Name: Nutritious Chicken Broccoli Nuggets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; 1 cup finely chopped broccoli florets; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Oh Mommas and Dads, do I have something for you! Finding meals that are both healthy AND that the kids will actually *eat* can feel like a mission impossible, right? I swear, my little ones can sniff out a vegetable from a mile away. But these Nutritious Chicken Broccoli Nuggets? They’re a total game-changer. Seriously, they’re baked, not fried, super simple to whip up, and packed with goodness. I first made these when my son went through that *phase* where he wouldn’t touch anything green. These nuggets were my secret weapon, and thankfully, they passed the picky eater test with flying colors!

Why You’ll Love These Nutritious Chicken Broccoli Nuggets

Trust me, these nuggets are a lifesaver! Here’s why you’ll be making them over and over again:

Super Easy & Quick: Seriously, mix and bake. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something healthy on the table fast.
Healthy-ish AND Delicious: Packed with lean chicken and hidden broccoli, they’re a guilt-free win that kids actually gobble up.
Kid-Approved Flavor: The taste is just right – savory, a little bit herby, and totally kid-napkin-worthy!
Baked, Not Fried: We skip the greasy mess but still get a great texture.

Ingredients for Nutritious Chicken Broccoli Nuggets

Alright, let’s get down to what you’ll need for these little gems. It’s a pretty straightforward list, making it super easy to grab everything at the store. Just make sure your broccoli is super fine – that’s key!

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

1 pound ground chicken
1 cup finely chopped broccoli florets (seriously, chop ’em up small!)
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko is great if you like a bit more crunch!)
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste – I always use kosher salt because it just adds that little something extra.

Ingredient Spotlight: Broccoli’s Nutritional Power

Ya know, broccoli is like nature’s little superhero, especially when you’re trying to sneak in some extra goodness. These nuggets are fantastic because that finely chopped broccoli isn’t just for texture. It’s loaded with Vitamin C for your immune system and fiber, which is awesome for digestion. So, you’re making a meal that’s not only a hit with the kids but is genuinely good for them too!

How to Make Nutritious Chicken Broccoli Nuggets: Step-by-Step

Okay, let’s get these tasty little nuggets into your oven! It’s really a breeze, even on a chaotic Tuesday night. You’ll be so proud of yourself for whipping up something so good and healthy, maybe even better than those store-bought ones, and certainly more nutritious! You can even serve them with some yummy garlic herb roasted potatoes for a complete meal!

Preheating and Preparing Your Baking Sheet

First things first, get your oven fired up to 400°F (that’s 200°C for my fellow bakers!). While it’s warming up, grab a baking sheet and cover it with parchment paper. This is seriously my favorite trick – it makes cleanup almost nonexistent, and it stops those little nuggets from sticking!

Mixing the Nugget Ingredients

Now, grab a big bowl. Toss in your ground chicken, all those super-finely chopped broccoli florets (seriously, chop them small!), the breadcrumbs, that egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Then, get in there with your hands (or a sturdy spoon) and mix it all up really, really well. You want everything evenly distributed so every bite is packed with flavor.

Shaping Your Nutritious Chicken Broccoli Nuggets

Time to get a little hands-on! Take about a tablespoon or so of the mixture and really shape it into little nuggets. Think bite-sized, perfect for little hands (or big ones!). You can make them oval, round, or whatever shape your heart desires. Just try to keep them roughly the same size so they cook evenly, no one likes a half-cooked nugget!

A stack of golden brown Nutritious Chicken Broccoli Nuggets on a white plate, garnished with parsley and avocado.

Baking to Golden Perfection

Lay those shaped nuggets onto your prepared baking sheet. Give them a little space so the air can circulate. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for them to be fully cooked through and get a nice little bit of golden brown color on the outside. If you want an extra crispy edge, you can carefully flip them halfway through!

Tips for Perfect Nutritious Chicken Broccoli Nuggets

Alright, so you’ve got the basics down, but let’s talk about making these nuggets truly shine! A few little tricks can make all the difference between good and *amazing*. First off, that broccoli? It really does need to be chopped super, super fine. Like, almost to a paste! It makes it disappear into the chicken mix so you get all those nutrients without any complaints. My kids are ninja-level refusers of chunky veggies, so I pulse mine in the food processor for just a few seconds. Be careful not to over-process, though! They pair perfectly with some healthy smashed carrots on the side.

For that extra little crisp factor, try swapping regular breadcrumbs for panko breadcrumbs. They get deliciously golden and stay nice and crunchy. And if you’re worried about sticking (though parchment paper is pretty foolproof!), a tiny spritz of cooking spray on the nuggets before they go in the oven can help too. I’ve also found that adding a little dollop of my yummy roasted veggie tahini-yogurt sauce on the side really makes them pop!

Serving Suggestions for Nutritious Chicken Broccoli Nuggets

Okay, so these little nuggets are fantastic on their own, but serving them with some yummy sides just takes them to the next level! They’re perfect with a fresh, crisp salad like my cucumber caprese salad or even a sweet and tangy pineapple cucumber salad. And of course, you can’t go wrong with some sweet potato fries or a simple bowl of fruit!

Storage and Reheating Your Nutritious Chicken Broccoli Nuggets

Don’t you hate when leftovers get all soggy? Me too! But these chicken broccoli nuggets are pretty resilient. Once they’ve cooled down, just pop any extras into an airtight container and pop ’em in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to freeze them, lay them flat on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Reheating is super easy – a few minutes in the oven or toaster oven brings back that lovely crispiness. Microwaving works, but might make them a bit softer, so the oven is usually my go-to to keep that texture!

Frequently Asked Questions About Nutritious Chicken Broccoli Nuggets

Got questions? I’ve got answers! People always ask me about mixing things up or getting them just right. These are some of the most common ones I hear, like how to make them ahead or if you can swap out the chicken. Don’t worry, we can totally make these work for your busy life!

Can I make these nuggets ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can totally mix the nugget mixture and shape them earlier in the day or even the night before. Just pop them back on the baking sheet and bake when you’re ready. They’ll still be just as yummy, and it’s a lifesaver for those busy evenings!

What can I use instead of ground chicken?

Great question! Turkey is a fantastic substitute and works just as well. For a vegetarian option, you could try finely minced firm tofu or even a mix of mashed white beans and pureed spinach, though the texture might be a bit different. You can also check out my chicken parmesan zucchini boats for another healthy swap idea!

How can I make the nuggets crispier?

Want that extra crunch? Definitely swap regular breadcrumbs for panko! Also, giving them a little spritz of cooking spray or baking them directly on the oven rack (with a sheet pan underneath to catch drips) can sometimes help crisp up the bottoms too! Just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Okay, so let’s chat numbers for a sec! While every oven and ingredient can be a little different, these estimates are a good ballpark for what you’re getting with these tasty nuggets. Per serving (which is about 4 nuggets), you’re looking at roughly 150 calories, 15 grams of protein to keep those little ones full, and just a small touch of carbs and fat. It’s a wonderfully balanced little bite!

Share Your Nutritious Chicken Broccoli Nugget Creations!

I absolutely LOVE seeing your baking adventures! If you whip up these Nutritious Chicken Broccoli Nuggets, please, please, please leave a comment below and tell me how they turned out! Did your picky eaters approve? Did you add a special spice? I’d also love it if you shared a pic on social media and tagged me – you can even check out my about me page for my handles! Your feedback totally makes my day!

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