Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets: A Flavor-Packed Family Favorite

After a long day at work, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen preparing dinner. That’s where these Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets come to the rescue! Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy nugget with that distinctive blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt that has made Everything Bagel seasoning a pantry staple. These Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets are not just delicious—they’re a game-changer for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or when you’re simply craving something both satisfying and impressive.

The aroma of these nuggets baking in the oven will have everyone gathering in the kitchen, and the first bite reveals a juicy chicken interior wrapped in a crispy, seasoned coating that’s bursting with flavor. What makes these Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets stand out is their incredible versatility and how quickly they come together with ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Why You’ll Love These Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets

• ✅ These homemade Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets contain no preservatives or artificial ingredients unlike store-bought options
• ✅ Perfect for keto-friendly Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets enthusiasts looking for low-carb protein options
• ✅ Air fryer Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets cook in just 10 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner solution
• ✅ Meal prep these easy Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets on Sunday for delicious lunches all week
• ✅ Crispy Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets satisfy both adults and kids alike—no separate meals needed!

Print

Ingredients for Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets

• 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon Everything Bagel seasoning (plus extra for sprinkling)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• ½!– /wp:list-item –>
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Olive oil cooking spray
• Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill for garnish

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet with rack (or air fryer)
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets – Step by Step

Preparing the Chicken

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or air fryer to 380°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Lightly spray with cooking oil.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix the room temperature cream cheese with 1/2 tablespoon of the Everything Bagel seasoning until well combined.

Step 3: Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Coating the Nuggets

Step 4: Set up a breading station with three bowls. In the first bowl, place the beaten eggs. In the second bowl, add the cream cheese mixture. In the third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs (or almond flour), parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and the remaining Everything Bagel seasoning.

Step 5: Working with a few pieces at a time, dip chicken first in the egg, then coat with the cream cheese mixture, and finally roll in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 6: Place the coated nuggets on the prepared rack, leaving space between pieces. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil cooking spray.

Cooking Methods

For Oven-Baked Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets:

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

For Air Fryer Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets:

Step 7 (Alternative): Place the coated nuggets in a single layer in your air fryer basket (you may need to work in batches). Cook at 380°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets

• For extra juicy nuggets, brine the chicken pieces in saltwater for 30 minutes before coating
• Make your own Everything Bagel seasoning by combining equal parts sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt
• For gluten-free Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets, substitute the panko with almond flour or crushed pork rinds
• The key to crispy nuggets is not overcrowding the baking sheet or air fryer basket
• For low-carb Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets that stay crispy, mix crushed pork rinds with the parmesan instead of breadcrumbs

Best Ways to Serve Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets

These versatile Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets shine as the star of many different meals:

• Serve with a side of garlic aioli, ranch, or honey mustard dipping sauce
• Make a meal with a fresh green salad and roasted vegetables
• Add to a grain bowl with quinoa, avocado, and roasted vegetables
• Use as protein in a wrap with greens and your favorite sauce
• Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks at your next gathering

For a complete meal, pair these Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets with a side of sweet potato fries or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the rich flavors.

Nutritional Information for Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets

(Per serving, approximately 5-6 nuggets)

• Calories: 285 kcal
• Protein: 27g
• Carbs: 9g (2g fiber)
• Fat: 16g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Sugar: 1g

These healthy baked Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets are high in protein and lower in carbs than traditional nuggets, making them perfect for balanced, nutritious meals.

Storage & Leftovers

These Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets are perfect for meal prep and store beautifully:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze fully cooled nuggets in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: For maximum crispiness, reheat in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes or air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as this will make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets

Can you air fry Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets?

Yes! Air fryer Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets turn out exceptionally crispy. Cook them at 380°F for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Are Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets gluten-free?

The standard recipe contains gluten from panko breadcrumbs, but you can easily make gluten-free Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets by substituting the panko with almond flour, crushed pork rinds, or gluten-free breadcrumbs.

What ingredients are in Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets?

The key ingredients for Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets include chicken breast pieces, cream cheese, Everything Bagel seasoning (a blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt), along with egg and breadcrumbs for coating.

Can I make Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and coat the Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets up to a day ahead and refrigerate them uncooked. Alternatively, cook them completely, cool, and store for meal prep throughout the week.

Conclusion

These Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets are proof that homemade can be both easier and tastier than store-bought. With their irresistible savory coating and juicy interior, they’ll quickly become a family favorite that everyone requests again and again.

Whether you’re serving them as a quick weeknight dinner, preparing them for meal prep, or offering them as crowd-pleasing appetizers at your next gathering, these Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets deliver big flavor with minimal effort. The versatility of cooking methods—bake them in the oven or whip them up in the air fryer—makes them adaptable to any kitchen setup.

Have you tried making these Everything But The Bagel Chicken Nuggets yet? Let us know in the comments how they turned out and any creative serving suggestions you discovered!