Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup riced cauliflower, fresh or thawed frozen
- 1 pound ground chicken (dark meat preferred) or ground turkey
Seasonings
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Coating
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs (use gluten free breadcrumbs if needed)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 400℉ (204℃) and lightly grease a large baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Combine ingredients: In a food processor, pulse together the riced cauliflower, ground chicken or turkey, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until the mixture is well combined and smooth. This helps the cauliflower blend seamlessly into the meat mixture for better texture. Alternatively, you can mix in a bowl, but the food processor yields the best results.
- Form nuggets: Using a small cookie scoop or heaping tablespoon, portion out the mixture. With slightly wet hands to avoid sticking, shape each portion into a nugget shape and place them on a plate. Continue until all mixture is used.
- Prepare coating station: Crack the egg into a small bowl and whisk thoroughly. Pour the Panko breadcrumbs into another small bowl.
- Coat nuggets: Dip each nugget first into the beaten egg, then roll it in the breadcrumbs until fully coated. This helps the breadcrumbs adhere well, creating a crispy outer layer.
- Bake the nuggets: Place the breaded nuggets onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-16 minutes, flipping each nugget halfway through at about 10 minutes, until the nuggets are cooked through and golden brown.
- Serve and store: Enjoy the cauliflower chicken nuggets warm with your favorite dipping sauces. Allow to cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to a month.
Notes
- Using dark meat ground chicken adds more moisture and flavor, but you can substitute with ground turkey if preferred.
- Wet your hands slightly when shaping nuggets to prevent sticking.
- For gluten-free options, use gluten-free Panko or other gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Make sure to flip the nuggets halfway through baking for even crispiness.
- These nuggets freeze well — reheat in an oven or air fryer for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
