Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs
boneless & skinless
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 cup almond flour
- Salt & pepper
- 1.5 cups tapioca starch or arrowroot starch
- 3 eggs
- 3 cups pork rind panko or gluten free breadcrumbs
- Avocado oil
- 1/3 cup avocado oil mayo
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
no sugar added
- 1 tablespoon dill relish
no sugar added
- ¾ teaspoon tabasco sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt & couple cracks of fresh pepper
Directions
- 1
Slowly bring the avocado oil to 350F in a medium size pot. If baking, preheat oven to 425F. Add the almond flour to a bowl and cover with enough water to make it wet and mushy, set aside. Add the chicken thighs to a food processor along with the onion and garlic powder, 2 teaspoons of salt, and few cracks of pepper. Add the almond flour mixture and pulse until well combined and finely minced. You will need to stir the mixture with a spoon to make sure everything gets mixed evenly.
- 2
Place the eggs in one dish with 1 tablespoon of water and mix well. Place the tapioca starch in another dish along with a pinch of salt and pepper, mix well. Add the pork panko to another bowl, if using breadcrumbs season with salt and pepper. Measure 2 tablespoons of chicken mixture and from into a nugget shape using wet hands. Dip the nuggets in tapioca starch and make sure they are well coated, shake off the excess, dip in egg wash, shake off excess, then dip in the pork panko and make sure to cover well. Repeat with the remaining nuggets and place them on a wire rack set inside a sheet tray.
- 3
If deep frying, which I recommend, fry in small batches for 5 minutes until deep golden brown. Before adding to oil, make sure to press the nuggets down to flatten quite a bit, or they will plump up like a fotball while frying. If baking in the oven, bake at 425F for 20 minutes and make sure the nuggets are set on a wire rack inside a sheet tray and spray them with avocado oil all over before baking. Also, you can air fry at 425F for about 10 minutes. You can freeze the nuggets once they are breaded and fry later.
- 4
Meanwhile, make the secret sauce by combining everything in a small bowl and whisking well. Check for seasoning and serve with the nuggets. Enjoy!
Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 241 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving that irresistible crunch and juicy bite of your favorite chicken nuggets, but want a homemade version that’s both better for you and packed with flavor? These Homemade Chicken Nuggets redefine fast-food favorites, delivering a low-carb twist that’s truly superior.
What makes these chicken nuggets truly special is the ingenious use of pork rind panko for an incredibly crispy, golden coating that's naturally low in carbs. Paired with succulent boneless, skinless chicken thighs, you get a tender interior that contrasts beautifully with the savory, crunchy crust. The accompanying secret sauce, a tangy and savory blend, elevates every bite, making these nuggets feel like a gourmet upgrade to a childhood classic.
Get ready for chicken nuggets that are anything but basic. You'll experience a satisfyingly crisp exterior thanks to the unique pork rind coating, giving way to perfectly tender and juicy chicken on the inside. Seasoned with onion and garlic powder, the chicken itself is flavorful, but the real star is the dipping experience. The creamy, zesty secret sauce—with hints of dill relish and a kick of Tabasco—provides the perfect counterpoint to the rich chicken. This is a dish that delivers on comfort food cravings without compromising on deliciousness.
For customization, you can choose between tapioca starch or arrowroot starch for the breading base, both contributing to the fantastic texture. While chicken thighs offer unparalleled juiciness, you can experiment with other chicken cuts if desired. Feel free to adjust the heat level of the secret sauce by varying the amount of Tabasco, or swap the no-sugar ketchup for a regular version if diet isn't a concern.
These homemade nuggets are perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a fun game-day appetizer, or a family-friendly meal that will impress even the pickiest eaters. Serve them warm with extra secret sauce on the side for dipping.