3 Ingredient Chicken Nuggets with Canned Chicken

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious recipe that doesn’t require a lot of ingredients, 3 ingredient chicken nuggets made with canned chicken are the perfect solution. This simple recipe delivers crispy, flavorful chicken nuggets in just a few minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or even a fun snack for kids.

Why use Nuggets with Canned Chicken?

Canned chicken might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of making chicken nuggets, but it’s a total game-changer. Using canned chicken saves you time, effort, and money. You don’t have to worry about cooking raw chicken or shredding a rotisserie chicken—simply open the can, and you’re ready to go.

Not only is canned chicken convenient, but it’s also affordable and high in protein. For more details on why canned chicken is a great pantry staple, check out this guide on the nutritional benefits of canned chicken.

Here are the main reasons why canned chicken is perfect for making nuggets:

• Convenience: Ready to use, no prep required.
• Affordable: Less expensive than fresh chicken.
• Protein-packed: A great source of lean protein.

The 3 Key Ingredients for Chicken Nuggets with Canned Chicken

What makes this recipe so appealing is its simplicity. You only need three main ingredients to create crispy, flavorful chicken nuggets:

• Canned Chicken: The base ingredient that provides protein and flavor.
• Cheese: Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese works best for binding the mixture and adding a gooey texture inside.
• Egg: An egg helps to bind everything together and gives the nuggets their structure.

For more tips on how to make the perfect chicken nuggets, you can also check out this easy air fryer chicken nugget recipe.

You can also play around with optional ingredients, such as:

• Hot Sauce: Adds a bit of heat to the nuggets.
• Spices: Experiment with garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to boost the flavor.

How to Make 3 Ingredient Chicken Nuggets

Here’s the best part: making these nuggets is super simple and quick! Follow these easy steps:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Open two cans of cooked chicken and drain any excess liquid. Shred the chicken using a fork or your hands until it’s finely broken down.
2. Mix the Ingredients: Add ⅓ cup of shredded cheese and one large egg to the chicken. Mix everything together until well combined.
3. Shape the Nuggets: Take a spoonful of the mixture and form small nugget-sized patties (you should end up with around 6-7 nuggets).
4. Cooking:
   • Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the nuggets in the basket, spraying both the nuggets and the basket with a light coating of cooking spray. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
   • Oven: If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the nuggets in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re crisp and golden brown.

Pro Tip for Extra Crispy Nuggets:

For an even crispier exterior, you can lightly spray the nuggets with cooking oil before baking or air frying. This will give them that perfect golden crunch without using breadcrumbs.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Nuggets

Want to make sure your chicken nuggets turn out perfectly every time? Here are some helpful tips:

• Shred the Chicken Well: The finer you shred the chicken, the better the texture of your nuggets. This also helps the ingredients bind together.
• Consistency of the Mixture: If the mixture seems too wet, add a little more cheese to help bind it. If it feels too dry, add a bit more egg or a splash of milk.
• Spice It Up: Want a spicier twist? Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.

These little tricks will help you perfect the texture, flavor, and crispiness of your nuggets every time.

Possible Variations of the 3-Ingredient Chicken Nugget Recipe

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt these chicken nuggets to fit your dietary needs or flavor preferences by making a few simple tweaks.

• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t use breadcrumbs or any flour. It’s a perfect option for those who are sensitive to gluten or following a gluten-free diet. You can also check out more gluten-free recipes on the Dinnerly website.
• Keto-Friendly: With no carbs from breading, this recipe is ideal for keto or low-carb diets. If you’re on a keto journey, you can easily adjust this recipe to fit your needs without sacrificing flavor. Explore other keto-friendly recipes like this chicken recipe to stay on track with your diet.
• Dairy-Free: If you’re avoiding dairy, simply swap out the cheese for a dairy-free alternative such as vegan mozzarella. This simple substitution makes the recipe suitable for those with dairy sensitivities or vegans. For more ideas on creating delicious dairy-free meals, take a look at this guide for dairy-free desserts.

Feel free to experiment with different dipping sauces to pair with these nuggets. Some popular options include:

• A tangy honey mustard
• A creamy ranch
• A spicy buffalo sauce

Each of these variations can give your chicken nuggets a new twist, adding extra flavor and excitement to every bite!

The Health Benefits of 3-Ingredient Chicken Nuggets

Not only are these chicken nuggets delicious, but they’re also a healthier option compared to store-bought or fast food nuggets. Here’s why:

• Low in Carbs: Perfect for those following keto or low-carb diets. Since there are no breadcrumbs, these nuggets are carb-conscious and help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
• High in Protein: The chicken and cheese provide a high amount of protein to fuel your body, supporting muscle maintenance and growth.
• No Processed Additives: Unlike store-bought nuggets, these are made with whole ingredients and no preservatives or additives, ensuring you know exactly what you’re eating.

For more inspiration on easy, healthy meals, check out this list of quick and easy recipes that are both delicious and nutritious.

FAQs

You might have a few questions about making these chicken nuggets. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions:

• Can I substitute canned chicken?
  • Yes! You can use cooked chicken from a rotisserie chicken or even leftover cooked chicken. Just shred it finely for the best results. This allows you to utilize any leftover chicken from previous meals, reducing waste and making preparation even easier.
• Can I use frozen chicken instead of canned?
  • Yes, but you will need to thaw and cook it first before shredding it. Canned chicken is much quicker and more convenient for this recipe, but frozen chicken can work well if you have time to prepare it.
• How do I store leftover nuggets?
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes until heated through. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; just thaw and reheat as needed.
• Can I make these chicken nuggets without an air fryer?
  • Absolutely! You can bake the nuggets in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden and crispy. This method will give you similar results to air frying, making it a versatile option for any kitchen setup.
• How can I make these nuggets spicier?
  • Add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a spicier kick. You can also serve them with spicy dipping sauces or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before cooking.

Conclusion

Making 3-ingredient chicken nuggets with canned chicken is one of the simplest and quickest ways to satisfy your hunger. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy crispy, cheesy, and high-protein nuggets that are perfect for any meal or snack. Whether you make them in the air fryer or oven, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy these easy, homemade chicken nuggets with minimal effort and maximum flavor!