Healthy Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Looking for a healthier option to satisfy your craving for fried chicken? These healthy homemade chicken nuggets provide you with delicious and nutritious bites that can be easily customized according to your taste.

This recipe is not only perfect for those who want to enjoy crispy, flavorful nuggets without the greasy guilt but also suitable for people watching their waistlines. Packed with protein and minimal in calories, these nuggets are a great choice for an easy weeknight meal or a healthy snack. Let's dive into how you can make them right at home.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1 inch)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder (optional but recommended for a zesty kick)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Egg, beaten (about 3)
• Canola oil or cooking spray for frying

Preparation

Before you begin, preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

1. Cut the chicken: Take your raw chicken breasts or thighs, and cut them into uniform pieces. This helps ensure that all nuggets cook evenly.
2. Mix coating ingredients: In one shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, whole wheat flour, garlic powder (optional), paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
3. Dip chicken in egg: Place beaten eggs into a separate shallow bowl. One by one, dip the pieces of chicken into the egg to coat evenly on all sides.
4. Cover with coating: After dipping each piece of chicken in the egg, immediately transfer it to the flour mixture and press gently but firmly so that the coating adheres well to the chicken. You can also shake off any excess flour before placing it back into the egg if you want an even coating.
5. Fry or bake: For frying, heat 1-2 inches of oil in a deep fryer until it reaches about 350°F. Carefully place the nuggets into the hot oil and cook them for approximately 8 minutes. Alternatively, you can bake your nuggets at 400°F on your prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper for about 12-14 minutes.

Tips for Success

• Use a food processor: For even smaller and more uniform pieces of chicken, consider using a food processor to chop the meat into bite-sized pieces. This will also ensure that all nuggets have an even coating.
• Cook them in batches: If you're frying, make sure not to overcrowd your pan or deep fryer. Overcrowding can cause the temperature of the oil to drop, leading to soggy nuggets instead of crispy ones.
• Don't overcook: Both baking and frying should be done until the chicken is fully cooked through but still tender inside with a golden-brown exterior. Overcooking will make your nuggets dry and tough.

Serving Suggestions

To serve, these healthy homemade chicken nuggets can be enjoyed on their own as a snack or paired with a side salad for a light meal. For added flavor, you could serve them alongside homemade coleslaw or sweet potato fries. Alternatively, use them as part of wraps or sandwiches to add some extra protein.

Nutritional Information

Each serving (about 4 nuggets) contains approximately:

• 180 calories
• 35g protein
• 7g fat
• 6g carbohydrates

Cooking Time and Servings

This recipe yields about 4 servings, making each nugget a perfect size for those looking to enjoy the benefits of homemade chicken without excess. Preparation time is around 15 minutes, while cooking (frying or baking) takes approximately 18-20 minutes depending on your method. So, with just half an hour's effort, you can have delicious and nutritious nuggets ready to eat!

By following this simple recipe, you can easily incorporate these healthy homemade chicken nuggets into your regular diet without compromising taste or satisfaction. Try them out today and experience the joy of enjoying a favorite snack in a healthier way.