Go Back
–+ servings
AIP gluten-free chicken nuggets with vegetables

CRISPY CHICKEN NUGGETS WITH VEGETABLES {AIP, GLUTEN-FREE, PALEO}

No ratings yet
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 20 nuggets
Calories: 48kcal
Pin
Share
Print
By adding some finely grated vegetables, we ensure these chicken nuggets have a tender texture on the inside. For best results, measure the veggies and follow the proportions to prevent excess moisture.

Equipment

Ingredients

Chicken Nuggets:

  • ¼ cup grated zucchini from 1 small zucchini
  • ¼ cup grated carrot from 1 medium peeled carrot
  • ¼ cup finely chopped baby spinach
  • 1 pound ground chicken or ground turkey
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup ground pork rinds

Instructions

  • Make the chicken and vegetable mixture. Press the zucchini with a clean dish towel or paper towel to remove excess moisture. In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini, shredded carrot, chopped spinach, chicken, oil, salt, garlic, and onion powder and mix to combine.
    ground chicken mixed with shredded vegetables in bowl
  • Shape the chicken nuggets. Use your hands to form small nugget-shapes (about 1-inch long by ½-inch wide) and set aside on a tray lined with parchment paper (for easy clean-up).
    chicken mixture shaped into nuggets on parchment lined baking sheet
  • Dip the chicken nuggets into the pork rind panko. Place pork rind crumbs in a shallow bowl and press both sides of each nugget until coated well front to back.
  • Cook the chicken nuggets.
    Stovetop Instructions: Heat a large skillet over medium heat along with two tablespoons of oil. When the oil shimmers, add the nuggets in a single layer and cook until golden, about 3 minutes per side.
    Air Fryer Instructions (Recommended): Place the nuggets into the air fryer basket lightly coated with oil and fry on 400F for 10 minutes, turning halfway through.
    chicken nuggets cooking in air fryer
  • Serve the chicken nuggets with a side of AIP ranch dip or banana fries for a happy meal.
    AIP chicken nuggets served with banana fries and dairy free ranch on plate

Video

Notes

As long as you can fit the chicken nuggets in a single layer with some room around them, you can fit as many as you want. Just avoid over-crowding, and work in as many batches as makes sense.
Ranch Dressing {AIP, Dairy-Free}:
  • ½ cup canned full fat coconut milk
  • ½ cup plain coconut yogurt
  • ¼ cup avocado oil (not olive oil*)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon dried chives
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
Ranch Dressing Instructions: In a blender, combine coconut milk, coconut yogurt, avocado oil, and apple cider vinegar and blend on high until fully incorporated. Add dried herbs, garlic, salt, and onion powder to the coconut mixture and pulse to combine. Pour into ramekins for dipping and store leftovers in the fridge in a sealed jar for up to 1 week.

Nutrition

Serving: 1chicken nugget | Calories: 48kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.5g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 157mg | Potassium: 137mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 309IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.2mg