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This super quick chicken nuggets only take a handful of ingredients and make for an easy toddler lunch!
I’ve said it before, but I’m always looking for quick and easy proteins for my son. He isn’t a huge fan of meat, so I’m constantly trying new ways to give it to him. Fingers crossed these are a hit! For my boy and for your little one, too. I’ll be serving his with ketchup, that usually works for him 😂
BABY LED WEANING
This would be a great recipe to serve babies starting at 6 months, once they’ve been safely introduced to the allergens in the recipe. For younger babies, typically it’s best to serve bigger pieces since those are easier for them to hold. Once they develop the pincer grasp (pointer and thumb pinching together), then you can start to give them smaller pieces.
For information on how to safely serve foods to babies depending on their age (plus so much more), I recommend Solid Starts. The app is free and has tons of information!
ALLERGENS
This recipe has eggs and wheat. Feel free to use GF breadcrumbs.
If you’d like to try it with an egg replacer, this one available online at Target. This post highlights other ideas for egg substitutes in recipes.
STORAGE
I stored these in the fridge for 3 days, then transferred to the freezer. They can stay in the freezer for 2-3 months.
To freeze I would line a baking sheet with foil or parchment then lay in a single layer and place in the freezer. Once frozen (give it a few hours) you can transfer to another container. This way they are individually frozen rather than all stuck together in one huge block!
To reheat I would either thaw in the fridge overnight then toast or microwave, or just toast or microwave from frozen. Best when toasted!
TOOLS USED/RECOMMENDED
Air Fryer – This is our air fryer/toaster oven that I use to cook SO so many things. Pricy, but really worth it imo!
More easy and delicious recipes for your little one found here!
Quick Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded or diced cooked chicken
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) while you prep the nuggets.
- In a bowl, combine the cooked chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into small nugget shapes or balls.
- Place the nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, until they are golden brown and heated through.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. My son recommends them be served with ketchup!
I hope these are a hit as a quick lunch for your little one. Enjoy!!
Lauren says
Hi! I love your website and have loved your recipes! Thank you for sharing them! I was wondering if these chicken nuggets could be cooked in the oven instead of an air fryer?
ivy says
Hi!! Thanks for the kind words, Lauren! Yes for sure. I think something like 350 for 10-15 minutes until golden should work 🙂 Let me know how they turn out!
Kendra greiner says
At what point are the breadcrumbs added? Recipe doesn’t state and wondering if it’s mixed through, or you roll the balls in the breadcrumbs at the end Thanks!
ivy says
Thank you for catching that! I just updated the recipe. I mixed it into the batter.