Are you tired of processed chicken nuggets? Craving a healthier, tastier alternative that's still quick and easy to make? Then look no further! This recipe for homemade chicken nuggets using ground chicken is perfect for busy weeknights or a fun weekend family meal. These nuggets are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and completely customizable to your family's preferences. Forget the drive-through – let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (panko recommended for extra crispiness)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup milk or water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil for frying
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, milk (or water), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough nuggets. Mix just until everything is evenly moistened.
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Shape the Nuggets: Using your hands, form the chicken mixture into nugget shapes. Aim for bite-sized pieces, about 1-1.5 inches in size.
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Cook the Nuggets: You have two options for cooking:
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray it with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken nuggets on the baking sheet, leaving some space between them. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip the nuggets halfway through for even cooking.
- Pan-frying: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the chicken nuggets in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
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Serve and Enjoy!: Once cooked, remove the nuggets from the oven or skillet and let them cool slightly before serving. These homemade chicken nuggets are delicious on their own, with dipping sauces like ketchup, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Nuggets:
- Don't overmix the chicken: Overmixing can make the nuggets tough. Gentle mixing is key!
- Use panko bread crumbs: Panko bread crumbs create a wonderfully crispy exterior.
- Don't overcrowd the pan (when pan-frying): Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy nuggets. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add other spices or herbs to customize the flavor.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Nuggets: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Nuggets: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the mixture for extra cheesy goodness.
- Herb-infused Nuggets: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
Nutritional Information (per nugget, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your nuggets and the specific ingredients used. However, a general estimate for a medium-sized nugget is approximately 70-80 calories, 4-5g of protein, and 4-5g of fat.
This easy chicken nugget recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. It's a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen and enjoy a homemade meal everyone will love. Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and homemade chicken nuggets!