Healthy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe (No Breading) (2024)

Make a big batch of these healthy chicken nuggets for dinner or lunches for kids! They’re gluten-free (no bread crumbs!) and full of protein and healthy carbs. This easy recipe is great for meal prep and kids love them.

Love easy chicken recipes? Try pesto chicken, creamy chicken sausage pasta, or air fryer bacon wrapped chicken breast next.

Homemade chicken nuggets can be really healthy because you get to control the ingredients and cooking techniques. Make them with whole foods and bake or air fry them for a healthier option.

This recipe calls for 4 simple ingredients so you know they’re good for you.

This Homemade Chicken Nugget Recipe Is:

• Easy to make.
• Perfect for the whole family.
• Good option for meal prep.
• Made in the oven (no deep frying!)
• A simple gluten-free option for dinner.
• Full of healthy, whole-food ingredients.
• Free from breadcrumbs.

INGREDIENT NOTES

Here are the simple ingredients for these homemade nuggets. Most are pantry staples and easy and affordable to find in your local grocery store. Jump down to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for full ingredient list and exact measurements.

• Ground chicken: it’s full of protein and the base of this recipe. Unlike regular breaded and fried nuggets that use chicken breast, we’re opting for ground to get the best texture.
• Sweet potato:this is the secret healthy ingredient that binds the nuggets together! You can’ even taste it but it makes these healthy chicken nuggets paleo and whole30.
• Tapioca flour (or arrowroot starch):this is a ground powder similar to cornstarch that helps find everything. It’s easy to find in the baking aisle with the rest of the flour:
• Spices:onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper.

How to Make Healthy Chicken Nuggets

Mix the ingredients: Combine all of the ingredients in the bowl of a food processor for about 1 minute or until the mixture starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.

Shape into nuggets:Use a tablespoon to scoop out the mixture and place them ½ inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use your hands to form them into nugget shapes—you should end up with about 20 nuggets. Arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.

Pro tip:For best results, dip your fingertips in a little bit of water while you mold them to help keep them from sticking.

Bake and serve: Bake at 400 degrees f for 20 minutes, turning halfway through. They should be golden brown on the outside and the internal temperature should reach 165°F. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce like ketchup or ranch dressing.

Want to make your own dipping sauce?Try healthy ranch dressing, whole30 bbq sauce, or 3-minute homemade honey mustard.

Need a side dish?Our kids love them with french fries or sweet potato fries. We love them with a kale apple salad or roasted broccoli and carrots.

Recipe FAQs

Video: Watch How to Make Healthy Chicken Nuggets

Storage Instructions

Store leftover chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

To freeze, flash freeze on a sheet pan until solid then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Warm from frozen in the oven, microwave, or air fryer.

Pro tip: make a double batch and freeze half for quick meals for kids.

If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a star rating ★ below.You can also tag me on Instagram so I can see it!

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