Healthy Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Looking for a healthier alternative to fried chicken nuggets? This healthy chicken nuggets recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy the delicious taste of nuggets without the guilt or excess calories. With this simple, yet flavorful recipe, you can serve these nuggets as a snack or as part of a meal with sides like sweet potato fries and a side salad.

Ingredients needed:

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Olive oil for frying (optional)

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 people

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Arrange these pieces in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
Mix together the whole wheat bread crumbs, Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl until all ingredients are well combined.
Using your hands or two forks, gently coat each piece of chicken with this mixture. Press down firmly to make sure that the coating adheres evenly to the nuggets.
If you're frying them instead of baking, heat 1/4 inch of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). Fry the nuggets for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. If you prefer to bake your chicken nuggets, place them directly onto the preheated baking sheet and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Ensure that they're fully cooked by checking their internal temperature which should reach at least 165°F (74°C).
Once done, remove from heat or oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Tips for Success:

To ensure the nuggets come out crispy and golden brown, make sure to coat each piece thoroughly with the breadcrumbs mixture. It helps if you can press down firmly as you coat. This ensures that no pockets of raw chicken remain.
The coating made from yogurt and Parmesan cheese is particularly important; it adds a creamy texture while also helping the crumbs adhere better to the chicken pieces.
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice and herbs before coating. This tenderizes the meat and infuses it with extra flavor.

Variations:

To make a spicier version, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture when preparing the coating.
For an Asian twist, use soy sauce instead of salt and garlic powder. Add finely chopped green onions for extra flavor.
If you're looking to make these into a dipping sauce, mix together 1/4 cup of sour cream with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and a pinch of sugar until smooth.

Storage:

Store any leftover chicken nuggets in an airtight container inside the refrigerator where they will stay fresh for about four days. For longer storage, you can freeze them; they'll keep well up to three months frozen and are easy to thaw before heating.

Nutritional Information:

This simple recipe ensures that each serving of these chicken nuggets provides a balance of protein from the chicken combined with whole grains like wheat bread crumbs. Additionally, the yogurt used in this recipe serves as a healthy probiotic source, promoting gut health. However, if you're trying to avoid dairy or prefer a vegan version, you could replace it with a similar amount of coconut milk.

Conclusion:

This healthy chicken nuggets recipe not only delivers the same delightful flavor and texture that traditional fried chicken nuggets do but also offers several health benefits. It's an excellent choice for those who are looking to incorporate more homemade, nutritious meals into their diets. Whether you're having these as a light snack or part of a balanced meal, these healthy chicken nuggets will surely satisfy your taste buds without compromising on your health goals.