How to Make the Perfect Dinosaur Nuggets
American · Easy · 30 min · 4 servings
These homemade dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets are a kid friendly dinner that beats any store bought version with their crispy coating and juicy interior. Kids go wild for the fun dino shapes and will happily devour their protein without any fuss at the dinner table.
Why this recipe works
This Dinosaur Nuggets recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 340 calories with 28g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast cut into chunks
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 0.5 cup all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Flatten and Cut the Chicken
Place chicken chunks between plastic wrap and flatten slightly with a rolling pin. Use small dinosaur shaped cookie cutters to press dino shapes from the flattened chicken pieces.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour mixed with garlic powder one with beaten egg and one with seasoned breadcrumbs. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 3: Bread the Dinosaurs
Dip each chicken dino shape into flour first then egg then breadcrumbs pressing firmly to coat all sides. Place breaded shapes on the prepared baking sheet without overlapping.
Step 4: Bake Until Crispy and Cooked
Spray or drizzle nuggets with olive oil and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 15 minutes flipping halfway through until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- chicken breast → turkey breast or firm tofu for different protein options
- seasoned breadcrumbs → crushed corn flakes for an extra crunchy gluten free style coating
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the flour step which causes the egg and breadcrumbs not to adhere properly
- Not flipping halfway through baking resulting in one side being pale and soggy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 340 calories, 28g protein, 24g carbs, 13g fat, 1g fiber.
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