Healthy Chicken Nuggets

These Healthy Chicken Nuggets, made with ground chicken, are coated in a crispy almond flour mixture and baked to golden perfection. These baked nuggets make the perfect gluten-free snack. Unlike traditional nuggets, these are baked, not fried, so they’re deliciously crispy without all the oil. Plus, they’re ready in less than 30 minutes. Whether you prefer using an air fryer or traditional baking methods, we’ve got instructions for both. Kid-friendly and super tasty, these nuggets are sure to be a hit with the whole family!

These are the best chicken nuggets you have ever tried. Made with ground chicken thighs, eggs, almond flour, and savory spices, these nuggets are low-carb and super delicious.

Say goodbye to store-bought nuggets and hello to homemade goodness with these Keto Chicken Nuggets. With their crispy exterior and tender interior, they’re sure to become a family favorite.

Enjoy these nuggets as a satisfying snack or part of a keto-friendly meal. Each bite satisfies your cravings without compromising on taste or nutrition.

Key Reasons To Make This Healthy Chicken Nuggets

• Good for You: These nuggets are made with healthy ingredients like ground chicken and almond flour, which are good for your body.
• Quick and Easy: You don’t need much time or fancy ingredients to make these nuggets. They’re simple and fast.
• Low in Carbs: If you’re watching your carb intake, these nuggets are a great choice because they don’t have a lot of carbs.
• Customizable Recipe: You can change the flavors to match what you like best. Add a little paprika, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning for extra taste.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: You can cook these nuggets in the oven, air fryer, or stove. It’s up to you!
• Crispy Texture: Even though they’re not fried, these nuggets still get crispy outside, making them fun to eat.
• Kids Love Them: Even picky eaters will like these nuggets. They’re great for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients Needed 

You will need only a few healthy ingredients to create these healthy chicken nuggets. Here is a list of everything you will need:

• Ground Chicken Thighs – Opt for ground chicken thighs as they have a higher fat content than breast meat, resulting in juicier and more flavorful nuggets.
• Eggs – Eggs act as a binder, helping to hold the ingredients together and create a cohesive mixture for shaping into nuggets.
• Almond Flour – Almond flour is a low-carb alternative to traditional breadcrumbs, making it suitable for keto diets.
• Parmesan Cheese – Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for superior flavor and texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Shred mozzarella cheese from a block for better melting and texture.
• Salt&Pepper – Essential for seasoning the nuggets, enhancing their flavor and balance.
• Paprika – Opt for smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder – Choose high-quality garlic powder for better flavor.

Gluten Free Coating Ingredients

• Almond Flour – Almond flour forms a crispy outer layer when baked or fried, giving the nuggets a satisfying crunch.
• Paprika & Italian Seasoning – Paprika and Italian seasoning add additional flavor to the coating, enhancing the overall taste of the nuggets.

How To Make Healthy Chicken Nuggets

This simple chicken nuggets recipe is quick and easy, taking only 30 minutes from start to finish! Follow these steps to make delicious gluten-free chicken nuggets:

1. Preheat oven: Set to 220°C (428°F) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light olive oil grease.
2. Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine ground chicken thighs, eggs, almond flour (or keto breadcrumbs), grated parmesan, shredded mozzarella, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well.
3. Shape nuggets: Form small portions into nugget-sized pieces and set aside.
4. Prepare coating: In a shallow dish, mix almond flour, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Coat each nugget, pressing to adhere.
5. Bake: Place coated nuggets on the baking sheet, spray with olive oil, and bake for about 15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Cool and serve: Let nuggets cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips For Making Healthy Chicken Nuggets

• Use Nutrient-Rich Coating: For a low-carb and gluten-free option, replace traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed nuts. Almond flour adds a nutty flavor and provides healthy fats, making it a nutritious choice.
• Mix Ingredients Thoroughly: Ensure all ingredients are well mixed to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the chicken mixture. Use your hands or a spatula to thoroughly combine the ground chicken, eggs, almond flour, cheese, and seasonings.
• Shape Nuggets Uniformly: When shaping the chicken mixture into nuggets, aim for uniformity in size. This ensures even cooking and helps the nuggets maintain their shape during baking or frying.
• Coat Nuggets Evenly: Dredge each chicken nugget in the almond flour coating mixture, ensuring all sides are evenly coated. Press the coating onto the nuggets gently to help it adhere and create a crispy exterior.
• Choose Healthier Cooking Methods: Bake or air fry the chicken nuggets instead of deep-frying them to reduce the amount of added oil and overall calorie content. Both baking and air frying produce crispy and delicious nuggets with less fat.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the chicken nuggets while cooking to prevent them from overcooking and becoming dry. Bake or air fry them until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside.

Recipe Variations

• Herb Nuggets: Mix fresh chopped herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary into the chicken mixture for a fragrant twist.
• Spicy Nuggets: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the chicken mixture for an extra kick.
• Cheesy Nuggets: Add extra shredded cheese or a different type of cheese like cheddar or gouda to the mixture for a richer flavor.

What To Serve With Chicken Nuggets

• Cauliflower Rice: A great rice substitute that’s light and fluffy.
• Roasted Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or cauliflower roasted with olive oil and spices.
• Green Salad: A simple salad with leafy greens, cucumbers, and a low-carb dressing.
• Asparagus: Steamed or roasted, asparagus is a tasty and nutritious option.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy and rich, avocados add healthy fats and flavor.
• Coleslaw: Make a low-carb version with a sugar-free dressing.

The Best Sauces For Chicken Meatballs

Below is a list of our favorite sauces that pair perfectly with these easy-ground chicken nuggets:

• Yum Yum Sauce: A deliciously creamy and slightly tangy sauce that’s low in carbs.
• Burger Sauce: A tangy, low-carb alternative to traditional ketchup and mayo blends.
• Tomato Ranch: A unique twist combining the freshness of tomatoes with the creamy tang of ranch dressing.
• Guacamole: Creamy and flavorful, perfect for dipping.
• Ranch Dressing: Look for a low-carb version or make your own.
• Blue Cheese Dressing: Rich and tangy, pairs well with chicken.
• Sugar-Free Barbecue Sauce: Sweet and smoky without the carbs.
• Garlic Aioli: Creamy and garlicky, perfect for dipping.

Storing Ideas

• Fridge: you can store these low-carb chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: these gluten-free nuggets can also be frozen for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container.

Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead Of Chicken Thighs?

While chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor, but you can use chicken breast. However, remember that chicken breast tends to be leaner and may result in slightly drier nuggets.

Can I Omit The Cheese For A Dairy-Free Pption?

Yes, you can omit the cheese for a dairy-free version of these chicken nuggets. Simply leave out the parmesan and mozzarella cheese from the recipe. You may need to adjust the seasonings accordingly to compensate for the loss of flavor.

More Ground Chicken Recipes

• Easy Chicken Meatballs
• Ground Chicken Meatloaf
• Asian Chicken Wraps
• Chicken Meatballs Alfredo

Healthy Chicken Nuggets

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Prep time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Yelds 8 servings

Author Ioana Diaconu from LowCarbSpark.com

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Description

 

These Healthy Chicken Nuggets are coated in crispy almond flour and baked to golden perfection. They're gluten-free and deliciously crispy. Ready in less than 30 minutes, with air fryer and baking instructions. Kid-friendly!

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Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 pound ground chicken thighs
• 2 eggs large
• 1/2 cup almond flour or keto breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup parmesan grated
• 1/3 cup mozzarella shredded
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder

For Coating

• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

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Instructions

 

Oven Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
• Combine the ground chicken thighs, eggs, almond flour (or keto breadcrumbs), grated parmesan, shredded mozzarella, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a large mixing bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
• Shape the mixture into nugget-sized pieces using your hands. Aim for uniformity in size to ensure even cooking.
• Combine the almond flour, paprika, and Italian seasoning in a shallow dish to create the coating mixture.
• Dredge each chicken nugget in the almond flour coating, coating all sides evenly. You can gently press the coating onto the nuggets to help it adhere.
• Place the coated nuggets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece. Lightly spray the nuggets with olive oil. This will help them achieve a crispy texture during baking.
• Bake the chicken nuggets in the oven for approximately 15 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown outside. Once done, remove the chicken nuggets from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Air Fry Instructions

• Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for about 3-5 minutes.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken thighs, eggs, almond flour (or keto breadcrumbs), grated parmesan, shredded mozzarella, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
• Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Using your hands, shape the mixture into nugget-sized pieces. Aim for uniformity in size to ensure even cooking.
• Combine the almond flour, paprika, and Italian seasoning in a shallow dish to create the coating mixture. Dredge each chicken nugget in the almond flour coating, coating all sides evenly. You can gently press the coating onto the nuggets to help it adhere.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece for air circulation.
• Air fry the nuggets for about 8-10minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Frying Instructions

• First, prepare the nuggets as we did with the two first cooking methods.
• Then, heat olive oil or your preferred cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking.
• Carefully place the coated chicken nuggets into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding the pan. If necessary, fry the nuggets in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature too much.
• Fry the nuggets on each side for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Use tongs to flip the nuggets carefully halfway through the cooking time.
• Once the nuggets are cooked to your desired level of crispiness and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), remove them from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
• Allow the chicken nuggets to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Chicken options: You can use half chicken breast and half chicken thighs, or just chicken breast, but they won’t be as juicy.

Uniform size: Make sure nuggets are uniform in size for even cooking.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best results.

 

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving.

Calories

136kcal

Total Carbs

4g

Net Carbs

2g

Protein

8g

Fat

11g

Fiber

2g

Sugar

1g

How do we calculate the nutrition info?

These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.

Course Appetizer, Keto Snacks

Cuisine American

Keyword Healthy Chicken Nuggets

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