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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs - 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese The main ingredients set the stage for your chicken nuggets. Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts keeps them lean and tasty. Whole wheat bread crumbs add a nice crunch and extra fiber. Finally, grated parmesan cheese gives a savory kick that enhances the flavor. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt Seasoning is key to great taste. Garlic powder adds a bit of warmth. Onion powder gives depth, while paprika adds a slight smokiness. Black pepper and salt bring all the flavors together. These spices make your nuggets not just good, but great! - 2 large eggs - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Cooking spray Binding the chicken is crucial for sticking your coating. The eggs help the bread crumbs cling well. Olive oil adds moisture and flavor. A light spray of cooking spray ensures a crispy finish. With these ingredients, your nuggets will turn out perfect every time! For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions on how to create these delicious bites! - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) - Line baking sheet with parchment paper Before you start, it’s time to get your kitchen ready. Preheating the oven ensures even cooking. Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper stops the nuggets from sticking. Plus, it makes cleanup a breeze. - Create the coating mixture - Prepare egg wash Now, let’s make the coating. In a large bowl, mix the whole wheat bread crumbs, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to blend all flavors. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add the olive oil. This egg wash helps the crumbs stick to the chicken. - Dip chicken in egg mixture and coat with breadcrumb mixture - Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway Grab your chicken pieces. First, dip each piece into the egg mixture. Let any extra egg drip off. Next, roll it in the bread crumb mixture. Press gently so the crumbs stick well. Place the coated nuggets on the baking sheet, leaving space between them. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway for even browning. When they are golden brown, they are ready. Enjoy your homemade healthy chicken nuggets! Check out the Full Recipe for all details. To get that crispy outer layer, you need to coat the chicken well. First, ensure you completely cover each piece in the egg mixture. This helps the breadcrumbs stick better. Press the chicken into the breading mix firmly. This ensures an even coating. Spacing on the baking sheet is key. If the nuggets touch, they will steam instead of crisp. Place them about an inch apart. This allows hot air to circulate and makes them crunchy all around. Don't skip spraying the tops with cooking spray before baking. This helps them brown nicely. If you want to switch things up, use crushed cornflakes or oats instead of breadcrumbs. They add a different flavor and crunch. Another idea is to use almond flour for a gluten-free option. It's tasty and healthy too. You can also change the cheese. Try using low-fat mozzarella or even nutritional yeast for a vegan twist. This adds flavor without too many calories. Dips can make your meal fun! Serve these chicken nuggets with homemade honey mustard or a fresh veggie dip. You can also offer ranch or BBQ sauce for variety. For a colorful platter, add fresh veggies like carrot sticks and cucumber slices. Garnish with parsley or basil for a pop of color. This makes the dish look more appealing and healthy! {{image_2}} You can jazz up your chicken nuggets by adding spices. Try mixing in cayenne for heat or adding smoked paprika for a smoky taste. Think about using cumin for a warm flavor or even curry powder for a fun twist. Herbs can also enhance your nuggets. Try adding dried oregano or thyme to the coating. You can even use fresh herbs like parsley and basil for a bright flavor. Just chop them finely and mix them into your breadcrumb mix for a fresh kick. If you want a faster option, use an air fryer. The air fryer cooks the nuggets in about 10-12 minutes. This method gives you that crispy texture without much oil. Just preheat the air fryer, arrange the nuggets in a single layer, and let it work its magic. For a classic touch, you can pan-fry the nuggets. Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown. This method gives you a crunchy outside and juicy inside. To make your nuggets gluten-free, switch the breadcrumbs. You can use ground almonds or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Both options work well and keep the nuggets tasty. If you’re dairy-free, use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese. It adds a cheesy flavor without any dairy. You can also use almond milk or oat milk in place of eggs for binding. These swaps keep your nuggets healthy and delicious. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To store baked chicken nuggets properly, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. If you want to keep them longer, try freezing. - Refrigerator: Store nuggets for up to 3 days. - Freezer: They last about 2 to 3 months. Reheating can make your chicken nuggets tasty again. The best way is to use an oven. This keeps them crispy. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes. You can also use a microwave, but this may make them soft. If you choose the microwave, heat them in short bursts. Check often to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your crispy chicken nuggets again! To make chicken nuggets healthier, focus on the ingredients and cooking method. Use lean chicken breasts instead of thighs. Choose whole wheat bread crumbs for added fiber. You can also add herbs and spices for flavor without extra calories. Opt for baking instead of frying. This cuts down on grease and fat. Yes, you can freeze homemade chicken nuggets. After baking and cooling them, place the nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. This way, they won’t stick together. To thaw, leave them in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the oven for best results. Many sauces go well with chicken nuggets. Honey mustard is a classic choice. You can also make a simple BBQ sauce by mixing ketchup and your favorite BBQ sauce. Another great option is ranch dressing. For a spicy kick, try mixing sriracha with mayonnaise. You can easily make these sauces at home for a fresh taste. You now have a complete guide to making healthy chicken nuggets. We covered the best ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. You learned variations and how to store leftovers. By trying out these methods, you can enjoy a tasty, nutritious meal. Don't shy away from experimenting with flavors or cooking techniques. Healthy eating can be fun, easy, and delicious. Enjoy your homemade nuggets with your favorite sides and sauces!

Homemade Healthy Chicken Nuggets

Savor the crunch with these easy, homemade Crunchy Baked Chicken Nuggets! Perfect for a family meal or game night, this recipe features tender chicken coated in a flavorful blend of whole wheat bread crumbs and parmesan cheese. In just 35 minutes, you can enjoy golden, crispy nuggets that are healthier and delicious. Click through to discover the full recipe and serve them with your favorite dips for extra delight!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray.

    In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat bread crumbs, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to create your coating mixture.

      In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add the olive oil. Mix until well combined.

        Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then roll it in the bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere to the chicken.

          Place the coated chicken nuggets on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking.

            Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with cooking spray to help them crisp up in the oven.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the nuggets are golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through the cooking time for even browning.

                Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken nuggets with a side of homemade honey mustard or a fresh veggie dip, and arrange them on a colorful platter garnished with parsley for an appetizing appearance.