Tired of store-bought frozen nuggets packed with mysterious ingredients? Prepare to revolutionize your meal prep with these mouthwatering, nutritious homemade chicken nuggets that are not just delicious, but also incredibly easy to make! Perfect for health-conscious parents, meal preppers, and anyone craving a wholesome alternative to processed foods, these nuggets will become your new secret weapon in the kitchen. Get ready to transform ordinary chicken into crispy, flavor-packed bites that both kids and adults will absolutely love!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Prepare your workstation by setting up three shallow dishes: one for beaten eggs, one for mixing breadcrumbs and seasonings, and one for placing prepared nuggets.
- In a medium bowl, combine whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Cut chicken breast into uniform bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are approximately 1-
- 5 inches in size for consistent cooking.
- Dip each chicken piece first into beaten eggs, ensuring complete coverage, then roll in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help crumbs adhere to the chicken.
- Place breaded chicken nuggets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a second baking sheet lined with freezer-safe parchment paper.
- Place the first baking sheet of nuggets into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove nuggets from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack for about 15-20 minutes.
- Transfer cooled nuggets to the freezer-safe baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer without touching.
- Freeze nuggets for 1-2 hours until completely solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe storage container or zip-lock bag.
- To reheat frozen nuggets, bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Tips
- Consistency is Key: Cut chicken pieces into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and a professional look.
- Maximize Crispiness: Press breadcrumbs firmly onto chicken to create a thick, crunchy coating that stays put during freezing and reheating.
- Freezing Technique: Use parchment paper to prevent nuggets from sticking and ensure they freeze individually, making it easy to grab just the amount you need.
- Temperature Matters: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally for food safety.
- Storage Hack: Label your freezer bag with the date and contents to keep track of freshness. Properly stored, these nuggets can last up to 3 months.
- Reheating Pro Tip: For extra crispiness when reheating, place nuggets on a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow hot air to circulate.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 120mg
