You know, sometimes you just crave something familiar, like those classic chicken nuggets, but you also want to feel good about what you’re eating, especially when it’s for the kiddos. That’s exactly where my Nutritious Chicken Broccoli Nuggets come in! They’re my go-to when I need a quick, wholesome meal without all the fuss of deep-frying. Honestly, my little ones gobble these up like crazy, and I love that they’re packed with hidden veggies. It’s one of those recipes that just makes weeknights so much easier and tastier!
Why You’ll Love These Nutritious Chicken Broccoli Nuggets
Trust me, these aren’t your average nuggets! Here’s why they’re a total win:
- So Much Healthier: We’re baking these beauties instead of frying, making them a fantastic lean option.
- Veggies Hiding in Plain Sight: My kids never even notice the broccoli – it’s my secret weapon!
- Super Easy to Make: Seriously, the food processor does most of the work. Dinner in under an hour? Yes, please!
- Packed with Goodness: Chicken for protein, broccoli for vitamins – it’s a win-win for everyone.
- Kid-Approved Flavor: They’ve got that familiar, satisfying chicken nugget taste that little ones (and big ones!) adore.
- Perfect for Any Time: Great for a quick weeknight dinner or even a satisfying afternoon snack.
Ingredients for Nutritious Chicken Broccoli Nuggets
Alright, let’s talk about what goes into these little powerhouses! You’ll find they’re pretty straightforward, and you might even have most of this stuff on hand already.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: You’ll need about 1 pound, and make sure to cut it into chunks. This makes it much easier for the food processor to do its thing.
- Broccoli florets: We need 1 cup, but here’s the key: steam them first and then really squeeze out all the extra water. Nobody wants soggy nuggets!
- Breadcrumbs: Just 1/4 cup. I like using panko for a little extra crunch, but whole wheat works great too if that’s what you have.
- Egg: One beaten egg acts as our binder to hold everything together nicely.
- Parmesan cheese: A couple of tablespoons of grated Parmesan adds a lovely salty, cheesy flavor that everyone loves.
- Garlic powder: Half a teaspoon for that classic garlic kick.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Just a pinch of each – 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper – to season it up.
Equipment Needed for Nutritious Chicken Broccoli Nuggets
You don’t need a fancy kitchen for these! To whip up your own batch of these yummy nuggets, you’ll just need a few basics that most people have:
- A baking sheet – this is where all the magic happens!
- A trusty food processor – it makes getting that perfect nugget texture a breeze.
- A couple of mixing bowls – handy for holding your ingredients and finished nuggets.
How to Prepare Nutritious Chicken Broccoli Nuggets: Step-by-Step
Okay, let’s get these made! It’s really not complicated at all. The food processor does the heavy lifting, so you can relax a bit. You’ll have these yummy nuggets ready before you know it!
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
First things first, get that oven going! We need it nice and hot at 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, grab a baking sheet and line it with some parchment paper. This just makes cleanup a total breeze and prevents any pesky sticking.
Combine Ingredients in Food Processor
Now for the fun part! Toss your chicken chunks, those squeezed-dry steamed broccoli florets, breadcrumbs, the beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper right into your food processor. Give it a few pulses until everything is chopped up and looks like a nice, cohesive mixture. We’re not making baby food here, so don’t go crazy turning it into a complete paste – just a good, chunky blend is perfect.
Shape the Nugget Mixture
Time to get your hands a little messy (or use spoons if you prefer!). Take about a tablespoon or two of the mixture and shape it into those classic nugget forms. You can really make them any size you like, but bite-sized is usually best for everyone.
Arrange Nuggets on Baking Sheet
Gently place your shaped nuggets onto that parchment-lined baking sheet you prepared earlier. Try to give them a little space between each one so they bake up nice and evenly.
Bake Nutritious Chicken Broccoli Nuggets to Perfection
Pop that tray into your preheated oven and let them bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. Oh, and don’t forget to flip them about halfway through! This helps them get that lovely golden-brown color on both sides. You’ll know they’re done when they look golden and are cooked all the way through.
Serve Your Delicious Nuggets
And there you have it! Serve your delicious, homemade Nutritious Chicken Broccoli Nuggets hot, maybe with some of your favorite dipping sauce. They’re so good, you might want to make a double batch, just sayin’!
Tips for Making the Best Nutritious Chicken Broccoli Nuggets
Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but let’s chat about a few little tricks that really make these Nutritious Chicken Broccoli Nuggets sing! It’s all about those small details that elevate them from good to absolutely fantastic.
First off, that broccoli needs to be *squeezed dry*. I know it sounds weird, but trust me, if you don’t get as much moisture out as possible, your nuggets can get a bit mushy. Really give those steamed florets a good squeeze, maybe even pat them with a paper towel!
When you’re pulsing everything in the food processor, resist the urge to go overboard. We want a texture that holds together nicely and has a bit of bite, not a smooth paste. Think finely chopped, not puréed. This gives the nuggets a better texture when they bake.
And for that perfect golden-brown exterior? A little trick is to lightly mist the shaped nuggets with some cooking spray before they go into the oven. It helps them crisp up beautifully without adding any extra fuss. You could also try a final sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before baking for an extra cheesy crust!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Let’s chat about these ingredients for a sec, because the *right* ones really make these Nutritious Chicken Broccoli Nuggets extra special. For the breadcrumbs, I’m a big fan of panko for that extra crunch, but honestly, whatever you have in your pantry works! Whole wheat breadcrumbs are great if you want to pack in even more fiber.
Now, if you don’t have Parmesan cheese handy, no worries! A sharp cheddar or even a bit of nutritional yeast would give it a nice cheesy flavor too. And for the chicken, make sure it’s boneless and skinless. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try ground chicken instead of chunks – just adjust the food processor time a bit.
Storing and Reheating Your Nutritious Chicken Broccoli Nuggets
Don’t you hate when good leftovers get all sad? Well, here’s how to keep these Nutritious Chicken Broccoli Nuggets tasting awesome even after they’ve been in the fridge. Just pop any leftovers into an airtight container and they should stay good in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, I find the best way is to pop them in the oven or a toaster oven at around 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes until they’re nice and crispy again. Microwaving can make them a bit soft, so the oven is usually my go-to! They’re perfect for a quick lunch or snack the next day, just like they’re fresh from the oven. You can find even more dinner ideas on my site when you need more meal inspiration!
Frequently Asked Questions about Nutritious Chicken Broccoli Nuggets
Got questions about these yummy nuggets? I’ve got you!
Can I freeze these Nutritious Chicken Broccoli Nuggets?
Oh, absolutely! These freeze like a dream. Just bake them completely, let them cool down, and then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until they’re firm. Once they’re frozen solid, pop them into a freezer bag or container. To reheat, just pop ’em in the oven or toaster oven until warm and crispy. Perfect for those days when you *really* need a quick meal!
What are the best dipping sauces to serve with these nuggets?
Honestly, they’re so flavorful on their own, but they’re even better with a dipping sauce! Ketchup is always a classic, but my kids also love them with honey mustard. A little ranch dressing or even a sweet chili sauce works wonders too. Get creative – whatever your family loves will be great!
Can I make these Nutritious Chicken Broccoli Nuggets without a food processor?
You know, the food processor really helps get that perfect texture where everything is finely chopped but still chunky enough. If you don’t have one, you could try finely mincing the chicken and broccoli by hand. You might need to add a little more breadcrumbs or egg to help bind it all together. It’ll take a bit more elbow grease, but it’s totally doable!
Can I add other vegetables to these nuggets?
Definitely! These are super versatile. You could try finely chopped carrots or zucchini, just make sure you squeeze out any extra moisture from those too. A little finely chopped onion or bell pepper could also add some extra flavor and nutrients. Just be mindful not to overload the mixture, or it might not hold its shape as well.
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, this is an estimate, you know, since everyone’s ingredients might vary a tiny bit! But generally, you’re looking at around 150-170 calories per serving, with a fantastic 15-20 grams of protein. You’ll also get some healthy fats and carbs in there from the chicken, broccoli, and breadcrumbs. Pretty wholesome, right?
Nutritious Chicken Broccoli Nuggets
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, combine the chicken chunks, steamed broccoli, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and well combined, but do not over-process into a paste.
- Shape the mixture into small nugget shapes. You can use your hands or two spoons.
- Place the shaped nuggets onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.