Description
These Baked Chicken Nuggets with Hidden Quinoa are a healthy twist on a classic favorite. Ground chicken is combined with cooked quinoa and parmesan cheese, coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, and then baked to a crispy golden finish. Perfect as a delicious snack or meal that sneaks in extra protein and fiber without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 2 pounds ground chicken
- 1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Coating
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs*
- 1/8 cup shredded parmesan cheese (half of total 1/4 cup)
Finishing
- cooking oil for the pan (olive oil recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350ºF to prepare for baking the nuggets.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture: In a small bowl or plate, combine breadcrumbs with half of the shredded parmesan cheese. Mix well and set aside for coating the nuggets.
- Mix Chicken Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, cooked quinoa, water, salt, and the remaining parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until fully combined; using your hands ensures an even mixture.
- Form Nuggets: Take a golf ball-sized portion of the chicken mixture and shape it into a ball. Press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture on all sides to coat evenly and form a nugget shape. Place the coated nugget onto a sheet pan.
- Repeat Coating: Continue forming and coating nuggets until all the chicken mixture is used, yielding approximately 24-25 nuggets. Arrange nuggets on the sheet pan close but not touching.
- Add Oil: Lightly spray or drizzle cooking oil (preferably olive oil) over each nugget to help them brown crisply during baking.
- Bake: Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake the nuggets for 15 minutes at 350ºF.
- Broil for Crispiness: Switch the oven setting to broil and bake the nuggets for an additional 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Using cooked quinoa adds a boost of protein and fiber to the nuggets without altering the taste.
- For best results, use fresh parmesan cheese and quality breadcrumbs.
- You can substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives if needed.
- Olive oil spray helps achieve a crispy coating without deep frying.
- Ensure nuggets are not touching on the sheet pan for even baking.
- These nuggets can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven for best texture.
