Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! These homemade gluten-free chicken nuggets are incredibly easy to make and taste so much better than anything from a box. Baked to perfection instead of deep-fried, they offer a healthier twist on a classic comfort food. Get ready to delight your family with these crispy, kid-friendly gluten-free chicken nuggets that will quickly become a cherished family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Making these delicious gluten-free chicken nuggets at home is a game-changer for busy parents and beginner cooks.
- Quick to Prepare: You can have these ready for the oven in just 10 minutes, making dinner a breeze.
- Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses accessible ingredients you likely already have or can easily find.
- Healthier Choice: We bake these crispy nuggets, avoiding the excess oil of deep-frying for a lighter meal.
- Kid-Approved: Even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds of these tasty bites.
- Excellent for Meal Prep: Prepare a batch ahead of time for easy lunches or future quick dinners.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients to create these perfectly crisp gluten-free chicken nuggets.
- ¾ cup Bisquick Gluten Free mix*
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt or garlic salt
- 2 chicken breasts (cut into nugget size)
- 1 egg (slightly beaten)
- 3 tbsp butter (melted)
Notes & Substitutions
We love Bisquick Gluten Free mix for its convenience and excellent texture in these gluten-free chicken nuggets. You can also make your own gluten-free pancake or baking mix using a blend of rice flour, tapioca starch, and a leavening agent. For a dairy-free option, swap Parmesan cheese with a plant-based alternative or nutritional yeast. Use dairy-free butter or olive oil instead of traditional butter for drizzling. Feel free to enhance the flavor with additional seasonings like garlic powder or onion powder.
Equipment
Having the right tools makes cooking these gluten-free chicken nuggets even simpler.
- Large baking sheet
- Mixing bowls or a large plastic storage bag
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Meat thermometer
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make your own batch of irresistible gluten-free chicken nuggets.
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat helps achieve a wonderfully crispy coating on your baked gluten-free chicken nuggets.
Spray a large baking sheet generously with gluten-free cooking spray to prevent sticking.
In a large plastic storage bag, combine the gluten-free Bisquick mix, Parmesan cheese, paprika, and garlic salt. Shake the bag gently to mix the dry ingredients thoroughly.
Cut the chicken breasts into uniform, bite-sized pieces. A simple method is to cut each breast in half lengthwise, then in half again, creating four strips. Then, cut these strips into consistent nugget-sized pieces.
Place the chicken pieces into a bowl with the slightly beaten egg. Stir the chicken until every piece is fully coated in the egg mixture. This helps the breading adhere properly.
Transfer the egg-coated chicken pieces into the plastic storage bag with the gluten-free Bisquick mixture. Seal the bag and turn it over repeatedly, shaking gently, until all chicken pieces are completely coated with the breading.
Melt the butter in a glass measuring cup or a small microwave-safe dish. This will be drizzled over the nuggets for extra flavor and crispiness.
Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure there is some space between each nugget for even cooking. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over all the coated chicken nuggets.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the gluten-free chicken nuggets are golden brown and fully cooked through. To ensure safety, check the internal temperature of a nugget with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
Serve your homemade gluten-free chicken nuggets immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve the perfect batch of crispy gluten-free chicken nuggets every time with these helpful tips. Ensure your chicken pieces are cut uniformly; this promotes even cooking and consistent texture. For maximum crispiness, firmly press the coating onto the chicken before baking. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this can steam the nuggets instead of crisping them. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat. If you prefer, crisp these gluten-free chicken nuggets further in an air fryer for a few minutes after baking. For that coveted golden brown color, check the oven at 18 minutes and adjust baking time as needed.
Serving, Storage & Variations
These versatile gluten-free chicken nuggets are perfect for many occasions.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with classic dipping sauces like ketchup, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard.
- Pair them with a side of crispy oven fries, sweet potato fries, or roasted vegetables.
- Pack cooled nuggets into lunchboxes for a delightful mid-day meal.
- Arrange them on a platter as an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties.
Storage Instructions
- Store any cooled leftover gluten-free chicken nuggets in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate promptly and consume within 3 days for best quality.
- To freeze cooked nuggets, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid.
- Transfer the frozen nuggets to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
- You can also freeze uncooked, coated nuggets similarly for future baking.
Reheating Instructions
- Reheat cooled or frozen nuggets in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) or in an air fryer.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes (or 8-12 minutes in air fryer) until heated through and crispy.
Variations & Additions
- Experiment with different spice blends like Italian seasoning, chili powder, or smoked paprika for unique flavors.
- For extra crunch, mix a few tablespoons of gluten-free breadcrumbs into the dry coating mixture.
- Try different gluten-free flour blends, such as a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour, in place of Bisquick GF mix.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicier version of these gluten-free chicken nuggets.
Nutrition
Enjoying these homemade gluten-free chicken nuggets means you know exactly what’s in your meal. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Protein | 27g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 110mg |
| Sodium | 450mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 1g |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
FAQ
Got questions about making these delicious gluten-free chicken nuggets? We have answers!
- Can I make these in an air fryer? Yes, you absolutely can! Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, for extra crispy results.
- Are these chicken nuggets freezer-friendly? Yes, they are! You can freeze them cooked or uncooked for quick meals later on.
- How do I reheat leftover nuggets? Reheat in an oven or air fryer until hot and crispy to restore their original texture.
- What is the best gluten-free flour to use? We recommend Bisquick Gluten Free mix for its ease, but a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend also works well.
- Can I make these dairy-free? Yes, easily! Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use dairy-free butter or olive oil.
- Why aren’t my nuggets crispy? Ensure your oven is fully preheated, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, and drizzle the butter generously.
Conclusion
These homemade baked gluten-free chicken nuggets are a fantastic way to enjoy a classic comfort food that’s both healthier and incredibly easy to make. Their crispy exterior and tender interior make them an instant hit with kids and adults alike. Quick to prepare and versatile for meal prepping, they truly embody the simple, delicious cooking Sweet Emily loves to share. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy these wonderful gluten-free chicken nuggets with your family today! Share your experience and make dinner special.
A strict, lifelong commitment to a gluten-free diet is essential for individuals with celiac disease to manage the condition and avoid symptoms.
Crispy Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets: Homemade & Baked
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Large Plastic Storage Bag
- Bowl
- Microwave-Safe Dish
Ingredients
Nuggets
- ¾ cup Bisquick Gluten Free mix *(Gluten Free)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt or garlic salt
- 2 chicken breasts (cut into nugget size)
- 1 egg (slightly beaten)
- 3 tbsp butter (melted)
Instructions
Nugget Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Spray a baking sheet with gluten-free cooking spray.
- Combine gluten-free Bisquick mix, Parmesan cheese, paprika, and garlic salt in a large plastic storage bag.
- Cut the chicken breasts into nugget-sized pieces.
- Dip the chicken pieces into the slightly beaten egg, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Transfer the egg-coated chicken to the plastic bag with the Bisquick mixture and shake until fully coated.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe dish.
- Arrange the coated chicken on the greased baking sheet and drizzle with melted butter.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve the crispy nuggets with your preferred dipping sauce and enjoy.