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    Home » Recipes » Gluten Free

    Healthy Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets

    Published: Jan 6, 2014 · Modified: Apr 19, 2022 by Lauren Kelly · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Healthy Chicken Nuggets are so much tastier and healthier than store bought!

    These crispy, healthy chicken nuggets are gluten free, simple to prepare and are made with all wholesome ingredients. These healthy chicken nuggets are so much tastier and more nutritious than the frozen ones!

    Healthy chicken nuggets on a plate with ketchup in a bowl.

    These healthy chicken nuggets are so simple to make for the kids (and adults too).  There aren't any bread crumbs in these, just all healthy, clean ingredients.  I make a bunch of these at once and freeze them to take out and reheat for a quick weeknight meal.

    The kiddies have no clue that they are eating tons of fiber, antioxidants, protein and omega-3-fatty-acids.  Shhhhhh…… I won't tell if you won't tell 😉 It'll be our secret,

    But to be honest, adults love these too. I mean, doesn't everyone love a good chicken nugget? Well, not everyone of course. I should know that since I am one of the pickiest eaters EVER.

    And it's funny, I have one kid who doesn't like to dip them in anything, one likes your standard ketchup dip and my other one likes to dip them in hot sauce! To each his own. What do you like to dip your nuggets in? My old friend used to dip hers in ranch dressing and although I used to think it was weird, it sounds really delicious to me now.

    Honestly ranch could taste amazing on almost anything. I said almost, though. I still don't get the whole pizza and ranch sauce thing.

    Is that a southern thing? Nope, I don't get it.

    Check out just how easy they are to make with my new video...

     

    Why You Should Make These Healthy Chicken Nuggets

    Most of the store bought chicken nuggets contain a whole lot of junk. Now full disclosure here, I am not saying that I won't ever give my kids those. There are busy nights where I have no choice because life is too busy to make a homemade meal.

    And I don't believe in shaming other parents for buying them. We are all just doing our best, right? On days and nights where we have some extra time, why not make these?

    Maybe double or tripe the recipe and freeze some for later? That's what I try to do. And on those crazy nights I serve them the frozen store bought variety. I just read the ingredients to make sure they aren't completely load with nonsense.

    These nuggets are made with all ingredients that you should most likely have in your pantry most of the time too, so that is always a help. I like to buy the chicken breasts or tenderloins and cut them up because my kids tend to like nuggets with white meat better.

    I know readers have told me that they have used boneless chicken thighs in here as well and they came out great. Use what you like (or really whatever you have in your house) to make it easier. Let me know if you use the chicken thighs though, I'd love to hear what you think!

    I would also love to hear some brands of store bought chicken nuggets that have real, wholesome ingredients. This is probably not the most popular nutritionist question out there, again I am keeping it real here. And when you post it on my site you are also helping out those other parents out there with your suggestions!

    Most of you know I am very realistic and I promote a lifestyle of moderation and balance. I don't like shaming anyone else, it really bothers me. If you are vegan, dairy free, gluten free or whatever and feel strongly about it, go for it! Just don't judge anyone else for not eating the same way.

    Ok, enough of that. It just really, really bothers me.

    I have also had readers tell me that they have made these in the air fryer and they came out beautifully. I don't even have an air fryer so I can't speak to that, but I love that they still came out delicious!

    Maybe I need to invest in one of those air fryers. Do you have one and love it? Let me know, I have been thinking about it for a while now.

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    Say goodbye to processed chicken nuggets! These are made with chia and flax seed!

    Healthy Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets

    Healthy Chicken Nuggets are so much tastier and healthier than store bought!
    4.93 from 13 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, chicken, dinner, lunch, main dish
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 266kcal
    Author: Lauren Kelly

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast cut into bite size pieces
    • ¾ cup ground flax seed
    • ¼ cup chia seeds
    • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon oregano
    • ½ teaspoon basil
    • 2 cloves minced garlic
    • 2 eggs

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease a baking sheet.
    • In a medium bowl, place flax seed, chia seeds, Parmesan cheese, salt, oregano, basil and garlic. Mix well.
    • In another separate medium bowl, place eggs and mix well.
    • Line up the bowls and place each piece of chicken into egg mixture, then flax/chia mixture. Lay onto prepared baking sheet until all the chicken is used.
    • Discard any remaining egg or flax mixtures.
    • Cook chicken for 25 minutes or until cooked through, making sure to turn over once halfway through. Serve immediately.

    Notes

    • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to seven days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 266kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 106mg | Sodium: 570mg | Potassium: 500mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 144IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 163mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @lkellynutrition or tag #lkellynutrition!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Taylor

      April 28, 2022 at 12:00 pm

      5 stars
      My family loved these chicken nuggets! They were super flavorful and tender, with a crispy exterior coating. Definitely going to be a regular dinner option for us from now on!

      Reply
    2. Toni

      April 28, 2022 at 9:23 am

      5 stars
      Such a great idea for my picky eaters! They really loved it! Thanks!

      Reply
    3. Allyssa

      April 28, 2022 at 7:36 am

      5 stars
      Super loved how it turned out! Thanks a lot for this amazing and super easy to make gluten free chicken nuggets recipe! It's really tasty and very flavorful! Will surely have this again! Highly recommended!

      Reply
    4. fitoru.com

      July 27, 2020 at 7:49 am

      5 stars
      This healthy gluten free chicken nuggets is a must try. This would be a huge help. Thanks for sharing this one out.

      Reply
      • lauren.kelly

        July 28, 2020 at 1:23 pm

        I hope you love them!

        Reply
      • Michelle

        April 06, 2022 at 11:35 pm

        Have you tried this with tofu or tempeh? The breading sounds great as I was looking for a breading that did not have flour or other meal products like almond meal/flour. Thanks for posting this. Also, can the parmesan cheese be omitted?

        Reply
        • Lauren Kelly

          April 07, 2022 at 6:38 am

          Hi Michelle! I have not tried these with tofu or tempeh, but I bet the breading would be great. You can leave out the Parm you just might want to add a little more flax and/or chia. You also might love these, just leave out the Parm: https://laurenkellynutrition.com/cauliflower-tots/ Thanks for stopping by!

    5. Fitoru Fitness

      February 25, 2020 at 7:38 pm

      Wow Chicken Nuggets!This is a winner!I am excited to try this!

      Reply
      • lauren.kelly

        February 26, 2020 at 9:42 am

        Enjoy!! Thanks for stopping by!

        Reply
    6. Scarlet | Family Focus Blog

      February 15, 2020 at 5:39 pm

      These homemade chicken nuggets look great. And I like the addition of the chia seeds!

      Reply
      • lauren.kelly

        February 15, 2020 at 9:02 pm

        Thanks so much! I hope you enjoy them!

        Reply
    7. Fitoru fitness

      January 10, 2020 at 8:52 am

      So who says chicken nuggets can't be healthy? Here is one that is. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • lauren.kelly

        January 10, 2020 at 1:55 pm

        Yes! Thanks for stopping by!

        Reply
    8. Paul @ Diet Blog Pro

      November 11, 2019 at 12:33 am

      5 stars
      i love healthy gluten free chicken nuggets. i will try it.

      Reply
      • lauren.kelly

        November 11, 2019 at 7:03 am

        I hope you love them!

        Reply
    9. Veronica

      July 31, 2019 at 10:38 am

      My son has gluten allergy I tried this recipe out for him and he loved I'll be making this dish again for sure.

      Reply
      • lauren.kelly

        September 08, 2019 at 11:15 am

        I am so happy to hear that! Thank you!

        Reply
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