Description
These Ground Chicken Nuggets are a delicious and healthier homemade twist on a classic favorite. Made with lean ground chicken and seasoned perfectly with garlic, paprika, and Italian herbs, they’re baked or air-fried to golden perfection. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, these nuggets are perfect for a quick family meal or party snack served with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 1.5 lb lean ground chicken
- ¼ cup parmesan, grated (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground mustard
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce (or soy sauce)
Breadcrumb Coating
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten free breadcrumbs)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt
Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs, whisked
Instructions
- Preheat and Mix Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375ºF. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, parmesan, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, ground mustard, olive oil, and Worcestershire sauce until evenly mixed. If you want to add any veggies, incorporate them at this stage.
- Prepare Egg Wash and Breadcrumbs: Whisk the eggs in a small bowl and set aside. In another large bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with dried oregano, dried basil, and salt thoroughly.
- Form Nuggets: Shape the chicken mixture into 0.5-inch balls. Dip each ball first into the egg wash, then coat with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Gently press and shape them into a nugget form. Place each nugget on an air fryer tray or an oiled baking sheet. You may need to bake or air fry in batches.
- Bake the Nuggets: Bake the nuggets in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Then flip them, spray both sides lightly with oil, and bake for an additional 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Air Fryer Method (Optional): Arrange the nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket in batches if necessary. Lightly spray the tops with oil and air fry at 375ºF for 8-9 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying both sides with oil until golden and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauce such as Creamy Pesto Dressing, Lemon Herb Tahini, or Spicy Honey Mustard.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Adding finely chopped veggies like bell peppers or spinach can boost nutrition and flavor.
- Do not mix the eggs into the chicken mixture; use them only as a coating step for crispiness.
- Ensure nuggets are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165ºF for safety.
- Spraying nuggets with oil before baking or air frying helps achieve a crispy outside without deep frying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
