These Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets are made from lean ground chicken, seasoned to perfection, and coated in a crispy gluten-free breading for a delicious and allergen-friendly twist on the classic favorite.
They're not only healthier than the standard chicken nuggets, because they're baked not fried, but gluten-free too. The best part is that everyone in the family including toddlers love them!
Table of Contents
- Kid Friendly Dinner Recipes
- Why You'll Love This Ground Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Chicken Nuggets for Toddlers
- Ingredients
- How to Make Chicken Nuggets with Ground Chicken
- Alternate Cooking Methods
- Recipe Variations
- Best Sauces for Chicken Nuggets
- Make Ahead
- How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
- Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Nuggets
- More Chicken Recipes
Kid Friendly Dinner Recipes
Isn't dinner always more enjoyable when the kids love what they're eating? Well, when it comes to kid-friendly dinner recipes, it's all about finding that delicate balance between delicious and nutritious. One popular option is this homemade chicken nuggets recipe. These crispy, oven-baked chicken nuggets use lean ground chicken, making it easy for kids of any age to eat. Another winner is crispy Fish Sticks, with the same crunchy coating as the nuggets surrounding a moist mild-tasting fish. These recipes are not only kid-pleasers but mom feels good serving them too.
For more kid-favorite recipes, that are not only delicious but quick and easy too, try Air Fryer Hot Dogs and Air Fryer Pizza. They're bound to make mealtime both popular and more enjoyable.
Why You'll Love This Ground Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Baked so there's no frying (unless you want to and there's an option for that).
- Breaded so they are crispy and crunchy.
- Cheesy with Parmesan cheese inside and out.
- Gluten-Free for those with gluten intolerance.
- Allergy Friendly - Egg Free, Soy Free, and Corn Free. Plus an option to make them Dairy Free.
Chicken Nuggets for Toddlers
If your toddler has entered the picky eating phase, chicken nuggets are probably at the top of their list of food they'll eat! And if they are gluten intolerant, there aren't many choices for getting nuggets at restaurants or the store.
Although there are some decent nuggets out there, I'm sure you want a healthier version that is also gluten-free. So grab a package of ground chicken and some other pantry staples and get cooking!
Soon you will have cute little chicken nuggets that not only look like real ones but taste like them too! Your child may eat them all up and ask for more! Now that's what I like to call a win-win.
Ingredients
- Ground chicken
- Old-fashioned rolled oats
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Parmesan cheese
- Ground black pepper
- Salt
- Gluten-free breadcrumbs or panko
Gluten-Free Panko Options
If you can't find gluten-free panko bread crumbs at the store and don't feel like making them, you have a few options. Simply put any of these cereals in a food processor and process until they are ground but not finely ground.
- Gluten-free Cornflakes
- Rice Krispies
- Rice or Corn Chex Cereal
You can also use ground pork rinds for the breading. Make them keto by doing this and substituting the oats with ground pork rinds.
How to Make Chicken Nuggets with Ground Chicken
- Place ground chicken, ground oats, parmesan cheese, and all seasonings in a medium bowl.
- Mix well.
- In a small bowl, combine gluten-free breadcrumbs or panko crumbs with remaining parmesan cheese and paprika.
- Stir well.
- Measure out 1 tablespoon of the ground chicken mixture.
- Form it into a nugget shape with hour hands.
- Place it in the panko mixture.
- Coat it well on all sides.
- Place the finished chicken nuggets on a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick spray. An optional step is to spray the tops of the nuggets with an oil spray (avocado or olive oil) for a crisper coating.
- Bake at 375°F for 18-20 minutes.
2CM Pro Tips: For a crispier coating, spray the top of the nuggets with cooking spray. You can also bake them on a wire rack over a baking sheet and not have to flip them halfway through baking.
Serve these homemade chicken nuggets in a basket with your favorite dipping sauce. (see below for best sauce suggestions) Enjoy!
Alternate Cooking Methods
Instead of baking, you can fry them in a pan, deep fryer, or air fryer. Just remember to cook them in batches so you don't overcrowd the pan or air fryer basket. You can keep them warm in the oven at the lowest heat setting.
Fried Chicken Nuggets
- Prepare the nuggets as directed except for baking them.
- Pan fry in vegetable or canola oil over medium-high heat for about 6 minutes flipping halfway through. Or deep fry them in oil at 350°F for 6 minutes. Either way, fry until the nuggets are golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp is 165°F).
- Drain the fried chicken nuggets on a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet.
Air Fryer Ground Chicken Nuggets
- Prepare the nuggets as directed except for baking them.
- Spray the breaded nuggets with oil or brush them with melted butter.
- Air fry them at 400°F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Do not crowd the air fryer basket, be sure to leave room between them.
Another option, when the warm weather of summer approaches, are these Grilled Chicken Nuggets - moist, juicy, and gluten-free too!
Recipe Variations
- Almond Flour Chicken Nuggets - Substitute bread crumbs with almond flour.
- Breadless Chicken Nuggets - Prepare the nuggets with no breading.
- Cheddar Chicken Nuggets - Substitute the 2 tablespoons of Parmesan in the chicken mixture with ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Gluten Free Dairy Free Chicken Nuggets - Leave out the Parmesan cheese.
- Gluten Free Spicy Chicken Nuggets - Add up to ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, cajun spice mix, or another spicy seasoning blend.
Best Sauces for Chicken Nuggets
The best sauce for chicken nuggets is your or your kid's favorite. In case you're looking for ideas, here are some popular ones:
- BBQ Sauce
- Buffalo Sauce
- Honey Mustard Sauce
- Ketchup
- Nacho Cheese Sauce
- Polynesian Sauce
- Ranch Dressing
- Sweet and Sour Sauce
Make Ahead
Freeze the unbaked nuggets on a baking sheet in the freezer for an hour or until frozen through. Transfer them to a freezer bag and freeze them for up to 3 months. You can bake the frozen chicken nuggets, just add a few minutes to the baking time.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
Storing: Allow the cooked chicken nuggets to cool to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container or plastic zip-top bag. Refrigerate them for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Allow the cooked chicken nuggets to cool to room temperature. Place them on a baking sheet with space between them. Freeze for an hour or until frozen. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag. Freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Reheating: Microwave for 1 minute or bake them at 350°F for 10 minutes or until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Nuggets
Yes, especially these baked chicken nuggets. Sometimes toddlers have a hard time eating meat but these nuggets use ground chicken which is perfect for their little teeth.
A big yes to that question! These limit the salt and fat, not to mention chemicals, that are found in the frozen nugget varieties. So feel good about making this homemade version for your little one.
Yes. Most chicken nuggets have a bread coating consisting of wheat flour or other wheat by-products.
Yes, absolutely! Homemade chicken nuggets made with ground chicken are similar to McDonald's other store-bought nuggets.
Yes, you can refreeze chicken nuggets but it is not recommended. The process of defrosting, cooking, refreezing, thawing, and reheating can cause them to be mushy and affect the flavor.
More Chicken Recipes
These are some popular recipes for chicken for you to try:
Find lots of easy chicken recipes right here on 2CM!
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Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients
- ¼ cup old-fashioned rolled oats ground
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon paprika divided
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup gluten free breadcrumbs or panko crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a large cookie sheet with nonstick spray.
- Using a food processor - grind oats into breadcrumb size pieces.
- Combine oats, chicken, ½ teaspoon paprika, garlic, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in a large bowl and mix well.
- In a small bowl, mix together remaining paprika, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs or panko crumbs.
- Take 1 tablespoon of chicken mixture, press into nugget shape with fingers, and coat with breadcrumb mix.
- Place nuggets on prepared cookie sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, turning once after 10 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
This post has been updated with new photos, step-by-step directions, and more helpful information. It was first published on January 26, 2014.
