Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets with Crunchy Wheat Coating
These Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets offer a wholesome twist on a classic favorite. Made with tender, boneless chicken breasts and coated in a crunchy mixture of bite-sized shredded wheat and grated Parmesan cheese, these nuggets are a healthier alternative to traditional fried options. The addition of honey and mustard provides a slight sweetness and tang, making them incredibly tasty without the need for dipping sauces. Perfect for lunch or as a snack, these nuggets are not only kid-approved but also simple to prepare and bake, ensuring a guilt-free, delicious treat for the whole family.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
bite size shredded wheat cereal
2 cups (crushed to yield 1 cup)
grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (none)
seasoning salt
1/2 teaspoon (use Emeril's Essence for best results)
paprika
1/4 teaspoon (none)
garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon (none)
low-fat mayonnaise
1/2 cup (none)
honey
1 tablespoon (none)
prepared mustard
2 teaspoons (none)
boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 lb (cut into 1-inch pieces)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of crushed bite-size shredded wheat cereal, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of seasoned salt, 1/4 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder. Mix until well blended.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of low-fat mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 2 teaspoons of prepared mustard until smooth.
4
Cut the 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into approximately 1-inch by 1-inch pieces.
5
Dip each chicken piece into the wet mixture, coating it thoroughly, then roll it in the dry mixture to ensure an even coating.
6
Place the coated chicken nuggets on a wire rack set over a shallow baking pan to allow for even cooking.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the nuggets are lightly browned and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the coating made of for these chicken nuggets?
The coating is a crunchy mixture of crushed bite-size shredded wheat cereal and grated Parmesan cheese.
How are these chicken nuggets cooked?
These chicken nuggets are baked in the oven at 400°F (200°C) rather than being fried.
What makes this recipe a healthier alternative to traditional nuggets?
They are baked instead of fried, use low-fat mayonnaise, and feature a whole-grain wheat cereal coating.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long do the chicken nuggets need to bake?
They should bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly browned.
What internal temperature should the chicken reach?
The chicken should reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
What size should the chicken pieces be cut into?
The chicken should be cut into approximately 1-inch by 1-inch pieces.
What ingredients are in the wet mixture?
The wet mixture consists of low-fat mayonnaise, honey, and prepared mustard.
What spices are used to season the dry coating?
The dry coating is seasoned with seasoned salt, paprika, and garlic powder.
Is there a specific brand of seasoning salt recommended?
The recipe suggests using Emeril's Essence for the best flavor results.
How much shredded wheat cereal is needed?
You need 2 cups of bite-size shredded wheat cereal, crushed to yield 1 cup.
Why is a wire rack used for baking?
Placing the nuggets on a wire rack set over a baking pan allows air to circulate for even cooking and extra crunch.
Are these chicken nuggets kid-friendly?
Yes, they are described as kid-approved and perfect for a family-friendly lunch or snack.
Do I need a dipping sauce for these nuggets?
While you can use one, the addition of honey and mustard in the coating makes them tasty enough to eat without a sauce.
Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of low-fat?
Yes, regular mayonnaise can be used, though it will increase the fat content of the recipe.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, the recipe is categorized as an easy recipe with simple preparation steps.
What type of cheese is used in the breading?
Grated Parmesan cheese is used in the crunchy dry mixture.
How do you apply the coating to the chicken?
Dip each chicken piece into the wet honey-mustard mixture first, then roll it in the dry wheat-parmesan mixture.
Can these be served as a snack?
Yes, they are ideal for lunch, a light dinner, or as a wholesome snack.
Is the wheat cereal used whole or crushed?
The shredded wheat cereal should be crushed before being mixed with the other dry ingredients.
Does the recipe include sugar?
The recipe uses honey as a natural sweetener rather than refined sugar.
What kind of mustard should I use?
The recipe calls for standard prepared mustard.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 total ingredients required for this recipe.
Can I substitute the chicken breast with thighs?
While the recipe specifies breasts, you can use boneless thighs, though the fat content and cooking time may vary slightly.
What type of pan should I use?
A shallow baking pan with a wire rack set inside is recommended.
Are these nuggets crunchy?
Yes, the combination of shredded wheat and Parmesan creates a very crunchy texture when baked.
Should the chicken be at room temperature before baking?
The recipe does not specify, but it is generally best to use chilled chicken fresh from the refrigerator for food safety.
How do I know when the nuggets are finished?
They are done when they are lightly browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Is this a low-fat recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as low-fat because it uses lean chicken, low-fat mayo, and is baked instead of deep-fried.