Forget those frozen nuggets from the store! These homemade Chicken Nuggets made with ground chicken are healthier, tastier, and surprisingly easy to whip up. They’re perfect for kids and adults alike, and you can bake them or pop them in the air fryer for a crispy, golden treat. Get ready for dipping fun!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Choice: Made with lean ground chicken and a sneaky serving of cauliflower rice, these nuggets are a guilt-free indulgence.
- Kid-Approved: These nuggets are so good, even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds.
- Versatile: Bake them, air fry them, or even pan-fry them—the choice is yours!
Ingredients
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make these delicious nuggets:
- Lean ground chicken: We’re using 93% lean for the best flavor and texture.
- Frozen cauliflower rice: Adds a boost of veggies without changing the taste.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- Onion powder: Adds a savory depth.
- Garlic powder: A touch of garlicky goodness.
- Black pepper: A hint of spice.
- Large egg: Helps bind the nuggets and create a crispy coating.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs: Use your favorite kind, or go gluten-free!
- Dipping sauces: Ketchup, honey mustard, buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce—the possibilities are endless!
How to Make Chicken Nuggets
Step 1: Mix and Form the Nuggets
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, cauliflower rice, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well and form into 30 flat nuggets.
Step 2: Bread the Nuggets
Place the beaten egg in one bowl and the breadcrumbs in another. Dip each nugget in the egg, then coat it in the breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Bake or Air Fry
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. Place the nuggets on a baking sheet sprayed with oil. Spray the nuggets with oil and bake for 10 minutes, then flip and bake for another 6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Air Fryer: Place the nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray with oil and air fry at 400 degrees F for 8-9 minutes, flipping halfway and spraying with oil again.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve those golden nuggets with your favorite dipping sauces.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t overmix the chicken: Overmixing can make the nuggets tough.
- Use a cookie scoop: For uniform nuggets, use a cookie scoop to portion the chicken mixture.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking times may vary depending on your oven or air fryer. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the nuggets reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
How to Serve Chicken Nuggets
- Dipping Sauces: Get creative with your dipping sauces! Try ketchup, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or even a homemade ranch.
- Sides: Serve with your favorite sides, like french fries, sweet potato fries, or a simple salad.
- Lunchboxes: These nuggets are perfect for school lunches or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Flash freeze the cooked nuggets on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven or air fryer until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe.
Can I make these nuggets without breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can coat them in almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a grain-free option.
How can I make these nuggets spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
Can I pan-fry these nuggets?
Yes, you can pan-fry them in a bit of olive oil over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through.
There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Chicken Nuggets made with ground chicken. Enjoy!
PrintChicken Nuggets Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These healthy and delicious chicken nuggets are made with ground chicken and cauliflower rice for a lighter, lower-carb option. They’re easy to make in the oven or air fryer and perfect for kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs 93% lean ground chicken (organic preferred, not breast only)
- 2/3 cup frozen cauliflower rice
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 3/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or gluten-free seasoned crumbs*)
Spices
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Dipping Sauces
- ketchup
- honey mustard
- buffalo sauce
- BBQ sauce
- special sauce
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, cauliflower rice, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Form Nuggets: Shape the mixture into 30 round, flat nuggets, about 25 grams each.
- Bread Nuggets: Dip each nugget in the beaten egg, then coat in breadcrumbs.
Baking Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 450°F. Place nuggets on a baking sheet sprayed with oil.
- Bake: Bake for 10 minutes, then flip and bake for another 6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Spray with oil as needed for crispiness.
Air Fryer Instructions
- Air Fry: Place nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray with oil. Air fry at 400°F for 8-9 minutes, flipping halfway and spraying with oil again, until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- To freeze, bake or air fry the nuggets, let them cool, then flash freeze on a sheet pan until solid. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 11-15 minutes or air fry at 360°F for 7-8 minutes.
- *N.I. reflects 1 tbsp breadcrumbs that get tossed after.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 nuggets
- Calories: 280kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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