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Veggie-Loaded Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Crispy Veggie-Loaded Homemade Chicken Nuggets You’ll Love

Veggie-Loaded Homemade Chicken Nuggets are crunchy on the outside and packed with vibrant veggies, offering a nutritious twist to a beloved classic.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 18 nuggets
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 100
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Nuggets
  • 1 pound Ground Chicken Consider ground turkey for a lighter option.
  • 1 cup Grated Zucchini Squeeze out excess water to avoid sogginess.
  • 1 cup Grated Carrot Feel free to adjust the ratio with zucchini if desired.
  • 1 cup Chopped Spinach Kale can be a great substitute, or you can omit it entirely.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Adjust to your spice preference.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder You can swap in fresh minced onion for a different flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Customize with fresh herbs depending on what's available.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Replace with fresh minced garlic if that’s your preference.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Use according to taste, especially if using seasoned salt.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to meet your taste.
For Cooking
  • 2 tablespoons Oil (for frying) Avocado or olive oil is ideal for its health benefits.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • skillet
  • Kitchen towel
  • Plate

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Drain the Zucchini: Begin by grating the zucchini. Once done, place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and twist tightly to squeeze out excess moisture.
  2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini, ground chicken, grated carrot, chopped spinach, and your chosen seasonings. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix thoroughly.
  3. Shape the Nuggets: Dampen your hands slightly and start portioning out the mixture into roughly 18 nuggets. Shape each nugget carefully.
  4. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, pour enough oil to cover the bottom and heat it over medium heat until shimmering.
  5. Fry the Nuggets: Carefully place the shaped nuggets in the hot skillet, cooking for about 5 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the nuggets from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

Nutrition

Serving: 1nuggetCalories: 100kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 12gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

These nuggets freeze beautifully! Make a double batch and freeze for easy, nutritious meals on busy nights.

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