What ingredients do I need to make almond crusted chicken nuggets?

To make almond crusted chicken nuggets, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breast or tenders, finely ground almonds (almond meal or almond flour), eggs, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings like garlic powder or paprika. The ground almonds replace traditional breadcrumbs for a crunchy, nutty coating. Using egg washes helps the almond coating stick to the chicken for even coverage when baking or frying.

How do I cook almond crusted chicken nuggets so they stay crispy?

For crispy almond crusted chicken nuggets, bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) on a greased baking sheet or parchment paper. Arrange the nuggets with space between them and cook for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to brown both sides evenly. Alternatively, shallow fry in oil heated to 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes per side. Using almond flour prevents sogginess while maintaining a crunchy texture.

Are almond crusted chicken nuggets healthier than traditional nuggets?

Almond crusted chicken nuggets are often considered healthier since almonds provide heart-friendly monounsaturated fats, fiber, and protein, plus fewer refined carbs compared to breadcrumbs. They also add vitamins like vitamin E and magnesium. Baking instead of deep-frying further reduces calories. However, portion control and cooking methods still impact overall healthiness.

Can almond crusted chicken nuggets be made gluten-free?

Yes, almond crusted chicken nuggets are naturally gluten-free when using almond flour or almond meal instead of traditional wheat breadcrumbs. Make sure to check that any additional seasonings or ingredients you use do not contain gluten. This makes almond crusted nuggets a great option for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

What side dishes pair well with almond crusted chicken nuggets?

Almond crusted chicken nuggets pair well with fresh salads, steamed or roasted vegetables, sweet potato fries, or a light dipping sauce like honey mustard or Greek yogurt ranch. For a balanced meal, serve with a mix of colorful veggies and whole grains such as quinoa or brown rice to complement the crunchy, flavorful nuggets.

Almond Crusted Chicken Nuggets: 5‑Minute Crispy Bites

Name: Almond Crusted Chicken Nuggets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 oz (≈ 170 g) almonds, processed into a fine crumb (or use the same amount of almond meal); 1 tsp (≈ 5 ml) kosher salt, plus more to taste; 1 tsp (≈ 5 ml) smoked paprika; ½ tsp (≈ 2.5 ml) garlic powder; ¼ tsp (≈ 1 ml) freshly cracked black pepper; 1 large egg; ¼ cup (≈ 60 ml) water or milk, for the egg wash; ½ cup (≈ 60 g) flour all-purpose, whole-wheat, gluten-free, or extra-fine almond flour can be used; 1½ lb (≈ 680 g) raw, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces; Cooking spray (or a light drizzle of oil) for the sheet

Ingredients

Scale

6 oz (≈ 170 g) almonds, processed into a fine crumb (or use the same amount of almond meal)

1 tsp (≈ 5 ml) kosher salt, plus more to taste

1 tsp (≈ 5 ml) smoked paprika

½ tsp (≈ 2.5 ml) garlic powder

¼ tsp (≈ 1 ml) freshly cracked black pepper

1 large egg

¼ cup (≈ 60 ml) water or milk, for the egg wash

½ cup (≈ 60 g) flour all-purpose, whole-wheat, gluten-free, or extra-fine almond flour can be used

1½ lb (≈ 680 g) raw, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

Cooking spray (or a light drizzle of oil) for the sheet

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Instructions

1-Getting Started with Prep Work: First, slice 1½ lb of raw, boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-size pieces and pat them dry. This helps the coating stick better and ensures even cooking. Next, in a shallow bowl, whisk 1 large egg with ¼ cup of water or milk to create your egg wash. In another bowl, mix 6 oz of ground almonds with 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, and ¼ tsp black pepper for the seasoned crumb mixture.

2-The Coating and Baking Process: Now for the fun part: breading the chicken. Dip each piece into ½ cup of flour first, shaking off the excess, then into the egg wash for even coverage, and finally roll it in the almond mixture, pressing gently to make sure it sticks. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, giving it a light spray of cooking oil. Arrange the coated nuggets in a single layer on the sheet.

Bake them for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. For extra crunch, you can broil them for 1-2 minutes at the end just keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Once done, serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce. If you’re looking for side ideas, check out this recipe for baked broccoli cheese balls to pair perfectly.

Notes

🌰 Use pre‑seasoned almonds (salt‑and‑vinegar or herb‑infused) to add flavor without extra spices.
🔥 For extra crunch, finish the nuggets under the broiler or give them a quick burst in an air fryer.
❄️ Freeze cooked nuggets on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag; reheat directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer for a quick snack.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Oven‑baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low‑carb, high‑protein

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (about 10 nuggets)
Calories: 280
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 400 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 9 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg