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Healthy Chicken Nuggets with Veggies Recipe

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4 from 2 reviews

These healthy chicken nuggets are packed with nutritious veggies like carrots and cauliflower, making them a delicious and wholesome snack or meal option. Baked to perfection with Italian seasoning and garlic powder, these nuggets are crispy on the outside and tender inside, offering a guilt-free alternative to traditional fried nuggets.

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 1 medium carrot (80g, peeled)
  • 2 cups cauliflower florets (200g)

Main

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2/3 cup breadcrumbs (80g)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Veggies: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the peeled carrot and cauliflower florets to a food processor and pulse until they are finely chopped to blend the veggies smoothly into the mixture.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped veggies, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Avoid adding the breadcrumbs at this stage.
  3. Form and Breadcrumb: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and shape it into balls using your hands. Pour the breadcrumbs into a large shallow dish. Roll each ball in the breadcrumbs, then gently flatten to form nugget shapes.
  4. Arrange for Baking: Place the breaded nuggets on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. For extra crispiness, lightly spray the tops with cooking oil.
  5. Bake: Bake the nuggets in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness on both sides.

Notes

  • Spraying the nuggets with a light coat of oil helps achieve a crispier texture without deep frying.
  • Make sure to flip the nuggets halfway through baking to prevent them from sticking and to ensure even cooking.
  • Use fresh breadcrumbs for better texture, or substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs if desired.
  • These nuggets freeze well; freeze before baking for quick meal prep.
  • Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences or add a pinch of salt for more flavor.