Description
These Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets are a healthier, homemade alternative to traditional fried nuggets, using canned chicken breast, cheese, and simple seasonings baked to perfection. They’re perfect for a quick snack or meal and pair wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken Nugget Mixture
- 1 (12.5 oz) can chicken breast, drained
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- Optional seasoning: garlic powder, black pepper, smoked paprika (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Chicken: Open and drain the canned chicken breast thoroughly. Use a fine mesh strainer and press with your fingers to remove as much excess moisture as possible to ensure the nuggets hold together while baking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the drained chicken with the egg, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and your choice of optional seasonings such as garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Avoid adding salt as cheeses already add some saltiness.
- Form Nuggets: Use your hands to shape the mixture into small, bite-sized nuggets. Approximately a heaping tablespoon per nugget, yielding about 12 nuggets in total.
- Bake the Nuggets: Arrange the nuggets evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, flipping them halfway through baking to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the nuggets from the oven once golden brown and cooked through. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as no sugar added BBQ sauce or ranch dressing.
Notes
- Removing excess moisture from the canned chicken is crucial to help the nuggets hold together and crisp up during baking.
- Do not add extra salt, as the cheeses contribute sufficient saltiness.
- Customize seasonings to your taste – smoked paprika adds a smoky depth, while garlic powder and black pepper provide classic flavor.
- Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Flip nuggets halfway through baking to maximize even cooking and browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 nugget
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 0.4g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
