Easy Chicken Nugget Parmesan Bake

Name: Easy Chicken Nugget Parmesan Bake
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 24 frozen chicken nuggets; 1 cup marinara sauce; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Cooked spaghetti or rice (for serving (optional))

This fun, shortcut Chicken Nugget Parmesan is perfect for nights when you need dinner fast. Just bake frozen chicken nuggets, top with marinara and cheese, and pop them back in the oven. Serve over spaghetti or with a side salad for a kid-friendly twist on the classic chicken Parmesan.

Chicken nugget parmesan recipe on bakingsheet

Why I Love This Recipe

Super simple and fast - no dredging or deep-frying required.
Minimal fuss - the freezer section does most of the work.
Comfort food vibe - all the flavor of chicken parm in a fraction of the time.
Family-friendly - picky eaters will dig the nuggets, and you'll love the ease.
Great for leftovers - make 4 servings that can stretch into lunch or dinner again.

If you're working through my Dinner Rhythm Blueprint, this is an ideal Grace Night Meal. On busy nights this dish hits the sweet spot: quick, satisfying, and 100% doable.

AndiAnne holding chicken nugget parmesan recipe on plate

Note from Andi

I used to avoid chicken parm because it felt too involved. The more times I tried making healthier, simpler versions, the more I realized that a dish doesn't need to be made from scratch to feel homemade and special.

If this is your first time using frozen nuggets in a recipe like this, embrace the simplicity. Use a nugget brand you already trust, pick your favorite sauce, and you've got dinner done.

Love more shortcut comfort-food recipes? Check out my quick Taco Casserole or this lighter Taco-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash.

Recipe Ingredients

24 frozen chicken nuggets
1 cup marinara sauce
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cooked spaghetti or noodles - for serving (optional)

Step-By-Step Instructions 👇👇

Step 1: Prepare the Nuggets

Preheat oven to 425 °F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Spread 24 frozen chicken nuggets in a single layer on the sheet and bake for 10 minutes.

👉 Air fryer option: Cook nuggets at 375 °F for 8-9 minutes, flipping halfway through.

👉 Toaster oven: Follow the same step on foil and bake at 425 °F for about 5 minutes until cheese is melty.

chicken nuggets first topped with marinara sauce then sprinkled with cheese

Step 2: Add Sauce and Cheese

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and flip the nuggets over. Keep the nuggets close together.

Now spoon about 1 cup marinara sauce over the nuggets, then top with 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese.

Chicken nuggets topped with marinara and melted cheese

Step 3: Bake Until Melty

Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 6 - 9 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling with golden edges.

Bowl of chicken nuggets covered in sauce and cheese over noodles

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the chicken nugget Parmesan over cooked spaghetti or rice, or pair it with a bagged Caesar salad for a quick, family-friendly dinner.

Recipe Tips

Use a rimmed baking sheet so any melted sauce or cheese stays contained.
Use a spoon for the marinara so the sauce gets evenly distributed.
Want more flavor? Sprinkle on Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes before baking.
Add a side of roasted veggies or a spinach salad (or a store-bought bagged salad works great here too!) to round out the meal.

Variations & Substitutions

Swap protein: You could try breaded chicken strips or burger patties instead of nuggets.
Sauce switch: You could use spaghetti sauce, tomato-basil sauce, pizza sauce or even BBQ sauce.
Cheese choices: Try this with cheddar, provolone, or an Italian blend instead of mozzarella.
Slider version: Use Hawaiian rolls and add the nuggets inside for mini sandwiches.

Storing Leftovers

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Oven or air fryer works best to keep crispiness; microwave is okay in a pinch but may soften the nuggets.
Freezer: Not ideal, once baked, nuggets tend to get soggy when frozen.

Make It a Dinner Rhythm Meal Plan

If you're following my Dinner Rhythm Blueprint, this nugget bake fits beautifully as a meal hack that stretches:

Option 1: Serve fresh from the oven with sauce and cheese over spaghetti.
Option 2: Reheat leftovers and scoop into wraps, tortillas or dinner rolls for an easy lunch.
Option 3: Use any remaining nuggets as protein in a homemade Greek salad.

FAQs

Can I use homemade chicken nuggets instead of frozen?

Yes! You can bake or air fry your own breaded chicken pieces, then follow the same steps from adding marinara and cheese onward.

Can I make this in an air fryer?

Absolutely. Cook the nuggets at 375°F for 8-9 minutes, flip them, add sauce and cheese, then air fry for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.

What's the best marinara sauce to use?

Any store-bought marinara works. Choose one that's lower in sugar and not too watery. A thick pizza sauce also works great here.

Can I skip the mozzarella and use another cheese?

Yes. Provolone, cheddar, or an Italian blend all melt beautifully. Mozzarella gives that classic stretchy texture, but feel free to mix it up.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can bake the nuggets in advance and refrigerate them. When ready to serve, add sauce and cheese, then bake for 5-8 minutes until hot and melty.

How can I make this meal healthier?

Use air-fried or baked chicken nuggets, part-skim mozzarella, and a no-sugar-added marinara. Serve with a salad or veggies instead of pasta.