Cheesy Crunchy Chicken Dippers

These cheesy crunchy chicken dippers are a fun, kid-approved snack or appetizer that’s healthier than deep-fried versions. Tender chicken pieces get coated in a cheesy breadcrumb mix and baked to golden perfection for maximum crunch with less oil. Affordable using basic pantry staples and chicken from local markets, they’re perfect for parties, school lunches, or family movie nights. Serve with ketchup, yogurt dip, or chili sauce.

Cheesy Crunchy Chicken Dippers

Ingredients

  • For 4 servings (about 20–24 dippers), gather these simple items:
  • 500 grams boneless chicken breast or thigh, cut into 2-inch strips or nugget shapes
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko for extra crunch)
  • ½ cup grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese (low-fat if preferred)
  • ½ cup plain flour (maida)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika or red chili powder (adjust for spice)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or mixed herbs (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for drizzling)
  • Cooking spray (optional for baking sheet)

Direction

  • Bake these crispy dippers with these easy steps:
  • Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly spray with cooking oil.
  • Step 2: In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, grated cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and oregano until well combined—the cheese makes the coating extra crunchy and flavorful.
  • Step 3: Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with the cheesy breadcrumb mixture.
  • Step 4: Dredge each chicken piece first in flour (shake off excess), then dip in egg, and finally coat thoroughly in the cheesy breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.
  • Step 5: Place coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly drizzle or spray with olive oil or melted butter for golden crispiness.
  • Step 6: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 75°C/165°F) and coating is golden and crunchy. Let rest 2 minutes before serving hot with your favorite dip.

Nutrients Information

Per serving (about 5–6 dippers, approximate values using low-fat cheese and minimal oil)

  • Calories: 320 to 380
  • Total Fat: 12 to 16 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 4 to 6 grams
  • Cholesterol: 140 to 160 milligrams
  • Sodium: 500 to 700 milligrams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 18 to 22 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 1 gram
  • Sugars: 1 gram
  • Protein: 35 to 40 grams
  • A good source of lean protein from chicken for muscle support, plus calcium from cheese. Baking reduces fat compared to frying while keeping the satisfying crunch.

Recipes Credit

Inspired by classic baked chicken nugget recipes popular in family-friendly cooking, adapted from desi homes with local chicken, affordable cheese, and everyday spices like red chili powder. Draws from healthier oven-fried ideas shared on budget blogs, kids’ meal sites like Budget Bytes, and South Asian fusion snack collections emphasizing baked over fried. Freshly tailored here for crunchy, cheesy, guilt-reduced fun that everyone loves.