Looking for a healthy twist on a classic chicken tenders recipe? These Easy Hidden Veggie Cauliflower Baked Chicken Nuggets are a game-changer!
Packed with protein and veggies, these chicken nuggets are baked, not fried, making them a nutritious, delicious option for the whole family. With just a few simple ingredients, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even as a fun appetizer. Plus, the cauliflower blends in so seamlessly that picky eaters won’t even notice it’s there!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Kid-Friendly: The hidden cauliflower adds a veggie boost without changing the taste.
- Easy & Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry.
- Oven-Baked: Healthier than traditional fried nuggets and no messy oil to clean up!
- Crispy Texture: These nuggets bake up perfectly crispy thanks to the breadcrumb coating.
These cauliflower baked chicken nuggets pair perfectly with honey mustard, ranch, or even a tangy BBQ sauce. Serve them alongside a simple salad, roasted veggies, or a side of sweet potato fries for a complete meal. They are not only delicious but also a fantastic way to sneak extra veggies into your meals. Give them a try, and let me know how you like them @thelindsayann on social media!
Healthy Homemade Ground Chicken Nuggets
Yield: 20-24 nuggets
Ingredients:
- 1 cup bread scraps soaked with 2 tablespoons of milk (to form a paste)
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup frozen riced cauliflower
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 beaten egg (for dipping)
- Breadcrumbs (for coating)
- Oil spray
Instructions:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Place a greased baking rack on top of a baking sheet. The baking rack helps air circulate, ensuring a crispy texture all around.
In a large mixing bowl, take your bread scraps (leftover crusts, cut up end pieces or even stale bread works great here!) and soak them in 2 tablespoons of water. Mash it up to create a paste-like consistency. This paste will act as a binder, adding moisture and a bit of texture.
Add the ground chicken, riced cauliflower, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
Using about 2 tablespoons of the mixture per nuggets, form the chicken mixture into nuggets shapes. Dip each one into the beaten egg, followed by a roll in the breadcrumbs for a crispy coating.
Place each nuggets on the prepared baking rack. Spray the nuggets with oil to help the breadcrumbs crisp up. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Tips for Success
- Extra Crispiness: For even more crunch, you can broil them for the last 2 minutes of baking.
- Customizable Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with spices! Paprika or even a dash of cayenne would add a kick.