Description
These crispy and flavorful chicken nuggets are made with lean ground chicken and cauliflower rice, providing a healthier twist on a classic favorite. Perfectly seasoned and coated with crunchy breadcrumbs, they can be baked or air-fried to golden perfection. Serve with your choice of ketchup, honey mustard, buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or special sauce for a delicious snack or meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs 93% lean ground chicken (organic preferred, not breast only)
- 2/3 cup frozen cauliflower rice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Breading and Coating
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 3/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or gluten-free seasoned crumbs)
Sauces (for serving)
- Ketchup
- Honey mustard
- Buffalo sauce
- BBQ sauce
- Special sauce
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, frozen cauliflower rice, kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form Nuggets: Shape the mixture into approximately 30 round, flat nuggets, each weighing about 25 grams, ensuring they are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Bread Nuggets: Dip each nugget into the beaten egg to moisten, then coat evenly with the seasoned breadcrumbs, covering all sides.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with oil to prevent sticking and ensure crispiness.
- Bake Nuggets: Arrange the coated nuggets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip each nugget, spray with oil if needed for extra crispiness, and bake for an additional 6 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Air Fry (Optional): Alternatively, place nuggets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Spray them lightly with oil. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 8 to 9 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying again with oil to achieve a crispy exterior and fully cooked interior.
- Serve: Remove nuggets from oven or air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with your choice of ketchup, honey mustard, buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or special sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Using 93% lean ground chicken keeps the nuggets tender and moist while reducing fat content.
- Cauliflower rice adds a low-carb vegetable boost and helps bind the nuggets without extra breading.
- If preferred, gluten-free seasoned breadcrumbs can be used for a gluten-free version.
- Spraying oil during baking and air frying helps achieve a crispy texture similar to frying but with less oil.
- Ensure the nuggets reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- You can customize the seasoning in the breadcrumbs or batter to suit your taste.
