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Crispy Ground Chicken Nuggets

Crispy Ground Chicken Nuggets

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 30 nuggets
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Ground Chicken Nuggets are crispy, golden, and packed with hidden cauliflower for extra nutrition. Perfectly seasoned and coated in panko breadcrumbs, theyโ€™re an easy, kid-friendly meal you can make in the oven or air fryer!


Ingredients

For the Nuggets:

  • 500g (1 lb) ground chicken

  • 1 1/2 cups (150g) cauliflower rice

  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Coating:

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  • 1 egg, whisked

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

  • 1/4 tsp paprika

  • 1/4 tsp onion powder


Instructions

1. Prep the Oven or Air Fryer:

  • Preheat oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).

  • Line a baking sheet with a wire rack and spray it with oil.

  • If using an air fryer, preheat it to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).

2. Make the Nugget Mixture:

  • Pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor to make cauliflower rice.

  • In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, cauliflower rice, parmesan cheese, and seasonings.

  • Form into 30 round, flat nuggets, about 2 tablespoons each.

3. Coat the Nuggets:

  • Whisk egg in a small bowl.

  • In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, paprika, and onion powder.

  • Dip each nugget into the egg, shake off excess, and coat with breadcrumbs.

4. Cooking Methods:

โœ… Oven Method:

  • Place nuggets on a wire rack on a baking sheet.

  • Spray tops with oil and bake for 30 minutes, until golden brown.

โœ… Air Fryer Method:

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  • Arrange nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

  • Spray with oil and air fry for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.


Notes

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

  • Freezing: Freeze uncooked nuggets on a tray, then transfer to a ziplock bag. Bake or air-fry from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes to the cook time.

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  • Serving Suggestion: Pair with a yogurt-based ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo for dipping!


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5 nuggets
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg