of parchment paper and press it into a ½-inch-thick layer. Use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out nuggets. Reroll scraps as needed to use up the mixture.
Coat and Bake: Dip each nugget into the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to coat both sides. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush the tops with cooking spray or olive oil. Bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Serve: Serve hot with ketchup, honey mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce.