Looking for a quick, wholesome alternative to store-bought chicken nuggets? These 3-ingredient chicken nuggets are a game-changer for busy parents. Made with canned chicken, egg, and cheese, they’re not only simple to prepare but also packed with protein, making them an ideal toddler-friendly meal, and great for baby-led weaning. Whether you’re using an air fryer or oven, these nuggets cook up crispy on the outside and tender on the inside in just 13 minutes. Perfect for picky eaters and a great addition to your collection of easy toddler meals.

This easy chicken nugget recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare, and 13 minutes to cook. So not *quite* as easy as frozen chicken nuggets, but almost! If your little loves chicken nuggets, this is a MUST TRY. I make these every week.

Why 3-Ingredient Chicken Nuggets are Great for Toddlers

1. Simplicity: With only three ingredients, these chicken nuggets are a breeze to prepare, perfect for busy parents or BLW.
2. Protein-Packed: Canned chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for your toddler’s growth and development. Read on to learn how to decrease the sodium in canned chicken!
3. Customizable: While the base recipe includes just three ingredients, you can get creative by adding seasonings, herbs, or even veggies to suit your toddler’s taste.
4. Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you have an air fryer or an oven, we’ve got you covered with two cooking methods, so you can make these nuggets regardless of your kitchen appliances.

---

Ingredients

• 10 oz canned chicken
• 1 egg
• 3 tbsp mozzarella cheese

How to Make Healthy Chicken Nuggets

For air frying:

1. Blend the Mixture: In a blender or food processor, combine the canned chicken (make sure you drain out all the liquid first), egg, and mozzarella cheese. Blend until you achieve a smooth mixture.
2. Shape the Nuggets: Form the chicken mixture into chicken nugget shapes using your hands. You can make them as traditional nugget shapes or get creative with fun designs.
3. Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Air fry for about 13 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.

For oven baking:

1. Blend the Mixture: Follow the same blending process mentioned above to create the chicken mixture.
2. Shape and Arrange: Shape the mixture into chicken nuggets and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the nuggets for approximately 13 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.

Substitutions

Canned chicken- you can use rotisserie chicken instead, but it can get a little dry. I would add a little bit of olive oil or chicken broth if you do that. Also, you can use ground chicken, just make sure you cook it long enough that it is completely cooked through.

Egg- Add 1 tbsp of olive oil, or a store bought egg replacer.

Mozzarella cheese- you could use parmesan instead.

---

Storing Leftover Chicken Nuggets

To store any leftover chicken nuggets:

• Refrigeration: Place the nuggets in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months!

Decrease Sodium by Rinsing Canned Chicken

If you’d like to reduce the sodium content in canned chicken, follow these steps:

1. Open the can of chicken and drain the liquid.
2. Place the canned chicken in a fine-mesh strainer or sieve.
3. Rinse the chicken thoroughly under cold running water, gently stirring or agitating it as you rinse. Continue rinsing until most of the excess sodium has been removed.
4. Once rinsed, pat the chicken dry with paper towels before using it in your recipe.

---

Where to Find Canned Chicken

You can typically find canned chicken in your local grocery store, often located right next to the canned tuna and other canned meats. It’s a convenient pantry staple that can be used in various recipes, making it an excellent choice for quick and easy meals like these chicken nuggets.

---

Common Questions

Can I use fresh or rotisserie chicken instead of canned?

• Absolutely! Fresh or rotisserie chicken can be used as a substitute for canned chicken. If using rotisserie chicken, consider adding a bit of olive oil or chicken broth to maintain moisture. Ensure the chicken is finely shredded or processed for the best texture.​

Are the chicken nuggets gluten-free?

• Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it contains no breadcrumbs or flour. Just ensure that any additional ingredients or seasonings you use are certified gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

How can I make these homemade nuggets dairy free?

• To make dairy-free chicken nuggets, replace the cheese with a dairy-free alternative or omit it entirely. You may need to adjust the binding agent; adding a tablespoon of olive oil or a dairy-free egg replacer can help maintain the desired texture.

Can I prepare these nuggets without a food processor?

• Yes, if you don’t have a food processor, you can finely chop the chicken and mix it thoroughly with the other ingredients using your hands or a spoon. Ensure the mixture is well-combined to form cohesive nuggets.

More Easy Kid-Friendly Recipes

Broccoli Cheese Pinwheels – Flaky, golden pinwheels filled with melty cheese and finely chopped broccoli. These fun, handheld snacks are perfect for toddlers and make a great lunch or easy freezer-friendly meal.

Pizza Waffles – All the flavor of pizza in a crispy, cheesy waffle form! These quick savory waffles are kid-approved, customizable, and perfect for lunchboxes or busy weeknight dinners.

Cheesy Rice – A creamy, comforting bowl of cheesy rice that comes together with just a few pantry staples. Great as a quick toddler side or base for a more complete meal. I love serving these chicken nuggets with this rice.

Carrot Chicken Nuggets – These homemade nuggets sneak in finely grated carrots for a veggie boost while staying crispy outside and tender inside. A healthy, freezer-friendly meal for toddlers and kids.

Parmesan Pea Pasta – An easy pasta dish with sweet peas and parmesan cheese, this toddler-friendly meal is creamy, flavorful, and ready in under 20 minutes—perfect for busy nights.

---

I hope you love these easy 3 ingredient chicken nuggets as much as my family does! If you do, tag me @reallittlemeals so I can see your yummy creations!