Are you craving those crispy, juicy chicken nuggets but hesitant about all the processed ingredients and hidden nasties in store-bought versions? Then you're in the right place! This recipe for Bare Chicken Nuggets offers a delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy alternative. Forget complicated steps and long prep times; these nuggets are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat for the whole family. Get ready to enjoy homemade chicken nuggets that are bursting with flavour and free from unnecessary additives. These are truly the best recipes for healthy eating!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup milk (or buttermilk for extra tang)
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- Cooking spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are all roughly the same size for even cooking. This is a crucial step for delicious, easy recipes like this.
Step 2: Create the Flavorful Coating
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 3: The Milk Bath
In another shallow dish, pour the milk (or buttermilk). Dip each chicken piece into the milk, ensuring it's fully coated. This helps the breading adhere perfectly.
Step 4: Bread the Nuggets
Dredge each milk-coated chicken piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres completely. Then, place the coated chicken in the panko bread crumbs, again pressing gently to ensure a good coating.
Step 5: Cook to Perfection
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly coat the pan with cooking spray or add olive oil. Arrange the breaded chicken nuggets in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your homemade Bare Chicken Nuggets immediately. They're delicious on their own, with your favorite dipping sauce (honey mustard, BBQ, or ranch are all great choices!), or as part of a larger meal.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra crispy nuggets: Let the breaded nuggets rest for 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator before cooking. This allows the breading to set.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chili flakes to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herb it up: Experiment with different herbs and spices. Italian seasoning, thyme, or rosemary all work well.
- Make it healthier: Use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Air Fryer Option: For a healthier alternative, bake your nuggets in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway, or use an air fryer according to your machine's instructions.
Nutritional Information (per nugget, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 70-80 Protein: Approximately 7-8g Fat: Approximately 4-5g
These values will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients and cooking method used.
These Bare Chicken Nuggets are a fantastic example of delicious and healthy homemade cooking. They're a quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights, and a great way to enjoy a classic dish with a healthier twist. Enjoy!