This Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets comes together in about 30 minutes and is baked for a quick and healty lunch that your kids will love!
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s dive into this simple recipe! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded: Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonders! Just grab whatever you have on hand.
- 1 cup broccoli, finely chopped: You can use fresh or frozen, but make sure it’s chopped finely for the best texture.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: I prefer panko for that irresistible crunch!
- 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese: Because cheese makes everything better, right?
- 1 egg: This helps bind everything together.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle, delicious aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: A couple of sprinkles will do!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Just enough to bring out all those flavors.
- Olive oil for cooking: A light drizzle keeps the nuggets from sticking and adds a touch of flavor.
Let’s Get Cooking!
So, here’s how to whip up these lovely nuggets:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is essential to get that perfect crispy texture!
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and just a couple pinches of salt and pepper. I love using my hands to mix it all together, you really want to feel everything come together!
Now for the fun part! Form the mixture into nugget shapes, think small patties. You want them all to have a similar size for even cooking. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, because, hello, no one enjoys scrubbing pans!
Lightly brush the nuggets with a bit of olive oil. This will help them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen starts smelling all sorts of delicious!
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Trust me; just a minute or two will make a world of difference!
If you loved this recipe and want more for your little kids, be sure to check out my Broccoli Quinoa Bites, my Spinach Zucchini Egg Fingers, or my Spinach Banana Pancakes!
What Makes This Recipe Special
Quick & Easy
This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re juggling a million things (Hello, parents out there! I see you!).
Customizable
One of the things I love most about these nuggets is their versatility. You can switch up the veggies or add spices depending on what’s sitting in your fridge. Seriously, it’s a game changer!
Crowd-Pleaser
I mean, it’s nuggets! Whether you’ve got picky eaters at home or not, I can almost guarantee these will disappear in no time. Even my neighbor’s kids begged for seconds!
Comfort Food
This is comfort food at its finest! It’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, offering that cozy feeling we all crave at the end of a long day.
Meal Prep Friendly
These nuggets hold up really well in the fridge, so they’re great for meal prep too. Just make a large batch on Sunday, and you’re good to go for the week!
Serving Suggestions
These chicken and broccoli nuggets are super versatile when it comes to serving! Here are a few ideas:
- Pair them with a crispy side salad for a light meal.
- Serve with dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch, I mean, yum!
- Team them up with sweet potato fries for an easy and fun feast.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: These nuggets will stay fresh in an airtight container for about 3-4 days.
- Freezer Friendly: Yes! You can freeze the cooked nuggets in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven or air fryer when you’re ready to enjoy again!
Reheating Instructions
When you’re bringing these bad boys back to life, the oven or air fryer is your best bet. Heat them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You’ll get that lovely crunch back!
So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and give these Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets a try! They’re bound to be a hit in your home, just as they are in mine. And trust me, once you bring these to the dinner table, you might just become the family’s superhero of weeknight cooking!
Just so ya know, food is really about bringing people together, you know? So, whether you’re cooking for the fam, a gathering, or just yourself after a long day, these nuggets are your ticket to some happy bellies!
And remember, always keep things fun in the kitchen! Enjoy! And for more recipes, follow us on Pinterest.
Print
Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A delightful quick and easy chicken and broccoli nuggets recipe perfect for busy weeknights. Customizable and nutritious, ideal for the whole family!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Combine shredded chicken, chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper in a large bowl.
- Form the mixture into nugget shapes resembling small patties.
- Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the nuggets lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
These nuggets are customizable; feel free to use turkey or tofu instead of chicken, or swap broccoli for spinach or peas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg