Almond-Crusted Chicken Nuggets

Savor the Crispy Delights of Long John Silver’s Style Fish Fillets

Embark on a flavor voyage with this Almond-Crusted Chicken Nuggets recipe, a healthier twist on a childhood favorite. These golden bites are baked, not fried, and packed with nutty almond flavor that pairs beautifully with tender chicken.

Whether it’s a quick family dinner, a fun party appetizer, or a meal for picky eaters, these nuggets deliver all the crunch and satisfaction you crave. They are light yet filling, perfect for both kids and adults at the table.

Ideal for those who love comfort food but want something wholesome, this recipe captures the essence of crispy nuggets with a nutty upgrade. Ready to enjoy a dish that feels indulgent yet nourishing? Let’s dive into this easy, flavorful, and rewarding recipe.

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Flavorful and Crunchy: Your New Go-To Almond-Crusted Chicken Nuggets

These Almond-Crusted Chicken Nuggets offer a unique spin on traditional nuggets. Instead of breadcrumbs, finely ground almonds create a crisp, nutty crust that locks in juiciness. The smoked paprika and garlic powder add depth, while baking ensures a lighter finish without losing texture.

Not just a snack, this is a journey into flavor balance—savory, smoky, and crunchy—crafted in a way that’s easy for any home cook. You can serve them with classic ketchup, creamy ranch, or even spicy sriracha mayo.

Here’s how you can bring that irresistible crunch to your own kitchen with simple steps and helpful tips.

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Pro Tips for the Perfect Almond-Crusted Chicken Nuggets

1. Pulse, Don’t Overblend: When grinding almonds, pulse until fine but avoid turning them into almond butter.
2. Season Well: Taste the almond coating before using. Adjust salt and spices so the flavor pops.
3. Even Coating Matters: Dip the chicken in flour, egg, and almonds in order to create a crisp crust.
4. Flip Once: Flip nuggets halfway through baking so both sides crisp evenly.
5. Broil for Extra Crunch: For a restaurant-style finish, broil the nuggets for 1–2 minutes at the end.

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Almond-Crusted Chicken Nuggets Recipe

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Equipment: Food processor, three mixing bowls, baking sheet, parchment paper

With these Almond-Crusted Chicken Nuggets, your kitchen becomes a place of simple yet gourmet cooking.

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Ingredients

• 6 ounces Blue Diamond Almonds (whole natural or lightly salted)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus extra to taste)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup water or milk
• ½ cup flour
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Cooking spray

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Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Grind Almonds: Add almonds to a food processor. Pulse repeatedly until they are finely ground, resembling coarse breadcrumbs.
3. Prepare Seasoned Almond Mixture: Transfer almonds to a bowl. Stir in salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a second bowl, whisk egg with water (or milk). Place flour in a third bowl.
5. Set Up Coating Line: Arrange bowls in order—chicken, flour, egg, almond mixture, and baking sheet.
6. Coat Chicken Pieces: Dip each piece of chicken into flour, then egg, then almond mixture. Press gently to help almonds stick. Place coated nuggets on the baking sheet.
7. Bake Until Golden: Lightly spray nuggets with cooking spray. Bake for 8–10 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Chicken should be golden and cooked through.
8. Optional Crisping: For extra crunch, broil nuggets for 1–2 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.

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Ready to Relish!

These Almond-Crusted Chicken Nuggets deliver a fabulous taste experience that combines nutty richness, juicy chicken, and satisfying crunch. They make a wholesome weeknight meal or a fun snack that rivals takeout nuggets.

Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces and sides like roasted vegetables, sweet potato fries, or a fresh salad. Once you try these nuggets, they’ll quickly become a household favorite.

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Storage Solutions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
• Freezer: Freeze raw, coated nuggets on a tray until solid, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to cooking time.
• Meal Prep Tip: Double the batch and freeze half for easy, homemade nuggets anytime.

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