Chicken Nugget Parmesan turns a freezer staple into a tasty dinner by layering crispy chicken nuggets with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a fun, family-friendly twist on classic chicken Parmesan--quick and easy to make for an easy weeknight meal or game-day snack and something you can pull out of the pantry for a last minute meal.
1 (29-ounce) package frozen chicken nuggets (about 45 nuggets)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 (15-ounce) jar marinara sauce
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a 13x18-inch rimmed baking sheet with foil. Coat foil with cooking spray.
Arrange chicken nuggets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until heated through and crispy, 13 to 15 minutes.
Adjust oven rack to the top third of the oven. Preheat broiler.
Group the baked chicken nuggets into servings of 5 nuggets each.
Combine the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses in a bowl. Spoon 3 tablespoons marinara sauce evenly over each portion. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper. Top each portion with 1/3 cup cheese mixture.
Broil 4 to 5 inches from the heat until the cheese is melted and bubbly, 1 to 2 minutes.
Garnish with basil or parsley before serving, if desired.
