Mediterranean Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken Nuggets
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with bright Mediterranean flavor—these Lemon Garlic Chicken Nuggets are a fresh, zesty upgrade to classic nuggets. Infused with olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, and herbs, they’re perfect for kids, parties, or a healthy-ish dinner when you want big flavor fast. Oven-baked or air-fried for maximum crunch without deep frying.
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 15 minutes (optional but recommended)
Cooking Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: ~40–45 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Chicken
500 g (1 lb) chicken breast, cut into bite-size nuggets
Zesty Marinade
3 tablespoons olive oil
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Crispy Coating
¾ cup breadcrumbs or panko
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Optional Add-Ins
½ teaspoon chili flakes (for heat)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for crunch)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken pieces and toss well.
Cover and marinate 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor).
2. Prepare the Coating
In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, thyme, and optional chili flakes or sesame seeds.
3. Coat the Nuggets
Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
Roll each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so it sticks.
4. Cook Until Crispy
Air Fryer Method (Best for crunch):
Preheat air fryer to 190°C / 375°F
Spray basket lightly with oil
Arrange nuggets in a single layer
Air fry 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through
Oven Method:
Preheat oven to 220°C / 425°F
Place nuggets on a lined baking tray
Bake 14–16 minutes, flipping once
Quick Mediterranean Dipping Sauce (Optional)
Mix together:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small garlic clove, grated
- Salt to taste
- Chopped parsley or dill
Tips for Extra Flavor
Use panko for ultra-crispy nuggets
Add lemon zest to the breadcrumbs for extra zing
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer—cook in batches
For extra golden color, lightly spray nuggets with oil before cooking
Serving Ideas
Wrap in pita with lettuce & tomatoes
Serve with roasted veggies or Greek salad
Perfect in lunchboxes or as party bites
Final Thoughts
These Mediterranean Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken Nuggets are bright, crunchy, and irresistibly juicy—comfort food with a fresh, coastal twist. Once you try them, regular nuggets just won’t compare.