Best Chicken Nuggets
My sister-in-law and I set out to make a knock-off chicken nugget for my picky niece, and she loved these (and so did the rest of my family!). This homemade chicken nugget recipe uses ground chicken, frozen cauliflower rice (you can’t tell!), and seasoning, coated in breadcrumbs, and cooked in the air fryer or oven. They take a little longer than using chicken chunks but are totally worth it! You can double the batch and freeze the rest, so you have your own healthier, homemade frozen chicken nuggets you can feel good about feeding your kids. More nuggets you may want to try, these Baked Chicken Nuggets and Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets using chunks of white-meat chicken.
What are chicken nuggets made of?
Chicken: For this chicken nugget recipe, I chose 93% ground chicken (a mix of chicken thighs and breast meat) instead of ground chicken breast, which comes out too dry. If you want to use skinless chicken breast, use this recipe instead. Cauliflower Rice: Frozen cauliflower rice keeps these lean while adding extra nutrients. Seasoning: Salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper Egg: Beat one egg in a shallow bowl. Breadcrumbs: Coat the nuggets in seasoned breadcrumbs or gluten-free crumbs.
How to Make Chicken Nuggets
Variations
Poultry: Swap ground chicken with 93% lean ground turkey. Breadcrumbs: Substitute breadcrumbs with seasoned panko breadcrumbs. No seasoned breadcrumbs? Add spices, like onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and salt, to your breadcrumbs.
What to Serve with Chicken Nuggets
Dipping Sauce: Dip these nuggets in your favorite sauce, like ketchup, honey mustard, buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or spicy mayo. Lunchbox Ideas: Pack them for school lunch with fruit, veggie sticks and your child’s favorite dipping sauce, or put them on a small roll for a chicken sandwich. Salad: Adults can serve this with or over a salad with ranch dressing. Sides: Serve them with french fries, mac and cheese, or with roasted broccoli or green beans.
How to Freeze Chicken Nuggets
Leftover nuggets last for up to four days in the fridge, but if you want to freeze them, here’s how:
Kid-Friendly: Toddlers and children will love these crispy chicken nuggets! Healthier: Making the chicken nuggets from scratch means you control the ingredients. Baked or air fried instead of deep fried! Added Veggies: I mixed in some cauliflower rice, and no one could tell. Freezer Friendly: You can make them ahead, and freeze for the week! Pack The In A Lunch Box: My sister in law has been packng them in her kids’ thermos so they are still warm at lunch.
More Chicken Tender Recipes You’ll Love
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Pickle-Brined Baked Chicken Tenders Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Tortilla-Encrusted Chicken Tenders
