We all love those chicken nuggets from the restaurants, but do we know what is really in them? Make these delicious nuggets and you will never go back again.
1 lb. ground chicken (ground turkey could also be used)
¼ c. old-fashioned oats
¼ c. grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 t. Zatarain’s Creole Seasoning, divided or paprika
½ -3/4 t. garlic powder
¼ t. freshly grated black pepper
¾ c. breadcrumbs
In a large bowl, combine chicken, oatmeal, 1/8 c. grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 t. Zatarain’s seasoning, garlic powder and pepper.
Knead dry ingredients into ground chicken.
Moisten hands to prevent sticking. Form 1 tablespoon chicken mixture into a ball and press into a cookie cutter for shaped nuggets or flatten with fingers for a basic nugget shape.
In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with remaining seasoning and grated cheese.
Press nuggets into bread crumb mixture on all sides, patting crumbs into surface to coat evenly.
If desired , you can freeze them now for later use.
Bake:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Arrange nuggets on a cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray or lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray nuggets themselves with cooking spray or olive oil for a crispier coating, if you would like.
Bake 15-20 minutes, turning once, and checking. These baked nuggets will not really brown. If browning is desired, place them under the broiler for a couple of minutes at the end of cooking.
**Prepare these nuggets, bake only what you intend to use for the meal and freeze the rest in an airtight container or freezer bag. Take servings from the freezer as you use them and microwave them for 20-30 seconds or bake them in the oven as directed above.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or ketchup, if desired.