Protien-Packed Chicken Nuggets

Name: Protien-Packed Chicken Nuggets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 tbsp Grated Parmesan; 1tsp Sweet Paprika; 0.5 tsp Dried Oregano, or dried mixed herbs; 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil, to drizzle; 200g Steamed Veggies, such as green beans; 100g Houmous, or Tzatziki; 1 small Brown Onion, finely grated or diced; 1 Egg; 200g Bread Crumbs, or use GF breadcrumbs; 500g Minced Chicken; 1 small Carrot, peeled and finely grated; 1 Courgette, finely grated and squeezed to remove excess water; 1 Garlic Clove, crushed; 400g Sweet Potato Mash

by Mandy Sacher

Poultry

Dairy Free

15m prep time

45m total time

Easy level

14 ingredients

Protien-Packed Chicken Nuggets recipe by Mandy Sacher

These crunchy nuggets are a delicious, nutritious take on the fast‑food fave, packed with protein-rich chicken and veggies for added goodness. It’s almost impossible to find healthy store-bought options. That’s why I developed this recipe as an alternative for fussy little eaters and to ensure that babies do not get introduced to salty, additive-filled and ultra-processed food from the supermarket. My nuggets are golden and crispy, designed for little hands to grasp and self-feed, while offering a great source of protein, zinc and iron – key nutrients for babies and toddlers. The mild seasoning adds flavour without being overpowering. They are perfect for fussy babies, toddlers and children too.

Method

Based on 4 servings, adjust as needed.

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking tray with baking paper.

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, carrot, courgette, garlic, onion, egg, crumbs, parmesan, paprika and herbs. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Step 3

Shape tablespoonfuls of the mixture into nugget-sized pieces. Roll each piece in extra crumbs to coat lightly for a crispy finish.

Step 4

Place the nuggets on the prepared tray, spacing them slightly apart. Lightly drizzle with oil to enhance crispiness.

Step 5

Bake, flipping halfway through, for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6

Serve mashed, if giving to babies, broken into soft, bite-sized pieces or offer as finger food alongside a dip, soft steamed veggies or mashed sweet potato.

Ingredients
Based on 4 servings

1 tbsp Grated Parmesan 1 x Sainsbury's Fresh Grated Parmigiano Cheese 60g
1tsp Sweet Paprika 1 x La Chinata Smoked Paprika Powder Sweet 70g
0.5 tsp Dried Oregano, or dried mixed herbs 1 x Sainsbury's Oregano 12g
1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil, to drizzle 1 x Sainsbury's Olive Oil, Extra Virgin 500ml
200g Steamed Veggies, such as green beans 1 x Sainsbury's Fine Green Beans 200g
100g Houmous, or Tzatziki 1 x Sabra Houmous Extra 200g
1 small Brown Onion, finely grated or diced 1 x Sainsbury's Onions Loose
1 Egg 1 x Sainsbury's British Free Range Eggs Medium x6
200g Bread Crumbs, or use GF breadcrumbs 1 x Sainsbury's Golden Breadcrumbs 230g
500g Minced Chicken 1 x Heck 500g Simply Chicken Gluten Free Mince
1 small Carrot, peeled and finely grated 1 x Sainsbury's Loose Carrots
1 Courgette, finely grated and squeezed to remove excess water 1 x Sainsbury's Courgettes Loose
1 Garlic Clove, crushed 1 x Sainsbury's Large Garlic
400g Sweet Potato Mash 1 x Sainsbury's Sweet Potato Mash 400g