Healthy Homemade Chicken Nuggets
We are HUGE fans of chicken nuggets, especially the ones from Chick fil-a! While they’re not the healthiest, I’m a huge believer in teaching our kids from early on that all foods fit. The more we categorize foods as “good” or “bad” and try to restrict from eating certain foods, the more we and our children will crave those foods and feel guilty or ashamed when we “give in.” Instead of attaching moral judgements to food, let’s focus on striving for a balanced and varied diet and teaching our kids to listen to our body’s hunger and fullness cues, rather than trying to adhere to strict rules or labels about food. All this to say, give yourself FULL permission to enjoy your favorite fast food chicken nuggets. And if you have the energy and desire to make some homemade chicken nuggets, this recipe will be waiting for you! It’s super easy to make with a short list of ingredients. I always like to incorporate veggies to boost nutrition and flavor. Serve with a side of your favorite vegetables, fruits, and some carbohydrate like pasta, bread, or quinoa. An easy peasy lunch or dinner for toddlers and the whole family. And you can’t serve chicken nuggets without some type of dip! Ketchup, ranch, hummus…all are welcomed! If you are looking for a vegetarian option, try these veggie nuggets!
Ingredients
Ground chicken – much easier to work with than chicken breast or thigh. It also makes the nuggets easier for babies and toddlers to chew. You can also use ground turkey, if preferred. Carrots Cauliflower – adds great texture and helps stretch a pound of chicken. You will be able to get at least 30 nuggets our of the mixture! It also blends in really well with chicken. Bread crumbs – you can use regular or panko bread crumbs depending on how crispy you want the nuggets to be. I like to use whole wheat regular breadcrumbs for babies. Seasonings – I like to use Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Feel free to experiment with your favorites. Here are some great herbs and spices for babies and toddlers. Parmesan cheese (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Tips for Success
Feel free to swap with whatever vegetables you’d like. Broccoli, sweet potatoes, spinach, zucchini… You can add some grated cheese for extra flavor, like parmesan or cheddar cheese. If you desire crunchier veggie nuggets, then use panko breadcrumbs. Note that pre-baking panko before coating will help achieve a nice golden color for your nuggets. Personally, I can do without the extra step and my kids never seem to mind. Flip halfway to ensure both sides are cooked evenly.
Serving Suggestions
These baked veggie chicken nuggets are delicious on their own. But since most kids love to dip, you can serve with their favorite condiment, like ketchup, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, etc. If you want to boost nutrition, try some of these veggie-loaded dips!
For babies
To achieve a soft, moist texture, skip the breadcrumbs or use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko for a less crispy exterior. For 6-8 month olds, you can offer the whole nugget to gnaw on and suck the juices Once they are able to break off a large chunk, cut in half width-wise so it’s thin, or into bite-sized pieces.
For Toddlers
This stage is all about independence and wanting to make choices so let’s give it to them. Serve the chicken nuggets along with fruits, veggies, or any of these finger foods. And don’t forget to continue offering foods your toddler doesn’t like (yet!). Currently, my toddler has been refusing carrots (which she loved just a week ago), so I included a small piece for exposure. This may seem silly, BUT it’s presence is powerful! Even though your child may not eat it today, the more they see the food in question, the more they will fell safe around it. And one day, they will surprise you!
Storage
Transfer homemade nuggets to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To freeze, I recommend flash freezing. This is how I like to freeze muffins too. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!
