If you're looking for a delicious and easy recipe to prepare chicken nuggets at home, this recipe is the perfect choice for you. It is characterized by its delicious taste, crispy exterior, and tender interior. This recipe includes nutritious ingredients such as chicken breast, rich in proteins that help build muscles, as well as garlic, which supports the immune system thanks to its antibacterial properties. Additionally, ground breadcrumbs add a wonderful texture, while spices like paprika and black pepper give it a distinctive flavor. Don’t forget that this recipe also provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B6 found in chicken, which plays a key role in enhancing brain function.

Ingredients:

1. 500g minced chicken breasts
2. 1 minced onion
3. 2 slices of toast (without crusts)
4. 3 minced garlic cloves
5. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
6. 1 beaten egg
7. 3 tablespoons ground breadcrumbs (or crushed cornflakes)
8. 1 tablespoon cornstarch
9. 1 tablespoon paprika
10. Spices (garlic powder, onion powder)
11. Oil
12. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
13. 1 teaspoon salt

Healthy Alternatives

• Oil: You can replace regular oil with a healthier vegetable oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil, to make the nuggets lower in fat and more beneficial.
• Breadcrumbs: For those with wheat or gluten allergies, gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs. You can also use almond flour or rice flour as alternatives.

 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into medium-sized cubes.
2. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk the eggs with salt and black pepper.
3. Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with flour and paprika.
4. Coat the Chicken: Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then into the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Fry: Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy.
6. Drain: Drain the excess oil from the chicken on paper towels.
7. Serve: Serve the chicken hot with your favorite sauce.

Enjoy your delicious meal!

Different Preparation Methods

If you want to prepare lower-fat chicken nuggets, you can use the oven instead of frying:

• Oven Preparation: Place the nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then bake them in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes or until they become golden brown.

Sauces That Pair Well with Nuggets

• Garlic Sauce: Garlic sauce is a delicious option with nuggets as it adds a rich and savory flavor.
• Ketchup: The classic, must-have option for chicken nuggets.
• Barbecue Sauce: You can use barbecue sauce to add a smoky and sweet flavor to the nuggets.

Storage Tips

To maintain the flavor and quality of chicken nuggets after preparation, follow these important tips for proper storage:

• In the Refrigerator: If you have leftover nuggets, you can store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure to place them in an airtight container to preserve their quality.
• In the Freezer: You can freeze the nuggets after shaping and wrapping them well. When needed, you can fry them directly from the freezer or reheat them in the oven.

Note: This recipe is perfect for lovers of fried and crispy chicken, but it may not be suitable for those following a low-fat diet or those with wheat or gluten allergies due to the inclusion of breadcrumbs.

Health Benefits of Ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: Rich in proteins that help build muscles and promote tissue growth. They also contain vitamin B6, which supports the nervous and immune systems.
• Onions: Contain sulfur compounds that promote heart health and reduce bad cholesterol levels in the blood. They are also rich in antioxidants that strengthen the immune system.
• Toast Bread: Provides quick energy from complex carbohydrates, helping to maintain energy levels throughout the day.
• Garlic: Known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, it strengthens the immune system and reduces the risk of many diseases.
• Lemon: Rich in vitamin C, which promotes skin health, boosts immunity, and helps in iron absorption.
• Eggs: An excellent source of protein and healthy fats, they also contain vitamin D, which supports bone health.
• Breadcrumbs (Crushed Cornflakes): Contain fiber that aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
• Starch: Improves digestion and provides energy due to its carbohydrate content.
• Paprika: Packed with antioxidants that fight inflammation and improve blood circulation.
• Spices (Garlic Powder, Onion Powder): Add flavor while offering antioxidant properties that improve heart health.
• Black Pepper: Enhances nutrient absorption and aids digestion.
• Salt: Helps maintain fluid balance in the body and regulates blood pressure when used moderately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the chicken be replaced with another type of meat?
Yes, ground chicken can be replaced with ground turkey or beef, depending on preference. You can also try using plant-based meats for vegan diets.

Can the recipe be made without eggs?
Yes, eggs can be replaced with other ingredients like milk or yogurt to help bind the mixture. A chickpea flour and water mixture can also be used as a plant-based alternative.

Can this recipe be made in the oven instead of frying?
Yes, you can prepare chicken nuggets in the oven by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and baking them in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes.

How can I make the recipe gluten-free?
You can replace regular bread with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use cornstarch instead of regular starch. Almond flour can also be used to improve the texture.

What is the recommended storage time for chicken nuggets in the refrigerator?
Cooked chicken nuggets can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Can chicken nuggets be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the nuggets after shaping them. Be sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. When needed, you can fry them directly from the freezer.

Nutritional Values:  
To determine the nutritional values and calories of this recipe, we estimated the values for each ingredient and calculated the total. These values are approximate and depend on the quantities used.

Ingredients and Their Nutritional Values:

• 500g minced chicken breasts:
  • Calories: ~550 kcal
  • Protein: ~100g
  • Fat: ~12g
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
• 1 minced onion:
  • Calories: ~44 kcal
  • Protein: ~1g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: ~10g
• 2 slices of toast (crust removed):
  • Calories: ~150 kcal
  • Protein: ~4g
  • Fat: ~2g
  • Carbohydrates: ~28g
• 3 minced garlic cloves:
  • Calories: ~12 kcal
  • Protein: ~0.6g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: ~3g
• 1 tbsp lemon juice:
  • Calories: ~4 kcal
  • Protein: 0g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: ~1g
• 1 beaten egg:
  • Calories: ~70 kcal
  • Protein: ~6g
  • Fat: ~5g
  • Carbohydrates: ~1g
• 3 tbsp breadcrumbs (crushed crackers):
  • Calories: ~150 kcal
  • Protein: ~4g
  • Fat: ~2g
  • Carbohydrates: ~26g
• 1 tbsp starch:
  • Calories: ~30 kcal
  • Protein: 0g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: ~7g
• 1 tbsp paprika:
  • Calories: ~6 kcal
  • Protein: ~0.3g
  • Fat: ~0.3g
  • Carbohydrates: ~1g
• Spices (small amount):
  • Calories: ~5 kcal
  • Protein: 0g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: ~1g
• Oil (for frying, ~60ml absorbed):
  • Calories: ~480 kcal
  • Protein: 0g
  • Fat: ~54g
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
• 1/4 tsp black pepper:
  • Calories: ~2 kcal
  • Protein: 0g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: ~1g
• 1 tbsp salt:
  • Calories: 0
  • Protein: 0
  • Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 0

Estimated Total Nutritional Values:

• Calories: ~1503 kcal
• Protein: ~115.9g
• Fat: ~75.3g
• Carbohydrates: ~78g

These values are approximate and may vary based on the brands of ingredients and preparation methods.