Chicken nuggets are tasty little treats that can be extremely beneficial for weight management and health. Despite their bad reputation due to the substandard and quite frankly, questionable food quality found in fast food chains, they are still a favorite, especially among the younger crowd. Add a good barbecue dip and it truly is a unique blend of flavors that one can easily become addicted to. It’s for this reason that we’ve created a paleo chicken nugget recipe that not only ticks all the right boxes, it’s also quick and easy to prepare. This dish is perfect as an appetizer, as a packed lunch for the kids, and even as a quick meal on-the-go.
Chicken Nuggets, A High-Protein, Low Fat Meal
Consuming a sufficient amount of protein on a regular basis is vital for metabolic function, muscle repair, and regulation of tissues in the body. (1) Individuals who lift weights or participate in some form of exercise require slightly more protein than a sedentary individual due to greater demands for repair and recovery. During exercise or any strenuous physical activity, muscle fiber/tissues accumulate micro-tears. As a result, the body needs enough protein to repair and rebuild the micro-tears in order to adapt to the new stimulus and become bigger and stronger. A serving of this recipe has roughly 30 grams of protein which is more than enough protein for a single meal.
Make Large Batches and Store for Later
Preparing and cooking this recipe can be accomplished in less than 25 minutes. In order to save even more time, season the chicken meat and cut them into pieces ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Always bear in mind that chicken meat should be stored no longer than 2 days in the refrigerator to avoid spoiling. You can also cook the chicken nuggets, cool them down, and store them in the freezer for a couple of weeks. This way, all you have to do is place them in the oven and reheat.
The Secret to Safe and Effective Deep Frying
Sometimes, frying food can be tricky especially when it’s done in a large skillet. For example, since a skillet doesn’t have a built-in thermometer, it can be difficult to gauge the temperature of the oil. Oil that’s too hot may cause the nuggets to burn. In contrast, food that’s fried in oil that isn’t hot enough may end up absorbing a lot of the oil, resulting in soggy, greasy food. A great way to get the perfect temperature for frying is by using a deep fryer. Using a deep fryer will help you cook your chicken nuggets evenly and achieve that crispy, golden-brown batter.
Is Frying Considered Paleo?
Frying is a cooking method, so it is most definitely considered paleo. What may not be considered paleo, however, is the type of oil you use for cooking. There is a lot of debate on whether or not vegetable oils are considered paleo, but what it boils down to is 1) its fatty acid content and 2) how extensively they have been processed.
Ideally, you want to use oils that have more omega-3s and less omega-6s. Also, the more processed the oil is, the less likely it is to be considered paleo.
Do try to limit your cooking oil to these choices:
- Avocado Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Ghee
- Flaxseed Oil
- Walnut Oil
Chicken nuggets are the proverbial happy meal. Regardless of age, it seems that many people have a soft spot for this childhood staple, so I’m delighted to share this short recipe with you all. Always remember to use fresh and organic ingredients for best results. Free range, antibiotic-free, organic chicken may cost slightly more than other types, but it’s well worth the added cost if it means protecting your health and longevity.
We’re positive that kids will absolutely love this recipe and will be begging for you to make them for years to come. Feel free to adapt and tweak when necessary, as there are endless ways you can make this paleo chicken nugget recipe your own. It’s great for birthday parties, picnics, snacks, or school lunches.
- 1 pound skinless boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp almond milk
- ½ cup almond flour
- ½ cup arrowroot flour
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 egg
- coconut oil for frying
- Pound the chicken lightly with a meat mallet to ¾ inch thickness.
- Season with salt.
- Chop the chicken into 2 inch long pieces.
- Combine the almond flour, arrowroot flour, garlic powder, onion powder and pinch of salt in a pie plate.
- Beat the egg and almond milk in a small bowl. Season with pinch of salt.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Dip each chicken piece in the egg mixture and roll in the almond flour mixture.
- Once oil is hot, add the chicken nuggets, in batches and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Serve with your favorite sauces.
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