A healthy, baked alternative to store-bought chicken nuggets!
I’m not sure about you, but I will forever love chicken nuggets. Seriously though, who doesn’t love them? I feel like most people act like chicken nuggets are meant for kids, but really people of all ages enjoy them! This healthier chicken nuggets recipe will allow you to eat these yummy golden nuggets of juicy chicken, while still staying healthy!
Although these chicken nuggets are super easy to make, I’m not going to tell you they’re easier than store-bought, because that would be a lie. It’s obvious that buying a bag from the freezer section and sticking them in the oven is way easier, but this recipe really doesn’t take all that much effort at all. Once you have your chicken cut and your ingredients in bowls, the process is quick! While it can be a bit messy, it’s definitely worth the work!
As far as healthiness, pre-made chicken nuggets are usually made with vegetable oil, flour, brown sugar, natural flavors (which aren’t always that natural, read more here) and other random ingredients that are hard to even pronounce. I’m all about having as few ingredients as possible in the food I eat, or at least making sure they are recognizable, so I chose to make my own at home!
I don’t only eat healthy, but I try to save money as much as possible, too. Rather than buying a $5 – $10 bag of chicken nuggets at the store, you can use ingredients you most likely already have. I always have chicken breasts in my freezer, as well as bread crumbs and herbs in my cupboard, so making these was a no brainer.
This recipe makes about 20 nuggets, so you may want to adjust depending on who you are serving. I also included an easy and healthy spicy ranch sauce for dipping your nuggets, so you can skip the processed condiments and make your own. Enjoy!
Healthier Chicken Nuggets
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A healthy, baked alternative to store-bought chicken nuggets!
You'll Need...
- For the nuggets:
- 2 large chicken breasts
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup whole wheat bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- For the sauce:
- ½ cup Greek Yogurt
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (use less or more depending on your preference)
- 1/8 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon dried parsley
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Cover a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick spray.
- Cut chicken into bite size pieces and salt and pepper the chicken.
- Add olive oil to a bowl. In a separate bowl, add breadcrumbs, cheese, and seasoning.
- Take a piece of chicken and lightly dip it in the olive oil, then cover in the bread crumb mixture.
- Lay the chicken on the cookie sheet and continue until all nuggets are done.
- Bake for 6 minutes, flip, then bake for another 6 minutes or until nuggets are golden brown.
- For the dipping sauce, mix all ingredients in a bowl and serve!
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