If you’re on the lookout for a tasty, wholesome snack that both adults and kids will love, then the Nutritious Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. These golden bites pack tender shredded chicken and vibrant broccoli into every single nugget, offering a perfect balance of protein and greens, plus a crispy, cheesy coating that makes healthy eating feel like a treat. Whether you want a nourishing appetizer or a quick lunch, this recipe delivers flavor, texture, and fantastic nutrition all in one bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh, and easy-to-find ingredients make this recipe wonderfully approachable. Each element plays a crucial role, from providing the rich savory flavor to the texture that keeps every nugget perfectly satisfying.
- Cooked shredded chicken breast: The lean protein base that keeps these nuggets hearty and filling.
- Steamed and finely chopped broccoli: Adds vibrant color and a boost of vitamins along with a subtle crunch.
- Bread crumbs: Help bind the ingredients together while giving the nuggets a delightful crispiness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses a savory, nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Eggs: Act as the glue that holds the nugget mixture together perfectly.
- Minced garlic: Brings that warm, aromatic punch we all crave.
- Onion powder: Enhances the overall depth of flavor without any extra chopping.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and brighten the dish.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the nuggets develop their irresistible golden crust.
- Cooking spray: To ensure your nuggets don’t stick and crisp up just right on the baking sheet.
How to Make Nutritious Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat it with cooking spray. This little step ensures your nuggets won’t stick, making cleanup easier and helping the nuggets get that perfect crisp outside.
Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and toss together the shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This bold blend creates the flavorful foundation of your nuggets and makes sure every bite bursts with taste and texture.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then pour them into the chicken and broccoli mixture. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the eggs coat all the ingredients well, helping bind the nuggets so they hold their shape beautifully during baking.
Step 4: Shape the Nuggets
Roll up your sleeves and get hands-on! Shape the mixture into small nugget-sized portions by hand, pressing gently so each one stays intact. Arrange them spaced out on your prepared baking sheet so the heat circulates evenly around each nugget.
Step 5: Add Olive Oil for Crispiness
Drizzle the olive oil over the nuggets before popping them into the oven. This extra bit of fat encourages a golden, crispy crust that’s simply irresistible, giving you that wonderful contrast between crunchy outside and tender inside.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the nuggets for 20-25 minutes, making sure to flip them halfway through so both sides brown evenly. As the oven works its magic, you’ll notice the nuggets firming up and turning a gorgeous golden shade that promises deliciousness.
Step 7: Cool and Get Ready to Serve
Once the baking time is up, let your nuggets cool for a few minutes. This resting stage helps them set further so they’re easier to handle and taste even better as the flavors settle beautifully.
How to Serve Nutritious Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil add a delightful pop of freshness that complements the rich, cheesy nuggets perfectly. You might also sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan on top for a cheesy finish that’s visually appealing and tasty.
Side Dishes
Pair your nuggets with a crisp salad, some roasted sweet potato fries, or even a creamy dipping sauce like garlic aioli or honey mustard. These sides round out the meal, adding freshness and a variety of textures that keep things exciting on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Nutritious Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets Recipe into a fun finger food by serving them with colorful veggie sticks and a trio of dipping sauces. For a kid-friendly twist, serve on mini slider buns with lettuce and tomato for easy handheld sandwiches everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These nuggets store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them chilled preserves their flavor and texture, making it easy to enjoy healthy bites whenever you need a quick snack or meal.
Freezing
If you want to make a bigger batch ahead of time, place the shaped nuggets on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen Nuggets stay good for up to 2 months and can be baked straight from frozen for convenience.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the nuggets at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soggy, and nobody wants that when these nuggets are at their best crisp and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use raw chicken for this Nutritious Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets Recipe?
This recipe calls for cooked shredded chicken to ensure the nuggets hold their shape and cook evenly in the oven. Using raw chicken would require additional cooking time and might affect the texture.
What can I substitute for bread crumbs?
If you prefer gluten-free or want a lower-carb option, crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour work brilliantly while still helping the nuggets stick together and crisp up nicely.
Is it okay to use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Just be sure to steam and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, which can make the nuggets too wet and difficult to shape.
Can I make these nuggets vegan or vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, try substituting the chicken with mashed chickpeas or tofu and use a flax egg instead of real eggs. You can also swap Parmesan for a vegan cheese alternative.
What dipping sauces go best with these nuggets?
These nuggets pair beautifully with a variety of sauces like honey mustard, ranch, garlic aioli, or even a tangy sriracha mayo for a little kick. Feel free to experiment and find your perfect match!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like biting into a golden, crispy nugget balanced with wholesome ingredients, and this Nutritious Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets Recipe does just that with charm and ease. It’s a comforting, nourishing favorite to have in your recipe rotation, perfect for busy weeknights or an inviting appetizer at your next get-together. Give it a try and watch everyone reach for seconds!
Print
Nutritious Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: Approximately 20 nuggets
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Nutritious Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets are a healthy and tasty twist on classic chicken nuggets, featuring shredded chicken breast combined with steamed broccoli and Parmesan cheese. Baked to perfection for a crispy texture without frying, these nuggets make a great snack or meal option full of protein and vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetable Mixture
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup steamed and finely chopped broccoli
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Binding and Cooking
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly coat the parchment paper with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, finely chopped steamed broccoli, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Add Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the two large eggs. Pour the beaten eggs into the chicken and broccoli mixture and stir until everything is well combined and the mixture holds together.
- Form Nuggets: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small nugget-sized portions. Place each nugget evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle the formed nuggets with olive oil to promote browning and help them crisp up while baking.
- Bake Nuggets: Bake the nuggets in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Flip each nugget halfway through the baking time to ensure even golden browning and firm texture.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the nuggets from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving them warm.
Notes
- Make sure the broccoli is finely chopped and well-steamed to blend smoothly with the chicken mixture.
- You can substitute bread crumbs with gluten-free crumbs if desired.
- Adjust salt and seasoning to taste.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the nuggets for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- These nuggets can be served with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli.
