Who doesn’t love crispy, flavorful chicken nuggets? They’re a beloved classic that appeals to both kids and adults alike. But what if I told you that you could make them even better—and easier—by using your slow cooker? That’s right! Say hello to Slow Cooker Chicken Nuggets—a delicious twist on a beloved favorite. With tender chicken breast pieces coated in a savory breadcrumb mixture, these nuggets are sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make these mouthwatering nuggets at home!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray (for coating the slow cooker)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, ensuring that all pieces are evenly coated.
- Set Up Your Dredging Stations: In three separate shallow bowls or plates, set up your dredging stations. Place the all-purpose flour in one bowl, the beaten eggs in another, and the seasoned bread crumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese in the third bowl.
- Dredge the Chicken: Working one piece at a time, coat each chicken piece in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly coat the bottom of your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the slow cooker, ensuring that they are not overcrowded.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken nuggets on low heat for 3-4 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy.
- Serve: Once the chicken nuggets are cooked to perfection, remove them from the slow cooker and serve hot. Enjoy them as is or with your favorite dipping sauce!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Breading Options: Feel free to customize the breading mixture to suit your taste preferences. You can use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch or add your favorite herbs and spices to the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make gluten-free chicken nuggets, simply substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for the traditional versions. Ensure that all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.
- Air Fryer Method: For an even crispier texture, you can transfer the breaded chicken nuggets to an air fryer and cook them at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe. Keep in mind that thighs may require slightly longer cooking time due to their higher fat content.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers? A: Absolutely! Allow the cooked chicken nuggets to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake them in the oven or air fryer until heated through.
Q: What dipping sauces pair well with chicken nuggets? A: Chicken nuggets pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, including barbecue sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or buffalo sauce. Get creative and try different flavor combinations to find your favorite!
Q: Can I make this recipe keto-friendly? A: Yes, you can make a keto-friendly version of this recipe by using almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs. You can also use grated Parmesan cheese as a breading option for a low-carb alternative.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
For a keto-friendly version of Slow Cooker Chicken Nuggets, you can substitute almond flour or crushed pork rinds for the all-purpose flour and seasoned breadcrumbs. Additionally, you can use grated Parmesan cheese as a breading option instead of traditional breadcrumbs. Serve the chicken nuggets with a side of keto-friendly dipping sauce for a delicious low-carb meal.
In conclusion, Slow Cooker Chicken Nuggets are a convenient and delicious meal option that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking in the slow cooker, you can enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken nuggets without the hassle of deep frying. Whether you’re serving them as a family-friendly dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these nuggets are sure to impress. So, dust off your slow cooker and give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
