Perfectly Almond-Coated Chicken Nuggets

Almond-coated chicken nuggets have been a favorite among kids and adults for years. This simple recipe makes the process of making these delectable bites at home easy. Almond flour adds a delightful crunch to the outside, while the inside remains juicy and tender. These can be served as an appetizer or a main course.

This dish is quick to prepare with only 20 minutes needed for cooking. The total time, including preparation, comes in around 35-40 minutes. It serves four people well. Here's how you make these delicious almond-coated chicken nuggets:

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 cup almond flour
3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: dried parsley for garnishing
Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Lay out a wire rack on a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.
Pat the chicken pieces dry. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Set aside.
In a large, shallow bowl, mix almond flour to coat all the pieces evenly. Make sure no piece has a raw look left after coating.
Carefully transfer coated chicken pieces into your preheated oven on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the outside is nicely golden-brown in color. Baking time can vary based on thickness of chicken pieces. You may need to adjust this depending on individual preference.
While your nuggets are baking, heat up olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When heated through, add the chicken nuggets and fry until they become golden-brown on all sides (about 5-7 minutes total). This gives them an extra layer of delicious crunch.
Transfer fried nuggets back to your preheated baking sheet. Continue cooking in the oven for another 2 minutes, or just until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving garnished with dried parsley if you wish. Serve immediately along with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips & Variations

Glazed Chicken Nuggets: After frying the chicken, drizzle it with a glaze made from honey and Dijon mustard. This adds sweetness and tanginess that complements the nutty flavor of almond coating.
Veggie Side Dish: Serve these alongside steamed broccoli or sweet potato fries for a balanced meal.
Sauce Option: A dipping sauce like BBQ sauce, ranch dip, or honey mustard is a perfect accompaniment to enhance the flavors further.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

The exact nutritional content depends on the size of chicken pieces and amount used but here's an estimate:

Approximately 300 calories per serving
15 grams protein per serving
14 grams fat, mostly unsaturated fats
2.5 grams fiber (if almond flour is used in significant quantities)

Cooking Tips for Perfect Almond Nuggets

To ensure the chicken pieces stay juicy and tender while achieving a perfectly crisp coating:

Preparation: Keep your ingredients at room temperature to avoid chilling the mixture.
Coating: For an even coat, dip each piece gently in the almond flour. Ensure they are fully covered but not soggy.
Frying: Fry until the coating is golden-brown and crispy without overcooking which can make them hard on the inside.
Baking: Oven baking helps lock in moisture, making sure the nuggets remain juicy. Make sure they are thoroughly cooked before serving.

Almond-coated chicken nuggets are a versatile and tasty treat that you can enjoy at any time. The simple ingredients and straightforward cooking process make them perfect for busy weeknights or fun family meals on weekends. Try out this recipe today to impress your loved ones with a homemade version of these popular snack items!