Chicken Nuggets Recipe (Ground Chicken)

4.91 from 43 votes

These picky-kid-approved, healthy Chicken Nuggets are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. They’re better than ones from a fast-food restaurant and even have hidden veggies inside!

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 30

Yield: 5 servings

Course: Dinner, Lunch, School Lunch

Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs 93% lean ground chicken (organic preferred (not breast only))
2/3 cup frozen cauliflower rice
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg (beaten)
3/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or gluten-free seasoned crumbs*)
ketchup, honey mustard, buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, special sauce, etc. ( optional for dipping)

Instructions

In a large bowl combine the chicken with cauliflower rice, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper and mix well. Form into 30 round flat nuggets, about 25 grams each.
Place egg in a bowl and bread crumbs in another bowl. Dip the nuggets in the egg, then breadcrumbs and set aside.

Baked:

If baking, place on a sheet pan sprayed with oil. Preheat the oven to 450F and spray the chicken with oil.
Bake 10 minutes then flip, bake an additional 6 minutes, until golden. Spraying both sides until golden and cooked through.

Air Fryer Method:

Place the chicken nuggets in a singe layer in batches as needed, spray the tops with oil and air fry 8 to 9 minutes at 400F, flipping halfway spraying both sides with oil, until golden and cooked through.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Leftover nuggets last for up to four days in the fridge, but if you want to freeze them, here’s how:

1. Bake or air fry the chicken nuggets as directed and let them cool.
2. Flash freeze them on a sheet pan until solid for an hour or two.
3. Transfer to an airtight container.
4. To reheat, bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 11 to 15 minutes or 360°F- air fryer for 7 to 8 minutes.
5. Freeze up to 3 months.

*N.I. reflects 1 tbsp breadcrumbs that get tossed after.

Nutrition

Serving: 6nuggets, Calories: 280kcal, Carbohydrates: 13g, Protein: 28g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 3.5g, Cholesterol: 154.5mg, Sodium: 670.5mg, Fiber: 1.5g, Sugar: 1.5g

- WW Points: 7