Nuggets of Wisdom

September 29, 2021
3:11 pm

The chicken nugget was invented in the 1950s by Robert C. Baker, a food science professor at Cornell University.

Since then, restaurants and businesses have been making chicken nuggets in a variety of shapes, sizes and flavours.

Chicken nuggets have become one of the staples of any kids’ menu and a late-night snack for adults.

And believe it or not, chicken nuggets are actually healthy for you!

They are a great source of protein and contain tryptophan, niacin, and zinc which do wonderful things for your body and brain.

But remember much of the nutritional value in nuggets depends on who’s making them and how they cook them.

Store bought and fast-food varieties are much different then your own breaded and baked nuggets.

Homemade baked chicken nuggets decrease the amount of preservatives, sodium and fat used and are much healthier.

So, let’s make some deliciously flavoured and nutritional chicken nuggets!

Pick up some chicken breast at your local No Frills as they have a great sale on Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast for $3.97/lb.

Next don’t forget to pickup your favourite ZEG Sauces to use as dipping sauces for your nuggets!

You will love the amazing flavours ZEG Sauces brings to your chicken nuggets!

Here is a fantastic recipe for you to try and watch for the Nuggets of Wisdom:

Ingredients (serves 4):

1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
Non-stick olive oil cooking spray
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons buttermilk (or milk of choice)
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch cubes
Your favourite ZEG Sauces for dipping!

Nugget of Wisdom: to get crispy baked chicken nuggets in the oven, make sure your breadcrumbs are toasted!

🐔 This is essential for making crispy baked chicken nuggets.

🐔 You will need to toast the breadcrumbs in the oven for 5 minutes or so before tossing them with the spices and then the chicken.

🐔 Toasting the breadcrumbs is a crucial step for getting that deliciously crispy texture on the outside that tastes even better than the fried version.

Bonus Nugget of Wisdom: use a wire rack to bake your chicken nuggets this will not only prevent sticking but also allows the chicken nuggets to bake crispy on all sides.

🐔 If you don’t have a wire rack, you can always just flip them halfway through baking.

Cooking:

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Add panko breadcrumbs to a large baking sheet and spread out in an even layer. Spray breadcrumbs with non-stick olive oil cooking spray. Bake for 2 minutes, then stir breadcrumbs (or just give the pan a shake) and then bake for 2-3 minutes or until breadcrumbs are golden brown. Keep oven on and transfer breadcrumbs to a large bowl.

Mix in spices with breadcrumbs: add salt, black pepper, onion powder, paprika, and garlic powder. Set aside.

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. Set aside.

Line a large baking sheet with an oven safe wire metal rack. Spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Wrap the chicken breasts in plastic wrap or wax paper and pound with a mallet until all the pieces are of an even thickness.

Dip each chicken cube into the egg mixture, then use a tong to grab each chicken nugget and toss into the breadcrumb mixture to completely coat with breadcrumbs. Use tongs to transfer to the wire rack, placing about 1 inch apart.

Generously spray the tops of the chicken nuggets with non-stick spray.

Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until cooked through and temperature reaches 165° F with a meat thermometer.

Serve with ZEG Sauces and enjoy!

Super Nugget Bonus Wisdom: leftover chicken nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a week.

🐔 To reheat, place the chicken nuggets on a baking sheet and broil them on high for a couple of minutes until heated through and crispy on the outside.

Savour the Flavour!

🔷 ZEG sauces are a multiple use condiment sauce that can be used on any food around the world.

🔷 You can use ZEG sauces for basting, marinating, spreading, as a side dipping sauce, or dressing) the options are unlimited.

🔷 Use ZEG sauces on everything from chicken, pork, and beef to vegetables, rice, and tofu.