These paleo easy chicken nuggets are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. So simple to make and gluten free, dairy free with a nut free option.
These happened by accident when my boyfriend and I were discussing what to have for dinner one weekend and the idea kept evolving until we landed on this. And honestly, I wasn't expecting it to be that good, but we both loved them and talked about having to make them again. I've made them three times since and currently have some in the freezer for when the craving strikes next.
Easy to make nuggets
I have a couple nugget/tender recipes on my site already, but these are different because they're made with ground chicken which not only gives them the classic nugg texture, but also make the breading way easier. Just dip in the crumbs, no need for an egg or anything. They only take 15 minutes to bake, making them great for weeknight meals and they freeze great too for prepping ahead. These are truly the best.
Paleo Breading
I have used a few different types of breading for these and they all work great. Simple Mills crackers, Siete tortilla chips and Good Crisps BBQ chips. Really any chip or cracker you love, just blend it up and use. These can be nut free if you choose a nut free breading. The breading can be made and covered up to a few days ahead if you want the meal to come together even quicker.
Reheating the nuggets
These are best reheated in the oven or air fryer. I air fried them for 5-7 at 375° and I think it would be about 10-12 minutes in the same temp oven. That will keep the breading crispy.
Dipping Sauce for Nuggets
I think the best dip for nuggets is honey or, a recent discovery, hot honey! The sweet and savory go so well and then that touch of heat- the best! Of course you can use bbq sauce, ranch, honey mustard, or ketchup.
Thank my boyfriend. Thank me. For when you try these and have your mind blown at how delicious and nostalgic they are! These paleo easy chicken nuggets are sure to become a family favorite. Here are more easy chicken recipes.
- Paleo Whole30 Chicken Tenders
- Whole30 Paleo Air Fryer Breaded Chicken
- Paleo Chicken Bites
- Whole30 Ranch Chicken Bites
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Paleo Easy Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground chicken
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons coconut flour
- 1 cup ground crackers or chips (ex: 1 box simple mills crackers 4.25oz)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 415° and line a sheet tray with parchment paper.
- Blend the crackers or chips and place in a small bowl.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, salt, egg and coconut flour. Mix well until fully combined. Using a tablespoon, scoop out balls and form into nugget shapes. Dip well into the crumb mixture, coating all sides, and place on the sheet tray. Repeat until all the meat is gone, it should make 30 nuggets. Throw away any left over crumb mixture.
- Spray with some coconut oil or olive oil spray lightly and bake for 15 minutes.
- Serve warm with dipping sauce of choice.
Notes:
Nutrition Information
Courtney says
These were so fun to make and taste amazing!! I used ground turkey and Siete dip chips. Big winner and I’m so glad we tried it.
tannis says
have you ever made this recipe with leftover cooked chicken ?
Jessica DeMay says
I have not. You would want to blend it up though for sure
Jen D says
Thank you Jessica! It’s wonderful to have an easy chicken nugget recipe that is healthier! Used RW Garcia sweet potato crackers for the breading. I did find I needed more than 1 cup using those, but LOVE that can use all the broken ones for the breading that may usually be thrown away.
Curious what the baking time is it baking from frozen?
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks for making them, Jen and I'm so glad you love them! I haven't reheated from froze, I always thaw them first, sorry. I think start around 10 minutes and check them.
Crystal says
These were SO good! My kids loved them and so did my husband and I. Tried a couple different crackers and the Simple Mills had the best result.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Crystal! I think Simple Mills is my fav too!
Debbie says
These have become a staple in our house. Make them all the time and LOVE them. So easy and delicious
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Debbie! So glad you love them!
Ell says
These are ridiculously good. I used Simple Mills crackers and dipped them in a fancy garlic honey mustard. I've wanted to make my own chicken nuggets for ages. Thanks!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Ell! Thanks for making them and I'm so glad you like them!
Liz says
These nuggets are so good! I used simple mills almond flour crackers as my coating and cooked them in the air fryer. Delicious!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks for trying them, Liz and so glad you like them!
Becky says
I ground my own chicken and surprised my kids today by packing these for their school lunch. There were two left over so I ate them myself. So good! I used a variety of tortilla chips (to finish the bags) and almond simple mills crackers for the crust and it worked out perfectly. Definitely going to be a staple in this house. Who doesn’t love nuggets???
Jessica DeMay says
Love this! Thanks for making them and so glad they were enjoyed. Yes to using the ends of chips and crackers- such a great idea! Thanks for the great review!
Heidi says
I have tried SO many chicken nugget recipes and this is the first one I’ve found that I will make again. The breading stays on when you take them off the pan and they hold up so well. My 3 year old ate them with bbq sauce, 1000 island and ketchup (all mixed together of course) and loved them.
Jessica DeMay says
Thank you so much, Heidi! I'm so glad they are enjoyed. Thanks for the great feedback 🙂