Ground Chicken Nuggets Recipe: Crispy, Juicy, and So Easy!

Name: Ground Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground chicken; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon ground paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon mustard powder; 1.5 cup riced or finely diced cauliflower (squeeze out excess water if using frozen); ¼ cup oat flour; ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs

Ground Chicken Nuggets Recipe have always been a beloved treat in my family, especially during celebrations and cosy weekends at home.

Wanting to make them healthier without sacrificing flavour, I started experimenting with adding finely chopped veggies. To my surprise, not only did my kids love them, but they also asked for more!

These veggie-packed chicken nuggets are now a staple for parties, lunchboxes, and quick weeknight dinners.

Juicy ground chicken, hidden vegetables, and a crispy golden coating make every bite satisfying and secretly nutritious.

Ground Chicken Nuggets Recipe is perfect for anyone who enjoys a classic favourite with a wholesome twist.

What makes this recipe perfect for a special occasion?

This veggie-packed chicken nugget recipe is perfect for a special occasion because it offers comfort, fun, and a touch of surprise, which make any gathering memorable.

Whether you’re hosting a family celebration, a kids’ party, or a casual get-together, Ground Chicken Nuggets Recipe offer something for everyone: they’re familiar enough to please picky eaters but elevated with hidden veggies for a healthier twist.

Plus, the interactive nature of dipping sauces and the option to shape the nuggets into fun forms (like stars or hearts) add playfulness and creativity that are perfect for festive moments.

How To Make Ground Chicken Nuggets Recipe?

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: American
Course: Main Course, Snack
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: About 15 nuggets
Calories: ~80 per nugget (estimate)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for these homemade chicken nuggets:

1 lb lean ground chicken
1 egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon ground paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon mustard powder
1.5 cup riced or finely diced cauliflower (squeeze out excess water if using frozen)
¼ cup oat flour
½ cup Italian breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Prep the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Mix the Chicken Nugget Base
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, mustard powder, riced cauliflower, and oat flour. Mix until everything is evenly combined. The mixture will be sticky, so don’t worry!

3. Shape the Nuggets
Scoop about 2 heaping tablespoons of the mixture for each nugget. Form into an egg shape, then flatten to about ½ inch thick. I like using slightly wet hands to keep things from sticking.

4. Bread the Nuggets
Pour the Italian breadcrumbs onto a plate. Lightly coat each nugget in breadcrumbs, pressing gently so they stick.

5. Bake
Arrange the nuggets on your prepared tray. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip each nugget and bake for another 15 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Air Fryer Method
Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Arrange nuggets in a single layer (don’t crowd the basket). Air fry for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through for an even crunch.

My Secret Tips for Perfect Chicken Nuggets

Don’t Skip the Cauliflower: It keeps the nuggets juicy and sneaks in veggies without anyone noticing.
Oat Flour Swap: No oat flour? Use regular flour or even almond flour for a gluten-free twist.
Breadcrumbs: Italian breadcrumbs add flavor, but panko gives extra crunch. Use what you love!
Make Ahead: You can shape and bread the nuggets, then freeze them raw. Bake straight from frozen-just add a few more minutes to the cooking time.
Stick Together: If your mixture feels too wet, add a bit more oat flour or breadcrumbs. If too dry, a splash of milk or another egg helps.

Exciting Variations and Serving Ideas

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chilli powder to the mix.
Cheesy Nuggets: Mix in ¼ cup grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
Dipping Sauces: Serve with honey mustard, ketchup, ranch, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
Meal Ideas: Pair them with roasted veggies or a fresh salad, or tuck them into wraps for easy lunches.
Kids’ Lunchbox: Let the nuggets cool, then pack them with fruit, veggies, and a small sauce container for a balanced meal.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage Information

Prep Ahead: Shape and bread the nuggets, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freeze: Freeze uncooked nuggets for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer.
Store Leftovers: Cooked nuggets can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For the best texture, they should be reheated in the oven or air fryer.

Extra Tips for Success

Make Ahead: Shape and bread the nuggets, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Storage: Leftover cooked nuggets keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.
Custom Veggies: Feel free to experiment with different veggie combinations based on what you have on hand!

Are McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Ground Chicken?

McDonald’s chicken nuggets are made from ground chicken meat, including chicken breast and other parts, which are blended, shaped, breaded, and fried. So yes, they use ground chicken for that classic texture.

Are Chicken Nuggets Ground Meat?

Most chicken nuggets, whether store-bought or homemade, are made from ground meat. This creates the soft, uniform texture inside that’s so familiar.

Is Chick-fil-A Ground Chicken?

Chick-fil-A’s nuggets are made from whole pieces of chicken breast, not ground chicken. This gives them a chunkier, juicier bite compared to the traditional ground chicken nugget.

How to Get Ground Chicken to Stick Together?

Ground chicken can be sticky, but adding a binder like egg and oat flour (or breadcrumbs) helps hold everything together. Mixing well and chilling the mixture for a few minutes before shaping can make it easier to handle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well for this recipe and keeps things lean and flavorful.

How do I keep my nuggets from drying out?

Don’t overbake them. Check for doneness at the minimum time and use riced cauliflower or a bit of mayo for extra moisture.

Are baked chicken nuggets as crispy as fried?

Baking gives a great crunch, especially with panko or Italian breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, spray the nuggets lightly with oil before baking.

Can I freeze these nuggets?

Yes! Freeze breaded, uncooked nuggets on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the cook time.

Conclusion

Give this veggie-packed Ground Chicken Nuggets Recipe a try-you might be surprised at how much your family loves it! Not only are you serving up a delicious meal, but you’re also sneaking in extra nutrition in every bite.

Whether you’re looking for picky eaters, meal-prepping for the week, or a healthier twist on a classic favourite, these nuggets will surely be a hit.

I’d love to hear how your nuggets turn out! If you try the recipe, please share your experience, creative veggie additions, or your favourite dipping sauces in the comments.

And if you have any questions or need tips, don’t hesitate to ask-I’m here to help. Happy cooking!