Ever had one of those nights? The clock’s ticking, hunger pangs are setting in, and the thought of a complicated dinner makes you want to just order takeout? We’ve all been there! But what if we told you that delicious, homemade, and incredibly easy chicken nuggets are just minutes away, and they don’t even require raw chicken prep? Get ready to have your mind (and your taste buds) blown by these game-changing Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets (Made with Canned Chicken!). Yes, you read that right – canned chicken is about to become your new best friend for the ultimate quick-fix meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These aren’t just any nuggets; they’re a revelation! Here are four fabulous reasons why this recipe for Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets (Made with Canned Chicken!) will quickly become a household favorite:
- Seriously Speedy & Simple! Forget thawing, chopping, and extensive prep. With a prep time of just 5 minutes and a cook time of around 20, you can have a hot, homemade meal on the table in under half an hour. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute cravings, or when you just don’t feel like cooking.
- Healthy & Low-Carb Heaven! If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to fried, breaded nuggets, this is it! These baked beauties are packed with protein, incredibly low in carbs (only 0.2g per nugget!), and won’t leave you feeling guilty. They’re a fantastic option for keto, low-carb, or just generally health-conscious eaters.
- Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing! Who doesn’t love a good nugget? This recipe delivers that familiar, comforting taste and texture that kids adore, making dinner battles a thing of the past. But don’t let the kid-friendly label fool you – adults will gobble them up too! Serve them at parties, as an appetizer, or for a fun family dinner.
- Budget-Friendly Brilliance! Canned chicken is not only convenient but also incredibly economical. This recipe transforms a pantry staple into a gourmet-level snack or meal without breaking the bank. It’s smart cooking that tastes fantastic and saves you money.
Ingredients with Measurements
Gather your simple ingredients, and let’s get ready to whip up some magic. You probably have most of these in your pantry already!
- 🥫 1 (12.5oz) can chicken breast, thoroughly drained (this is key!)
- 🥚 1 large egg
- 🧀 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🧀 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 🧂 Optional: a sprinkle of garlic powder and black pepper (trust us, no extra salt needed!)
Detailed Step-by-Step Directions How to Make the Recipe
Ready to make the easiest nuggets of your life? Follow these simple steps for perfectly golden and delicious Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets (Made with Canned Chicken!):
- Preheat & Prep: First things first, get your oven nice and hot! Preheat it to 425°F (220°C). While it’s warming up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This little trick makes cleanup a breeze – you’ll thank yourself later!
- Drain Chicken Like a Pro: This is perhaps the most crucial step for crispy nuggets! Open your can of chicken breast and drain out every last drop of water. For seriously crispy results, go the extra mile: place the drained chicken in a fine mesh strainer and use your hands (or the back of a spoon) to press out as much excess moisture as you possibly can. The drier the chicken, the better the texture!
- Mix Your Masterpiece: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine that beautifully drained chicken with your large egg, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and any optional seasonings you desire (garlic powder and black pepper are highly recommended for an extra flavor kick!). Give it a good mix until everything is well combined. Remember: no need for extra salt here, as the canned chicken and cheeses bring plenty of savory goodness!
- Form Those Fantastic Nuggets: Now for the fun part! Use your hands to gently shape the chicken mixture into about 12 small, bite-sized nuggets. Aim for roughly a heaping tablespoon of mixture per nugget. Don’t worry about perfection; rustic shapes are totally charming!
- Bake to Perfection: Carefully arrange your formed nuggets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for about 18-22 minutes. The secret to even crispiness? Make sure to flip them halfway through the cooking time (around the 9-11 minute mark). You’re looking for a lovely golden-brown color on both sides.
- Serve & Savor: Once golden and perfectly crispy, remove your healthy, homemade chicken nuggets from the oven. Let them cool for just a minute or two, then serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your culinary triumph!
Detailed Different Ways You Can Present the Recipe and How to Serve It
These Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets (Made with Canned Chicken!) are incredibly versatile! While delicious on their own, here are some ideas to elevate your serving game:
- Dipping Sauce Extravaganza: This is where the fun truly begins!
- Classic Choices: Ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing.
- Healthier Dips: Greek yogurt ranch, avocado crema, sriracha mayo (made with light mayo), sugar-free BBQ sauce.
- Gourmet Touch: A quick homemade aioli, a zesty lemon-herb yogurt dip, or even a spicy mango salsa for a fresh kick.
- Perfect Pairings & Sides:
- Veggie Power: Serve with a side of steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, a crisp garden salad, or carrot and celery sticks.
- Comfort Sides: For a more substantial meal, pair with sweet potato fries, a small portion of quinoa, or even some cauliflower rice.
- Light & Fresh: A simple side of cucumber slices or cherry tomatoes adds a refreshing contrast.
- Creative Meal Transformations:
- Nugget Salad: Chop them up and toss them into your favorite salad for a protein-packed lunch.
- Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves to create low-carb chicken nugget wraps with some shredded veggies and a drizzle of sauce.
- Mini Sliders: Serve them on mini whole wheat buns with a slice of cheese and a pickle for a fun twist.
- Pasta Topper: Add them to a light pasta dish with some marinara for extra protein.
- Garnish for Flair: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, chives, or a dash of paprika can add visual appeal and a hint of extra flavor.
How You Can Store It and How Long Does It Last
Got leftovers? Lucky you! These Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets (Made with Canned Chicken!) store wonderfully, making them perfect for meal prep or quick grab-and-go snacks.
- Refrigeration: Once completely cooled, transfer your nuggets to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To bring them back to their crispy glory, we recommend reheating in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until heated through and crisp. You can also microwave them for a quick reheat, but they may lose some crispness (around 30-60 seconds).
- Freezing (Cooked): These nuggets freeze well! Once baked and fully cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and flash freeze for about an hour until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They will last for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating from Frozen: Bake directly from frozen in an oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until thoroughly heated and crispy. An air fryer also works great for about 10-15 minutes.
FAQs Sections
Q1: Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chicken?
A: While the recipe is specifically designed for the convenience of canned chicken, you could use cooked, shredded fresh chicken breast. Just ensure it’s very well-drained and shredded finely to achieve a similar texture.
Q2: Why is draining the canned chicken so important?
A: Draining and pressing out excess moisture from the canned chicken is crucial for achieving crispy nuggets. Too much moisture will result in a softer, less desirable texture that might not hold its shape as well.
Q3: Are these nuggets gluten-free?
A: Yes! As long as all your ingredients (especially the canned chicken and cheeses) are certified gluten-free, these nuggets are naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Q4: Can I air fry these nuggets instead of baking?
A: Absolutely! Air frying is a fantastic option for extra crispiness. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the nuggets in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap, and air fry for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
Q5: What other seasonings can I add?
A: Feel free to get creative! Onion powder, smoked paprika, a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick, or even a dash of dried herbs like oregano or thyme would be delicious additions. Just remember to taste a tiny bit of the mixture before shaping if you’re experimenting with strong flavors.
Q6: Can I make these ahead for meal prep?
A: Yes, these nuggets are excellent for meal prep! Bake them according to the instructions, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage. They reheat beautifully.
Q7: My nuggets aren’t holding together well. What went wrong?
A: The most common reason for this is insufficient draining of the chicken. Ensure you press out as much moisture as possible. Also, make sure the egg is binding everything properly. If the mixture still feels too wet, you can try adding a tiny sprinkle of almond flour (1-2 teaspoons) to help absorb extra moisture, though it’s usually not necessary.
Q8: Can I make a larger batch?
A: Definitely! This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. Just make sure you have enough baking sheets to avoid overcrowding, as overcrowding can steam the nuggets instead of making them crispy.
Q9: Are these suitable for kids?
A: Absolutely! These nuggets are a huge hit with kids. They’re mild in flavor (if you skip the spicy seasonings) and offer a familiar, fun shape. They’re also a great way to get extra protein into their diet.
Q10: What kind of canned chicken should I use?
A: Use canned chicken breast packed in water. Ensure it’s not flavored or packed in oil, as this can affect the taste and texture of your nuggets. “Chunk chicken breast” or “shredded chicken breast” varieties work best.
Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets (Made with Canned Chicken!)
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Fine-mesh strainer
Ingredients
Nugget Ingredients
- 1 can chicken breast 12.5oz, thoroughly drained
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- garlic powder optional, to taste
- black pepper optional, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Get your oven ready by preheating it to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Drain Chicken: Open your can of chicken breast and drain out all the water. For the crispiest nuggets, press out as much excess moisture as possible. A fine mesh strainer works perfectly – just use your hands to really squeeze it dry!
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the well-drained chicken with the egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, and your chosen seasonings like garlic powder and black pepper.
- Form Nuggets: Use your hands to gently shape the chicken mixture into about 12 small, bite-sized nuggets. They should be roughly a heaping tablespoon each.
- Bake to Perfection: Place your formed nuggets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 18-22 minutes, making sure to flip them halfway through (around 9-11 minutes) to get them golden and crispy on both sides.
- Enjoy: Serve your healthy, homemade chicken nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Notes
- Calories: 48
- Total Carbs: 0.2g
- Net Carbs: 0.2g
- Fats: 2.3g
- Protein: 7g