Chicken nuggets are a popular choice among kids, but store-bought versions can often be high in unhealthy fats and additives. Making your own chicken nuggets at home allows you to control the ingredients and create a healthier alternative that’s just as tasty. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make chicken breast nuggets coated with a crunchy mixture of grain bread breadcrumbs, chia seeds, and sesame seeds.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup whole grain bread breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Olive oil, for shallow frying

NB: see also here for airfryer option.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are of similar size for even cooking.
3. In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, chia seeds, sesame seeds, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the flour in another shallow dish, and the beaten eggs in a third shallow dish.
5. Coat each chicken piece in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Drizzle or spray the chicken pieces with olive oil.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy.

NB: I’ve been making these for 10 years+ but now with air fryers you can swap the oven for the air fryer. Try it at 180°C for 25 minutes ensuring that you turn the nuggets half way.

Why Homemade Chicken Nuggets?

Making your own chicken breast nuggets allows you to use quality ingredients and avoid the added preservatives and unhealthy fats often found in store-bought nuggets. The addition of chia seeds and sesame seeds not only adds a crunchy texture but also boosts the nutritional value of the nuggets, providing healthy fats, protein, and fibre. Read more about the differences in nutritional values here.

These homemade chicken breast nuggets are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. They’re perfect for a family-friendly meal or as a fun and nutritious snack. Give them a try and see how easy it is to make healthier versions of your favorite childhood classics!

NB: the same process can be used for making a schnitzel also.