How to Make the Perfect Hidden Veggie Chicken Nuggets
American · Medium · 33 min · 4 servings
These homemade chicken nuggets hide finely grated zucchini inside juicy chicken patties coated in a crispy seasoned breadcrumb crust. Even the pickiest eaters cannot tell there are vegetables inside making this a genius weeknight win for parents.
Why this recipe works
This Hidden Veggie Chicken Nuggets recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 33 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 295 calories with 24g 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 lb ground chicken
- 0.5 cup finely grated zucchini squeezed dry
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg beaten
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Mix the Nugget Mixture
Combine the ground chicken grated zucchini garlic powder and salt in a large bowl and mix until everything is evenly incorporated. Make sure the zucchini is squeezed as dry as possible before adding so the nuggets hold together well.
Step 2: Shape the Nuggets
Use a tablespoon to scoop the chicken mixture and shape into small oval nugget shapes about the size of a standard frozen nugget. Place them on a parchment lined baking sheet as you work.
Step 3: Coat and Bread
Dip each shaped nugget into the beaten egg then press firmly into the seasoned breadcrumbs to coat all sides evenly. Return them to the baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
Step 4: Bake Until Crispy
Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 16 to 18 minutes flipping halfway through until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through to 165 degrees internally. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground chicken → ground turkey
- zucchini → finely grated carrot
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the step of squeezing moisture from the zucchini which makes the nuggets fall apart
- Not flipping the nuggets halfway through baking which leaves one side pale and soft
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 295 calories, 24g protein, 22g carbs, 11g fat, 1g fiber.
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