Looking for a healthy, kid-friendly dinner that’s easy to make and tastes better than the drive-thru? These homemade chicken nuggets are a hit with even the pickiest eaters—and they’re dairy-free, gluten-free, and made with real ingredients you can feel good about.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for flavor)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil (for the mixture)
- 1 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs ( I use Ian’s)
- 1 egg (or flax egg for egg-free option)
- Avocado or olive oil spray (for baking)
🔁 Optional Add-In: 2 tablespoons finely grated carrot or zucchini for a veggie boost
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with oil.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon oil. Mix well until fully combined.
- Using clean hands or a small scoop, shape the chicken mixture into nugget-sized portions (about 1–1.5 inches wide) and flatten slightly.
- In one shallow bowl, beat the egg. In a second shallow bowl, place the gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cereal. Dip each nugget into the egg, then into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat.
- Place nuggets on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray the tops with oil. Bake for 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F).
- Let cool slightly before serving.