Make delicious homemade chicken nuggets in 30 minutes with my easy recipe. Kid-approved, healthier, and tastier than frozen, perfect for busy families.
As a mom of six, finding easy dinners everyone will enjoy is a constant challenge. One recipe that has become a staple in our home is homemade chicken nuggets using our farm-raised chicken. These nuggets are not only healthier and tastier than their frozen counterparts, but they’re also quick and easy to make. In 30 minutes, you can have a batch of delicious chicken nuggets ready using simple pantry ingredients.
The Irresistible Taste of Homemade Chicken Nuggets
These homemade chicken nuggets are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. The combination of fresh chicken breast, parmesan cheese, and a blend of spices creates a taste far superior to store-bought options. Every bite is a delicious balance of savory and slightly cheesy goodness, making them a favorite for kids and adults alike.
Why These Ingredients?
- Chicken Breast: Opting for chicken breast not only ensures that the nuggets are lean and tender, but it's also a wise health choice. It's a great source of protein without the excess fat found in other cuts. Its mild flavor is a versatile canvas for various seasonings, making it an ideal choice for homemade nuggets.
- Bread Crumbs: The secret to the perfect texture in your chicken nuggets lies in the bread crumbs. They create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adding Parmesan cheese to the breading mix gives the nuggets a rich, savory flavor. The cheese melts slightly during cooking, contributing to the crispiness and adding a delightful cheesy taste that kids adore.
- Egg: The egg is the unsung hero in your chicken nugget recipe. It's not just a binder; it's your secret weapon for keeping the breading intact during cooking. This results in perfectly breaded nuggets with a beautiful golden-brown color. It's a key player in achieving that crispy exterior and juicy interior.
- Avocado Oil: Avocado oil crisps the extremities of the nuggets during baking, offering a healthier alternative to traditional oils. It also adds a light, buttery flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Paprika: This spice is not just for color; it's a flavor enhancer. It adds a subtle smokiness and a hint of spice to the nuggets, making them more exciting to the palate. It also contributes to the appealing golden color of the coating, making your nuggets look as good as they taste. Paprika is a versatile spice that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Making homemade chicken nuggets is a rewarding experience that yields delicious results. These nuggets are a healthier, tastier alternative to frozen options, and the simple process makes them a perfect choice for busy families. Next time you need a quick and easy dinner that everyone will enjoy- try this recipe. Your kids will thank you, and you’ll feel great knowing you’ve made a wholesome meal from scratch.
Why Use a Food Processor for Chicken Nuggets?
- Perfect Texture: With a food processor, you're the master of texture. You can finely chop the chicken breasts to create a consistent, tender mixture that holds together well when formed into nuggets. This method ensures that the nuggets are moist and juicy on the inside, with a perfect bite every time, giving you complete control over the outcome.
- Even Mixing: The food processor evenly incorporates all the ingredients, ensuring each nugget has a balanced flavor. When you add seasonings, Parmesan cheese, and other ingredients to the chicken, the processor mixes everything thoroughly, resulting in a consistent taste.
- Quick and Efficient: A food processor significantly speeds up the preparation process. Instead of manually chopping the chicken or using a meat grinder, the food processor does the work in seconds. This efficiency is a game-changer for busy parents who must quickly get dinner on the table.
- Versatile: The food processor is a creative companion in the kitchen. Beyond chicken nuggets, it can handle a variety of ingredients and recipes. From sauces and dips to doughs and batters, it opens up a world of possibilities, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.
Freezing Directions for Homemade Chicken Nuggets.
- Prepare the Nuggets: Follow the recipe to make the chicken nugget mixture and form the nuggets.
- Initial Freeze: Place the uncooked chicken nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching. Flash freezing prevents them from sticking together. Freeze the nuggets for about 1-2 hours or until firm.
- Transfer to Freezer Bags: Once the nuggets are firm. Transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag with the date and contents. This method empowers you to easily remove the exact number of nuggets you need without thawing the entire batch, making your cooking experience more convenient.
- Cooking from Frozen: When you're ready to cook the nuggets, you have options. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for a crispy, baked texture. Arrange the frozen nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness. Alternatively, suppose you prefer a quicker stovetop method. In that case, you can also pan-fry them in a skillet with some avocado oil, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and heated. The choice is yours, allowing you to adapt the recipe to your preferences.
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Homemade Chicken Nuggets:
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These homemade chicken nuggets are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. The combination of fresh chicken breast, parmesan cheese, and a blend of spices creates a taste that will be enjoyed by your family.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg
1 tbsp Avacado oil
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into chunks and place them in a food processor.
- Pulse until the chicken is finely minced.
- Add the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the food processor.
- Pulse until well combined.
- Add the egg and olive oil, then pulse until the mixture forms a dough-like consistency.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the chicken mixture and shape into nuggets.
- Place the nuggets on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
For extra crispy nuggets, you can lightly spray the nuggets with cooking spray before baking. These nuggets can also be frozen and reheated for quick meals.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner, Kid Friendly, Lunch
- Method: Oven
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