Description
Heart-Shaped Chicken Nuggets are a delightful twist on traditional nuggets, perfect for special occasions or just a fun meal for kids. These homemade nuggets are shaped like hearts and can be baked or fried to crispy perfection.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Nuggets:
- 1 pound ground chicken;
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned);
- 1 egg;
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder;
- 1 teaspoon onion powder;
- ½ teaspoon paprika;
- ½ teaspoon salt;
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper;
- ½ cup all-purpose flour;
- 2 eggs, beaten (for breading);
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs;
- Cooking spray or vegetable oil for baking/frying
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat oil in a deep skillet for frying. In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out portions of the chicken mixture and flatten them on the sheet, shaping into hearts using your hands or a heart-shaped cookie cutter. Freeze the shaped nuggets for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
- Set up a breading station with flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and panko breadcrumbs in a third. Dredge each heart-shaped nugget in flour, dip in egg, then coat with panko.
- To bake: Place nuggets on a lined baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
- To fry: Heat 1 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry nuggets in batches for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- You can add grated Parmesan to the panko for extra flavor.
- Make ahead by freezing the shaped, breaded nuggets and cooking from frozen.
- Use cookie cutters for consistent shapes.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Snack
- Method: Baking or Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 nuggets
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 440 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
