Weeknight Paleo Chicken Nuggets with Honey Mustard
Try this Weeknight Paleo Chicken Nuggets with Honey Mustard recipe.
Try this Weeknight Paleo Chicken Nuggets with Honey Mustard recipe.
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup cassava flour
- 2 teaspoons raw honey
- chicken nuggets:
- 2-3 chicken breasts about 1.5 lb
- 1 1/4 cup blanched almond flour
- honey mustard dipping sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayo (this is the brand i like)
- 2 teaspoons stone ground mustard (this one is my favorite)
- Carbohydrate 57.769236851683 g
- Cholesterol 9.8 mg
- Fat 78.5829110416666 g
- Fiber 17.2529598624142 g
- Protein 42.1157141665853 g
- Saturated Fat 7.25748972916667 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (417g)
- Sodium 302.708499998874 mg
- Sugar 40.5162769892689 g
- Trans Fat 3.75544129166665 g
- Calories 1034 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 400.
- Slice chicken into evenly sized 1-inch squares. Trim off any excess fat and set aside.
- In a large zip lock bag, combine almond flour, cassava flour and all dry ingredients.
- Seal bag and shake until well combined.
- In a small bowl, crack both eggs and mix well.
- Dip chicken nuggets into egg mixture a few at a time, making sure they are coated liberally before dropping into the zip lock with dry ingredients.
- Once all chicken nuggets are added to the bag, seal bag and shake until all chicken is coated well. You may need to open the bag a couple of times to check, which is fine. Just make sure each piece is covered in the batter.
- Once fully covered, place nuggets on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. You may need two of these. Nuggets can be close but make sure they don't touch.
- Place into the oven and cook for 20 minutes total, flipping halfway or when nuggets begin to brown. The trick here is to cook them so that they are done and crispy, without over cooking them and drying out the chicken. Check after 7 minutes as all ovens vary and flip early, if necessary.
- While nuggets are in the oven, combine all honey mustard ingredients into a bowl and mix well.
- Remove chicken nuggets and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving with honey mustard.
Weeknight Paleo Chicken Nuggets with Honey Mustard: A Busy Mom's Delight
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, healthy, and, let's be honest, something the kids will actually eat. That's where these Weeknight Paleo Chicken Nuggets with Honey Mustard come in. Forget the drive-thru; this recipe delivers crispy, flavorful nuggets that are surprisingly easy to make, even on a weeknight when I'm juggling work calls, homework help, and bedtime stories.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No complicated techniques or obscure ingredients – just wholesome, nourishing foods transformed into a family-friendly meal. The chicken is tender and juicy, perfectly complemented by the homemade honey mustard dipping sauce. It's the kind of meal that feels both indulgent and healthy, a perfect balance for a busy life. And the best part? The clean-up is minimal! I usually prep the ingredients while the kids are doing their homework, then throw everything together in a matter of minutes before popping them in the oven.
The kids love them, my husband enjoys them, and I feel good about serving them. It's a win-win-win. These nuggets are also perfect for meal prepping. I often double the batch and store some in the freezer for those even busier nights when I simply don't have the time to cook. Just grab a bag from the freezer, pop them in the oven, and dinner is served in under 20 minutes.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe isn't just about convenience; it's about nourishing my family with quality ingredients. Using paleo-friendly ingredients means no processed sugars, unhealthy additives, or fillers. We’re getting wholesome protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the almond flour, and a touch of sweetness from the honey. I also find that homemade sauces are so much more flavorful than store-bought. The honey mustard is tangy, sweet, and a perfect complement to the crispy chicken.
The process is straightforward, even for beginners. The double-dipping method ensures that the nuggets are perfectly coated, resulting in a fantastic crispy texture. And don’t worry if you don’t have all the spices; feel free to adjust the seasonings based on what you have on hand. I've even made these without the oregano before, and they still turned out great!
The cooking time is remarkably short, a huge plus when you’re short on time. They cook quickly in a hot oven, reducing the time I spend standing over a hot stove, which is especially appealing on a hot summer evening. I can use this time to focus on other tasks, like getting the kids ready for bed or getting a head start on tomorrow's work. This recipe is my secret weapon for stress-free weeknight dinners.
Tips and Variations
To make these nuggets even more exciting, try adding a little spice to the batter! A pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeños can add a kick that’s perfect for adults. My older daughter enjoys them extra spicy!
For a different flavor profile, experiment with different herbs and spices. Italian seasoning, rosemary, or thyme would all work beautifully. You can even add some finely grated parmesan cheese to the almond flour mixture for extra flavor.
If you're looking for a healthier dipping sauce, consider making a simple yogurt-based dip with a touch of lemon juice and dill. It's a lighter alternative that’s just as delicious.
Don't be afraid to get creative! This recipe is a fantastic base for experimentation. The key is to have fun with it and find what works best for your family’s taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
These Paleo Chicken Nuggets are incredibly versatile. They're delicious on their own as a quick and easy snack or meal. But they also pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes.
Some of my favorites include a simple green salad, roasted sweet potatoes, or steamed broccoli. The chicken nuggets are also fantastic in bowls, added to salads, or wrapped in lettuce for a lighter meal option.
For a complete meal, try serving these with a side of mashed cauliflower or a vibrant and colorful salad. You can even create a "build-your-own" nugget bar with various dipping sauces and toppings. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
These Weeknight Paleo Chicken Nuggets with Honey Mustard are a true lifesaver for busy families. They are quick, easy, delicious, and healthy—everything I look for in a weeknight meal. It's a recipe I know I'll be making again and again, and I hope it becomes a go-to in your kitchen too.
