Homemade Healthy Chicken Nuggets

golden brown baked chicken nuggets with ranch

4.10 from 11 votes

Homemade Healthy Chicken Nuggets

Make a big batch of these healthy homemade chicken nuggets for dinner or lunches for kids! They're gluten free (no bread crumbs!) and full of protein and healthy carbs. This simple recipe is great for clean eating and meal prep.

Prep Time10

Cook Time18

Total Time28

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Keyword: chicken nugget, gluten free

Servings: servings

Author: Molly Thompson

Equipment

Food Processor
Large baking sheet

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
2 cups finely grated or chopped sweet potatoes (1 medium-large sweet potato)
2 tablespoons tapioca flour, arrowroot starch or cornstarch
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon EACH: paprika, garlic powder, and kosher salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with olive oil spray. Set aside.
Add all of the ingredients to the bowl of a food processor. Blend on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until the mixture is combined and starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
Use a tablespoon to scoop out the mixture and place ½ inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Use your hands to form the mixture into chicken nugget shapes. You should have about 18-21 chicken nuggets. The mixture will be wet and sticky. Dip your fingers in water to keep them from sticking while you shape the nuggets.
Bake chicken nuggets in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway through. They should be golden brown and the internal temperature should reach 165°F. Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for crispy edges if desired.
Cool slightly and serve with your favorite sauce like sugar-free ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey mustard or sriracha.

Video

Notes

Storage: 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.

Air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Add the chicken nuggets and air fry at 400 for 15-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Flip halfway through. Cook time will vary depending on the size and shape of the chicken nugget.

Nutrition