Since embarking on my weight loss journey one of my strategies has been to create healthier versions of foods my family loves to eat. Primarily because I never want my husband and kids to feel deprived when mommy is making them “eat healthy”.
I have successfully accomplished this with recipes such as my Buffalo Chicken Wrap, Turkey Bacon Cheeseburgers, Meatball Subs, and Cheeseburger Wraps. Those are just a few you can see all my recipes here.
In addition to those healthy meal makeovers there is another food that I was determined to conquer and that is the chicken nugget. My kids love chicken nuggets and admittedly so do I. However, because I am now completely aware of how bad these little chunks of mystery meat are for you I completely stopped purchasing them. Instead, I decided to try and create a healthy homemade version.
With the help of other bloggers who have already cooked up their versions of wholesome nuggets I was able to easily find a great basic recipe I can add my own twist to.
I solicited the help of my husband because these chicken nuggets were a tad messy and not exactly the easiest to make. I only say that because I hate working with oil as I always get burned. If you are not bothered by oil then you will be fine. Nevertheless, they are so worth the extra effort because they came out delicious and definitely tasting better than their rival fast food counterparts. The best part is because you control the ingredients they are much healthier.
My kids loved them!
Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Servings: 30 – 35
Serving size: 1 chicken nugget
Approximate nutritional information:
Calories: 60 * Carbs: 2 * Fat: 6 * Protein: 1 * Fiber: 0
Ingredients:
2.5 lbs chicken (about 4 medium chicken breasts)
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon oregano
½ parsley flakes
¼ cayenne powder
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup peanut oil (this is what I used but use whatever you like)
Directions:
Step 1. Place chicken, 1 teaspoon salt, onion powder, oregano, parsley, and cayenne powder in food processer and process until ground and pasty.
Step 2. Combine flour with ½ teaspoon salt in a medium bowl and beaten eggs in a separate medium bowl.
Step 3. Take a heaping tablespoon or small cookie scoop of the chicken paste and roll into a small ball then flatten slightly. Dip in egg then into flour and set aside. Repeat with the rest of the chicken paste mixture until it is gone. I recommend finishing this step before you start frying.
Step 4. Heat oil in frying pan. I used a deeper pan but any frying pan would work. When the oil is hot enough (sizzles when you drop a little flour in there) place some of the nuggets in without overcrowding. Fry on both sides for about 4-5 minutes, until browned, and cooked through.
Freezing instructions
These homemade chicken nuggets freeze perfectly. After step 4 let them cook completely, put into freezer bag, and then place in freezer.
Reheating instructions
Take out the number of chicken nuggets you would like to prepare and place on baking sheet. Cook in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes or until warmed through.
This recipe was shared on Make Ahead Meals For Busy Moms.
This is great. I would’ve never thought about grinding up the chicken first. I cut mine in the past, but this seems easier.
Thanks for the freezing and reheat instructions – I probably be making a lot of these since my daughter loves chicken nuggets.
Hi Carolyn! I know I would not of thought of that either. But with just a little research on google I came across this tip. They were so yummy! Let me know if you make them and how they turn out.
Would it work if I just used ground chicken and added the seasoning?
When I was originally thinking about this recipe I thought about using ground chicken. I think you might be able to do it but you may have to add egg as a binder. Also the texture might be that of a meatball. Try it and see how it turns out. Let me know the results.
I would like to make these tonight since my kids also love nuggets, but I am wondering about the cayenne pepper. I know its not a lot in the recipe but was it at all spicy?
It gives it a little kick but it was not real spicy. You could probably leave it out and be fine. Let me know how it turns out.
Hi Tammy,
Thanks so much for sharing this.
Now I can enjoy my nuggets without the
MSG. d;D
Sorry if this is a silly question, but is the chicken supposed to be raw when you process it? I’m assuming yes, but just thought I’d clarify!
No such thing as a silly question
Yes the chicken is suppose to be raw.
I was scrolling down hoping someone else had asked that! Glad I wasn’t alone
I just thought the same thing myself, so thanks for being brave enough to ask!
Wow…is it seriously ONE nugget per serving? These are small, like McDonald’s size, right? I’m not sure I’d do all that work for one nugget. I’m like you….don’t like messing with oil (or raw chicken either really! Make my hubby do that!)
The recipe makes 30-35 nuggets
Can these be baked instead of fried?