I’m not a fan of most hen nuggets and “child meals” that cater to choosy eaters. Or ones which are largely processed and devoid of vitamins. On the identical time, kid-size meals may be enjoyable each infrequently. Particularly if the children assist put together it!
Hen parmesan is a basic recipe and an grownup favourite. This recipe combines all the massive flavors of hen parmesan with the enjoyable measurement of hen nuggets for a extra refined child meals. I prefer to serve this with homemade pasta sauce as an alternative of ketchup as a dip. They get much less sugar, and it’s a enjoyable approach to eat a child’s favourite recipe.
Parmesan Hen Nuggets Recipe
The precise credit score for this recipe goes to my oldest son. Years in the past he noticed me making common hen parmesan and steered smaller items. A lot of the children don’t eat a complete piece anyway. His love for cooking has continued and he even co-wrote a cookbook along with his mates.
With his assist, this grain-free, dairy-optional recipe was born.
Hen Nugget Elements and Substitutions
Most hen nuggets have breadcrumbs (like panko bread crumbs). All-purpose flour is one other frequent breading for these. And naturally, there’s the unhealthy vegetable oil for frying!
This actual meals recipe doesn’t have any of that. I take advantage of a mix of almond flour, coconut flour, and parmesan cheese for the breading. Not solely are they gluten-free, however they’re grain free too. If that you must make them dairy free, merely omit the parmesan cheese. They’ll nonetheless style nice, simply extra like common hen nuggets. You’ll be able to even add a little bit onion powder or paprika to the flour combination if desired.
If your loved ones is nut-free or egg-free, you’ll want a couple of modifications. You should utilize any flour instead of the almond/coconut combination. Substituting for the eggs is a bit more sophisticated although. The best choice I’ve discovered is to dunk in melted butter or coconut oil instead of the eggs. This doesn’t stick in addition to the crushed egg combination, but it surely does the job.
The Greatest Hen
Overlook the ultra-processed meat-like substances from quick meals locations like McDonald’s. These are made with items of precise hen. You’ll need boneless skinless hen breasts for this. Boneless hen thighs can even work if you happen to want darkish meat. Some shops additionally promote boneless hen tenders, that are simply thinner hen breasts.
Don’t Need to Fry Them?
For those who don’t prefer to fry meals (or don’t need the mess), you’ll be able to modify the recipe. These hen nuggets work nicely within the air fryer and I’ve included instructions for that within the recipe. Or if you happen to want to bake them, first preheat the oven to 375°F. Proceed with steps 1-4 within the recipe, dredging the combination as you’d for frying. Subsequent, place them on a well-oiled baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil earlier than baking for about 35 minutes.
Cooking spray will get a extra even coating on the nuggets, however a lot of them have unhealthy oils I attempt to keep away from. This avocado oil spray is an effective choice although. To raised defend towards sticking, you too can line the tray with parchment paper.
It might sound sophisticated at first, however home made hen nuggets are a straightforward approach to get dinner on the desk. You may also try extra of my straightforward recipes with these personalized meal plans.

Parmesan Hen Nuggets Recipe
You’ll be able to’t go incorrect with home made hen nuggets! These are coated with grain-free Parmesan breading and served with marinara sauce. This Italian tackle hen nuggets is a child favourite.
Directions
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In a big skillet, warmth the tallow or coconut oil over medium-high warmth.
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Reduce the hen into strips or nuggets (about 1 and 1/2 inch items).
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In a medium bowl, beat the big eggs with 1 teaspoon of water or buttermilk.
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In one other bowl, mix the almond and coconut flours, Parmesan cheese, one teaspoon garlic powder, Italian seasoning, one teaspoon salt, and pepper and blend nicely.
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As soon as the oil is scorching, coat each bit of hen first within the egg combination after which dredge within the seasoned flour combination.
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Drop them rigorously into the recent oil and prepare dinner for 3-4 minutes per facet or till golden brown and cooked by.
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Take away from the pan onto paper towels and maintain within the oven to remain heat whereas extra batches are cooking.
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Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve with marinara dipping sauce.
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Retailer any leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as a number of days. Reheat within the oven till crispy.
Notes
- Bake: Place the coated hen items on a well-greased baking sheet and spritz with avocado oil. Bake at 375°F for about 35 minutes or till cooked by.
- Air Fry: Place the coated hen items within the air fryer basket and spritz with avocado oil. Air fry at 400°F for about 8 minutes or till cooked by.
Vitamin
Energy: 348kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 32gFats: 22gSaturated Fats: 10gPolyunsaturated Fats: 1gMonounsaturated Fats: 2gTrans Fats: 0.02gLdl cholesterol: 130mgSodium: 722mgPotassium: 581mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 341IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 2mg
Dipping Sauce Choices
Marinara is our household’s favourite choice for these and it suits with the hen parmesan theme. In case your children aren’t feeling the marinara although, then there are many different choices! Listed below are some extra home made and wholesome hen nugget dipping sauces:
Do your children love hen nuggets? What’s their favourite approach to eat them? Depart a remark and let me know!