Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets

5 from 1 vote

These gluten-free chicken nuggets have that nostalgic childhood taste! They're super easy to prepare and can be cooked by baking, frying, or air frying. They taste great on their own with your favourite sauces, or in a wrap or sandwich.

Prep Time15

Cook Time15

Total Time30

Course: Main Course, Snack

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free, Low Lactose

Servings:

Calories: 280kcal

Author: Olivia Parsons

Equipment

Air Fryer optional

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts 1 lb, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces
½ cup gluten-free flour any should work, I use an all-purpose blend
2 eggs
2 tablespoon milk of choice use dairy-free if preferred
1 ½ cups gluten-free breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
1 cup oil if frying use canola, sunflower, or avocado oil

Instructions

Prepare the nuggets

Preheat your cooking method per instructions below. Arrange a breading assembly line with 5 dishes:
1. A plate with the raw chicken breast chunks
2. A plate with gluten-free flour mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper
3. A bowl with the eggs and milk whisked together
4. A plate with the breadcrumbs and spices combined
5. And a plate for the finished nuggets
Bread each piece of chicken: cover it in flour completely, submerge in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs, and place on the plate. Repeat until all chicken is breaded.

Bake the nuggets

Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Place the chicken nuggets on a greased wire rack on top of a sheet pan and bake for 15-20 minutes. If you don't have a wire rack, place the nuggets on a parchment lined sheet pan, and flip halfway through cooking. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165ºF.

Fry the nuggets

Heat a neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the nuggets for about 4 minutes per side until golden, then place on a paper towel lined plate. You may need to do this in batches so the pan is not overcrowded. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165ºF.

Air fry the nuggets

Spray the bottom of your air fryer with oil, then place the nuggets in the basket and spray the tops of them with oil too. Air fry at 400ºF for 10-15 minutes. You may need to do this in batches so the air fryer is not overcrowded. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165ºF.
Serve warm with your favourite sauces or in a sandwich!

Notes

Dairy-free: Use your favourite dairy-free milk.
Chicken safety: Use a probe thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the thickest part of the nuggets reaches 165ºF.
Make ahead: Bread the chicken nuggets and keep them on a plate covered in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 8 hours before cooking.
Storage: Cooled chicken nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or in the oven or air fryer at 350ºF for a few minutes.
Freezing: Please note that I have not yet tested freezing this recipe.

Nutrition facts are an estimate.

Nutrition