Buffalo chicken nuggets—oh, the crispy, spicy delight they bring! I remember the first time I tried to make them, the kitchen filled with the scent of spices and a hint of chaos. It’s like a spicy hug for your taste buds, and who doesn’t need one of those, especially after the latest season of reality TV drama?
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and coat a baking sheet with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, mix together garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, Italian breadcrumbs, and panko until evenly combined.
- In a separate bowl, blend the hot sauce with olive oil thoroughly.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the hot sauce mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet and generously spray the tops with olive oil spray.
- Bake the chicken nuggets for 8 to 10 minutes, then flip them over and continue baking for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until cooked through.
- Serve the buffalo chicken nuggets with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing, if desired.
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (use ground cayenne for extra heat)
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 tablespoons whole wheat Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (or gluten-free crumbs)
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil spray
- 2 tablespoons Frank’s Hot Sauce (or your preferred hot sauce)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 40 small pieces
- 4 celery stalks, trimmed to 4-inch strips
- Optional: 1/2 cup low-fat blue cheese dressing
Nutritional Values
Calories: 844 kcal | Carbohydrates: 44 g | Protein: 112 g | Fat: 24 g | Cholesterol: 332 mg | Sodium: 1516 mg | Fiber: 8 g
FAQ
- Can I make these Buffalo Chicken Nuggets spicier?
- Yes, you can increase the spice level by using Tabasco sauce instead of the regular hot sauce and adding some ground cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Nuggets?
- These nuggets pair well with celery sticks and carrots. You can also serve them with a side of low-fat blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?
- Absolutely! You can substitute the whole wheat Italian seasoned breadcrumbs with gluten-free crumbs to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
- How do I store leftovers, and how long do they last?
- Store any leftover chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be good for up to three days. To reheat, bake them in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
- What is the nutritional content of these nuggets?
- Each serving of 10 nuggets contains approximately 211 calories, with 11g of carbohydrates, 28g of protein, 6g of fat, 83mg of cholesterol, 379mg of sodium, and 2g of fiber.
Tips
- To enhance the spiciness of the nuggets, consider using Tabasco sauce or adding ground cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Ensure to generously spray the nuggets with olive oil spray before baking to achieve a crispy and golden exterior.
- For a complete meal, serve the nuggets with celery sticks and a side of homemade low-fat blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Experiment with different types of breadcrumbs, such as gluten-free or whole wheat, to suit dietary preferences or needs.
Equipment
- Olive oil spray bottle – If you don’t already have an olive oil spray bottle, it can be purchased to easily apply an even coat of oil.
- Baking sheet – While many people have baking sheets, if you don’t have one or need an additional one, it’s a common item available for purchase.
