Healthy hack: ground chicken nuggets recipe for guilt-free indulgence

Chicken nuggets are a beloved snack enjoyed by people of all ages. While they can be easily purchased from fast-food restaurants, making them at home using ground chicken is a delicious and economical alternative. This blog post will provide you with a comprehensive recipe and step-by-step instructions for creating crispy and flavorful ground chicken nuggets that will rival any restaurant version.

Ingredients

For the Nuggets:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Coating:

• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Nuggets: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, egg, mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Shape the Nuggets: Form the ground chicken mixture into 20-24 small nuggets.
3. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Coat the Nuggets: Dip each nugget into the coating mixture, ensuring that it is evenly coated on all sides.
5. Heat the Oil: Heat a large saucepan or deep fryer filled with oil to 350°F (175°C).
6. Fry the Nuggets: Carefully add the nuggets to the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Drain and Serve: Remove the nuggets from the oil and drain them on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for Crispy Nuggets

• Use fresh ground chicken for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t overmix the ground chicken mixture, as this can make the nuggets tough.
• Make sure the nuggets are evenly coated with the breading mixture before frying.
• Fry the nuggets in hot oil to create a crispy exterior.
• Don’t overcrowd the saucepan or deep fryer, as this can prevent the nuggets from cooking evenly.

Variations

• Spicy Nuggets: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the ground chicken mixture.
• Cheesy Nuggets: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the ground chicken mixture.
• Herb Nuggets: Stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs, such as basil, oregano, or thyme, to the ground chicken mixture.

Dipping Sauce Options

• Honey mustard
• Barbecue sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Ketchup
• Sweet and sour sauce

Substitutions

• If you don’t have bread crumbs, you can use crushed crackers or tortilla chips.
• You can substitute ground turkey or pork for the ground chicken.
• If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard or honey mustard.

Storage and Reheating

• Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, place the nuggets on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Wrap-Up

Making ground chicken nuggets at home is a fun and rewarding experience. By following the steps outlined in this recipe, you can create crispy, flavorful nuggets that will satisfy your cravings and impress your friends and family. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this delicious and versatile snack.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Can I use frozen ground chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen ground chicken. Just thaw it completely before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Q: How do I know when the nuggets are cooked through?
A: The nuggets are cooked through when they are golden brown on the outside and no longer pink on the inside. You can also insert a meat thermometer into the center of a nugget to check that it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Q: Can I bake the nuggets instead of frying them?
A: Yes, you can bake the nuggets at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.