Are Homemade Chicken Nuggets Healthy?

Chicken nuggets are a favorite food for many kids and adults alike. The crispy coating and tender chicken interior make them hard to resist However, traditional fast food or frozen chicken nuggets are often deep fried and loaded with unhealthy fats, fillers, and preservatives Luckily, it is possible to make healthier homemade versions that capture the irresistible taste without the extra fat and chemicals.

Why Make Homemade Chicken Nuggets?

There are several benefits to making chicken nuggets at home

• Control ingredients: When making them yourself, you control exactly what goes into your nuggets. You can avoid preservatives, artificial flavors, excess sodium, and questionable fillers used in commercial nuggets.

• Use real, whole foods: Homemade nuggets allow you to use real, recognizable ingredients like chicken breast, eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasoning.

• Bake don’t fry: Frying adds a lot of excess oil and fat. Baking your nuggets results in a satisfying crunch without the grease.

• Flavor options: Commercial nuggets tend to come in plain or maybe one or two other flavors. Make them yourself and season them however you want!

• Cost effective: Buying a package of chicken breasts and whipping up a batch of nuggets at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay for frozen or fast food nuggets.

Tips for Making Healthy Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Follow these tips for homemade nuggets that maximize nutrition and minimize calories:

• Use lean chicken breast: Chicken breast is lower in fat than dark meat. Opt for boneless, skinless breasts.

• Avoid too much coating: A light amount of coating ensures the chicken flavor still shines. Too much and the nuggets become mostly crunchy coating.

• Choose whole grain coating: Whole wheat bread crumbs or whole grain panko pack more nutrients than plain white varieties.

• Mix up the coating: For extra crunch try mixing breadcrumbs with crushed whole grain cereal or baking nuts.

• Go easy on oil: Whether pan frying or baking, use a light coating of oil. Too much adds unnecessary grease.

• Season simply: Chicken has great flavor on its own. All you need is a little salt, pepper, and maybe garlic powder or paprika.

• Bake don’t fry: Baking at 400°F ensures a nice crunch without needing to fry in oil.

• Use heart healthy oil: When baking, lightly coat with olive, avocado or canola oil instead of butter.

Healthy Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipes

Here are some delicious homemade chicken nuggets recipes that are baked, not fried:

Simple Oven Baked Chicken Nuggets

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into nuggets
• 1⁄4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 1⁄4 cup plain panko breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
• 1⁄2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In one bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, seasonings. In another bowl, beat egg.
3. Dip chicken pieces in egg, then breadcrumb mixture pressing to adhere.
4. Place nuggets on baking sheet. Lightly coat with olive oil spray.
5. Bake 15 minutes until golden brown and 165°F internal temperature.

Whole Grain Chicken Nuggets

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into nuggets
• 1 cup whole grain cereal, crushed
• 1⁄4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In one bowl, combine crushed cereal, flour, and seasonings. In another bowl, beat egg.
3. Dip chicken in egg, then cereal coating pressing to adhere.
4. Arrange on baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake 12-15 minutes until golden brown and 165°F internal temperature.

Parmesan Panko Chicken Nuggets

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into nuggets
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1⁄4 cup grated parmesan
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In one bowl, combine panko, parmesan, and seasonings. In another bowl, beat egg.
3. Dip chicken pieces in egg, then panko mixture pressing to adhere.
4. Arrange on baking sheet. Lightly coat with olive oil spray.
5. Bake 12-15 minutes until golden brown and 165°F internal temperature.

The Verdict – Yes, Homemade Chicken Nuggets Can Be Healthy

With wholesome ingredients, light breading, and baking instead of frying, it is entirely possible to make chicken nuggets at home that are nutritious as well as delicious. Controlling the ingredients and cooking method results in homemade nuggets that are lower in fat, sodium, and preservatives compared to fast food or frozen varieties. Kids love them and you will too, all while doing your health a favor. So next time that chicken nugget craving hits, whip up a batch of healthy homemade nuggets that delivers on taste and nutrition. Your body and taste buds with thank you!