Canned Chicken Nuggets

Transform a simple pantry staple into a family favorite with these incredibly easy and surprisingly delicious Canned Chicken Nuggets. Ready in under 30 minutes for a quick, protein-packed snack or meal!

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes

• Total Time: 27-30 minutes

• Servings: 2-3 (Makes about 18-20 nuggets)

• Cooking Intensity: Easy

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Ever find yourself staring into the pantry, wondering what to make with that can of chicken? Wonder no more! These Canned Chicken Nuggets are the ultimate solution for a quick, satisfying, and kid-approved meal. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for dipping. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, after-school snacks, or when you just need a comfort food fix without the fuss.

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Ingredients

• 2 (5 oz) cans Cooked Chicken Breast, drained well

• 1 large Egg

• 1/3 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (plus 1/2 cup for coating)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese

• 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour

• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder

• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder

• 1/4 tsp Paprika (optional, for color and flavor)

• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

• Pinch of Salt (taste first, as the canned chicken and parmesan can be salty)

• Cooking Spray, Avocado or Olive Oil

For Serving (Optional):

• Your favorite dipping sauces (BBQ, Honey Mustard, Ranch)

• French fries or sweet potato fries

• Veggie sticks with ranch

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Equipment

• Mixing bowl

• Two shallow bowls or plates

• Fork or potato masher

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

• Wire rack (optional, for extra crispiness)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup. If you have a wire rack, place it on the baking sheet—this will help the nuggets get crispy on all sides.

Step 2: Create the Nugget Base

In your mixing bowl, add the well-drained canned chicken. Use a fork or potato masher to break it down into very small, shred-like pieces. You want a consistent texture without large chunks.

Step 3: Bind the Mixture

To the chicken, add the egg, 1/3 cup of Panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly until it is fully combined and has a paste-like consistency. This is your nugget “dough.”

Step 4: Form the Nuggets

Take a tablespoon-sized portion of the mixture and roll it into a ball between your hands. Gently press it into a classic nugget shape. Place the formed nugget on a clean plate. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

Step 5: Coat for Crunch

Place the remaining 1/2 cup of Panko breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. Carefully roll each formed nugget in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even, complete coating. Place each coated nugget on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Lightly spray the top of each nugget with cooking spray. This will help them brown and become extra crispy. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully flip each nugget over to ensure even browning on both sides. They are done when they are golden brown and firm to the touch.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the nuggets from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two (they will be very hot inside!). Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

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Chef’s Notes & Variations

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy kick.

• Herbivore Delight: Mix in 1 teaspoon of dried herbs like Italian seasoning or dried parsley for an herby flavor.

• Frying Option: For a more traditional, deep-fried texture, you can pan-fry these in 1/2 inch of neutral oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

• Air Fryer Instructions: This recipe works beautifully in an air fryer! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

• Make-Ahead: You can form and coat the nuggets ahead of time. Arrange them on the baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking.

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Nutrition Information

(Estimated per serving, based on 2 servings, including coating, not including oil spray or dipping sauces)

• Calories: ~380 kcal

• Total Fat: 15g

  • Saturated Fat: 5g

• Cholesterol: 195mg

• Sodium: 780mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 22g

  • Dietary Fiber: 1g

  • Sugars: 2g

• Protein: 38g

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary significantly based on the specific brands of ingredients used, particularly the canned chicken, cheese, and breadcrumbs. For lower sodium, seek out low-sodium canned chicken.