Oven Baked Chicken Nuggets Without Breadcrumbs Recipe
Tender and flavorful oven-baked chicken nuggets made without breadcrumbs, combining ground chicken and sweet potato for a naturally gluten-free, Whole30-friendly, and dairy-free meal option. These nuggets offer a healthy protein boost and can be made crispier with a quick broil or using an air fryer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 18-21 nuggets)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 cups finely grated or chopped sweet potatoes (about 1 medium-large sweet potato)
- 2 tablespoons tapioca flour, arrowroot starch, or cornstarch
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray it with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the ground chicken, grated sweet potatoes, tapioca flour (or arrowroot/cornstarch), onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, and kosher salt into a food processor bowl. Blend on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the mixture combines well and starts to pull away from the sides.
- Shape Nuggets: Using a tablespoon, scoop the mixture and place each portion about 1/2 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Wet your fingers with water to prevent sticking and shape each scoop into nugget forms. You should get about 18-21 nuggets from the mixture.
- Bake Nuggets: Bake the nuggets in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes. Flip them halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Optional Broil for Crispiness: For a crispier exterior, broil the nuggets for the last 2 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Let the nuggets cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with sauces like sugar-free ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or sriracha.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Flash freeze nuggets on a sheet pan until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven, microwave, or air fryer.
- Air Fryer Option: Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Place nuggets in the basket, air fry for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Cooking time may vary based on nugget size.