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!
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.
Related Recipes
One Dish Salsa Chicken Bake from Lauren Kelly Nutrition
Healthy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes from Well Plated
Easy Balsamic Chicken from Lauren Kelly Nutrition
Easy Healthy Baked Lemon Chicken from Creme de la Crumb
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Healthy Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets
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
Sharon L. Rael
Just made these. Using a pound of chicken I made 24 nuggets. Curious as to how many carbs in 4 our 6 of these. They are really delicious.
lauren.kelly
Hi Sharon! I just added the nutritional information based on cutting the chicken into 20 nuggets. I hope that helps! Thanks for stopping by!
Bella Hardy
Definitely your healthy gluten free chicken nuggets are awesomeness! This is a great recipe Lauren, as you know I made them a short while ago and they was lovely, in fact have made them again since. Thanks for sharing!
lauren.kelly
I love to hear that, Bella! Thank you so much for stopping by and please come back again!
Jill Roberts @ WellnessGeeky
Wow! looks delicious. I would try making these healthy gluten free chicken nuggets for sure! Thx for sharing recipe, i definitely add it to my cookbook!
lauren.kelly
I hope you liked them, Jill!
Baker by Nature
These look delicious!
Karen
Hi, Lauren
Going to pin and try this. Been looking for new ways to use chia seeds.
blessings, Karen
lauren.kelly
Thank you Karen! I hope you like them!
Lisa
Just curious what your method is for reheating after freezing. Very much looking forward to trying out this recipe. Thanks!
lauren.kelly
Hi Lisa! I usually just bake them at 375 for 20 minutes but since all ovens vary, check them after 15 minutes. I hope that helps!
No
Are we talking farenheit or centigrade ?
Thanks
lauren.kelly
I apologize, it's Fahrenheit. Thank you!
Camilla
I was looking for some chicken nugget recipe for my nephews since it's break from school, and I found this recipe. I am so glad that it seems so easy to prepare and cook. I will definitely try this one next week. I hope my nephews will love this yummy chicken recipe.
lauren.kelly
Thank you Camilla! I hope they like them too!
Anita
These look so good! I've been avoiding letting my daughter learn about chicken nuggets, but I'd have no problem with these!
Kirsten/ComfortablyDomestic
Kids always love chicken nuggets. I bet the seeds add plenty of crunch!
Kim Beaulieu
These look absolutely scrumptious. I love chicken nuggets but most recipes for them are not very healthy. Nice to see a fabulous healthy alternative.
heather | girlichef
Oh wow, I love the coating on these. I say if the kids resist them, it's only a bonus for mom... 😉
Cookin+Canuck
What a great idea to use chia and flax seed for the coating. My kids would love these!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife
I've got some flax seed at home that's just waiting for these chicken nuggets!!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes
Love that you made these without breadcrumbs! They look awesome. I love making chicken dishes, too. It's my husbands favorite so I'm always looking for new ideas 🙂