Easy Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Nuggets: A Wholesome & Delicious Family Favorite

Discover the ultimate recipe for Easy Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Nuggets, a delightful and nutritious twist on classic chicken nuggets. These golden-brown bites are not just incredibly flavorful, but they also offer a smart way to incorporate wholesome vegetables and lean protein into your family’s diet, especially for picky eaters. Building on the popularity of our Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Burgers, these nuggets take convenience and taste to a new level. With just a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible nuggets that are guaranteed to become a household staple.

Baked to crispy perfection, these homemade chicken nuggets offer a healthier alternative to their deep-fried counterparts without compromising on that satisfying crunch. Serve them alongside your family’s favorite dipping sauces—ketchup, tangy BBQ, or a creamy honey mustard all make fantastic companions. For those feeling adventurous, try them over a crisp salad for a lighter meal, or nestled inside a warm wrap for a quick and easy lunch. Prepare to fall in love with these wholesome, flavorful, and incredibly easy-to-make chicken nuggets that redefine healthy comfort food.

About Smart Chicken: Our Choice for Premium Poultry

After a significant period of not eating meat, my return to including chicken in my diet was largely influenced by the exceptional quality and ethical practices of Smart Chicken. Their commitment to superior poultry stands out in today’s market, ensuring that every bite you take is not only delicious but also responsibly sourced.

What makes Smart Chicken truly special? It begins with their diet: all organic Smart Chickens are exclusively fed a certified organic, certified non-GMO diet. This means no antibiotics, no added hormones, and absolutely no animal by-products are ever used. Their chickens are raised in an environment that prioritizes their well-being, allowing them the freedom to roam with access to outdoor pastures. This natural lifestyle contributes significantly to the superior taste and texture of the meat.

Furthermore, Smart Chicken is USDA Process Verified as pure air chilled. This is a crucial distinction, as it means no water is added during processing, which can dilute flavor and texture in other chicken brands. The result is a richer, more concentrated chicken flavor and a more tender product. Each chicken is also hand-trimmed for your convenience, reducing prep time in your kitchen. Choosing Smart Chicken means choosing the best-tasting, highest-quality fresh chicken available, making it the perfect foundation for these wholesome chicken nuggets.

This post is proudly sponsored by Smart Chicken. While I was compensated for my time, all opinions expressed here are genuinely my own and reflect my personal experience and endorsement of their product.

Essential Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Nugget Ingredients

Creating these delectable broccoli cheddar chicken nuggets requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect flavor, texture, and nutritional balance. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• Ground Chicken: The foundation of our nuggets is one pound of high-quality ground chicken. We highly recommend Smart Chicken’s ground chicken for its superior flavor and ethical sourcing. This recipe typically yields between 12-14 medium-sized nuggets. For food safety, ensure the internal temperature of the nuggets reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74°C) to confirm they are thoroughly cooked.
• Cooked Broccoli Florets: You’ll need ¾ cup of finely chopped, cooked broccoli florets. The key here is to use only the florets, discarding the tougher stems, which can alter the texture of your nuggets. Whether you steam, microwave, or boil your broccoli, ensure it’s cooked until tender-crisp. If boiling, it’s absolutely crucial to drain the broccoli extremely well. After draining, pat it vigorously dry with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. Wet broccoli can make your nugget mixture soggy, preventing them from crisping up properly.
• Cheese: The irresistible cheesy flavor comes from a combination of ½ cup of finely shredded mild cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese. Mild cheddar offers a creamy, classic flavor that pairs beautifully with broccoli, while parmesan adds a salty, umami depth that elevates the overall taste. Freshly shredded cheese will always melt better and taste superior to pre-shredded varieties.
• Flavorful Spices: A blend of common pantry spices brings these nuggets to life. You’ll need ½ teaspoon of garlic powder for aromatic depth, ¼ teaspoon of paprika for a subtle sweetness and hint of color, ¼ – ½ teaspoon of kosher salt to enhance all the flavors, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper for a gentle kick. Feel free to adjust salt and pepper to your personal preference.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adding 1.5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to the chicken mixture is a secret to keeping the nuggets moist, tender, and incredibly flavorful from the inside out. It also helps bind the ingredients together.
• Crispy Breading: For that perfect golden, crispy crust, we combine ¼ cup of plain breadcrumbs and ¼ cup of panko breadcrumbs. The plain breadcrumbs provide a foundational coating, while the panko breadcrumbs, with their larger, flakier texture, are essential for achieving that irresistible extra layer of crispiness and a lighter bite.

How to Make Delicious Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Nuggets

Creating these delightful chicken nuggets is a straightforward process, ensuring a wholesome and flavorful meal for your family. Follow these detailed steps for perfect results every time:

1. Prepare Your Baking Station

Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Set this aside. In a separate shallow bowl, combine the plain and panko breadcrumbs, mixing them well. This will be your breading station, so keep it easily accessible.

2. Mix the Nugget Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the one pound of ground chicken, the ¾ cup of finely chopped and thoroughly dried cooked broccoli florets, ½ cup of shredded mild cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese, 1.5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ¼ – ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon of paprika, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Using your hands or a sturdy spoon, gently mix all the ingredients until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the chicken tough.

3. Form the Nuggets

To prevent the chicken mixture from sticking to your hands, lightly wet them with water before you start forming the nuggets. This simple trick makes the shaping process much smoother. It is crucial that your nuggets are uniform in size, shape, and thickness. This consistency ensures that all nuggets cook evenly, preventing some from being undercooked while others are overcooked. Aim for an oblong or classic nugget shape, about 1 to 1.5 inches in length and ½ inch thick.

4. Bread and Prepare for Baking

Once you’ve formed each nugget, roll it through the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is thoroughly coated on all sides. Gently press the breading onto the nugget to help it adhere. Place each breaded nugget onto your prepared baking tray, making sure to leave a little space between each one for even air circulation during baking. Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with avocado oil cooking spray. This helps them achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and extra crispiness.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the nuggets in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time (around 12-15 minutes), carefully flip each nugget to ensure even browning on both sides. You might need to give the second side a gentle spray with avocado oil cooking spray as well. For an extra boost of color and crispiness, consider broiling the nuggets for 1-2 minutes at the very end of the cooking time, watching them closely to prevent burning.

Important Note: Smaller nuggets will likely require less cooking time, so adjust accordingly. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74°C) for food safety. Once fully cooked and golden, remove the nuggets from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these hot, crispy, and healthy homemade nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce!

Storage Tips

Leftover broccoli cheddar chicken nuggets are perfect for quick snacks or future meals. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. To reheat, you can use a microwave for speed, but for best results and to regain some crispiness, reheat them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also freeze cooked nuggets for longer storage. Place cooled nuggets on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven until thoroughly warmed and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delicious broccoli cheddar chicken nuggets:

More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Explore

If you loved these broccoli cheddar chicken nuggets, you’ll surely enjoy these other chicken-centric recipes that are perfect for any meal:

• Juicy Chicken Burgers
• Big Mac Style Chicken Burger Bowl
• Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Mini Chicken Meatballs
• Chicken Broccoli Pasta
• Air Fryer Chicken Nugget Pizza Bites

Recipe Card: Easy Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Nuggets

Author: Sarah Thomas-Drawbaugh

These easy homemade broccoli cheddar chicken nuggets are a fun and nutritious twist on classic chicken favorites. They’re a fantastic way to incorporate vegetables and protein into your family’s meals without sacrificing delicious flavor!

Yield: 14 nuggets

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 45 mins

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Average Rating: 4.29 from 7 votes

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Equipment

• 2 mixing bowls (one for chicken mixture, one for breading)
• 1 baking tray (lined with parchment paper)

Ingredients

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Nuggets

• 1 lb. ground chicken, Smart Chicken preferred
• ¾ cup broccoli florets, cooked and finely chopped (ensure broccoli is fully dry, not wet; florets only)
• ½ cup mild cheddar cheese, finely shredded
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
• 1.5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ – ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Breading

• ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
• Avocado oil cooking spray, for light coating

Instructions

1. Prepare & Combine Breading: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside. In a shallow bowl, combine the plain and panko breadcrumbs. Set aside.
2. Mix Nugget Ingredients: In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped cooked broccoli florets, shredded mild cheddar cheese, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and extra virgin olive oil. Mix until all ingredients are well combined, but do not overmix.
3. Form and Bread Nuggets: Lightly wet your hands with water to prevent sticking. Form the mixture into uniform nuggets of the same size, shape, and thickness (approximately 1 to 1.5 inches long). This ensures even cooking. Roll each formed nugget through the prepared breading mixture, making sure it is fully coated on all sides.
4. Bake to Perfection: Place the breaded nuggets on the lined baking tray, leaving space between them. Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with avocado oil cooking spray. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. For an extra crispy finish and golden color, you can broil them for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Video

Notes

For consistent results, it is vital that all nuggets are shaped to be the same size, shape, and thickness to ensure even cooking throughout the batch. Always verify doneness by ensuring the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74°C).

Please note that cooking times may vary based on the exact size and thickness of your individual nuggets. Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Nutritional Information