Homemade Dinosaur Chicken Nuggets Recipe
These Dinosaur Chicken Nuggets are a nostalgic, healthier homemade version of the classic frozen favorite. Made with simple ingredients and shaped using dinosaur cookie cutters, they are baked to crispy golden perfection in the oven. Ideal for kids and adults, they combine fun shapes with a delicious, protein-rich meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 31 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (approximately 30-33 nuggets)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Diabetic, Kosher, Low Calorie, Low Fat, Low Lactose, Low Salt
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 pounds ground chicken
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups plain breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheets: Line three large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Form the chicken layer: Spread the ground chicken evenly onto one parchment-lined baking sheet to about ½-inch thickness.
- Freeze the chicken layer: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 30 minutes to allow the chicken to harden slightly, making it easier to cut.
- Cut out the nuggets: Remove the chicken from the freezer and use dinosaur-shaped cookie cutters (3 to 3 ½ inches wide) to cut out nugget shapes. If too hard, let defrost slightly; if too soft, return to freeze for 10 more minutes.
- Arrange nuggets on baking sheets: Place the cut nuggets on a second prepared baking sheet and return to the freezer to firm up.
- Refreeze and recut scraps: Re-form leftover chicken scraps into a ½-inch thick layer on the original baking sheet, freeze for 20 minutes until firm, then repeat the cutting process. Continue until all chicken is used.
- Preheat oven: When most nuggets are nearly frozen, preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Prepare coating bowls: Whisk the eggs in a small bowl. In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the nuggets: Dip each frozen dinosaur nugget in the beaten eggs, coating both sides, then dredge thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture to coat completely.
- Arrange and spray: Place coated nuggets on the parchment-lined baking sheets and spray both sides with nonstick spray for crispiness.
- Bake the nuggets: Bake for 10 minutes, flip and bake an additional 6 to 8 minutes, or until nuggets are golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Enjoy these crispy dinosaur chicken nuggets with your favorite dipping sauces such as ketchup, BBQ sauce, ranch, or honey mustard.
Notes
- Use dinosaur shaped cookie cutters about 3 to 3 ½ inches wide to ensure the perfect nugget size and even cooking.
- Do not skip the freezing steps; they help the chicken nuggets keep their shape during breading and baking.
- This recipe yields approximately 30 to 33 dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets.
Find it online: https://lauracooks.com/homemade-dinosaur-chicken-nuggets-recipe/