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Elissa’s Favorite Chicken Nuggets

The secret to the perfect carnivore nugget is the seasoning of the breading. By mixing smoked paprika and garlic powder directly into the pork panko, the flavor is baked into every bite. This recipe is incredibly versatile—you can air fry them for maximum crunch or bake them in the oven if you're cooking a larger batch. They are sturdy enough for dipping and provide a much more satisfying fat-to-protein ratio than traditional nuggets.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 2

Instructions
 

  • 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup pork panko (finely crushed pork rinds)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Egg-Free Option: Replace the 2 eggs with 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream.
  • Prepare the Breading Station: In a shallow bowl, combine the 1 cup of pork panko with the salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until the spices are evenly distributed.
  • Prepare the Wash: In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the 2 eggs (or heavy cream if making the egg-free version) until smooth.
  • Coat the Chicken: Submerge the chicken chunks into the egg wash, stirring to ensure every piece is fully coated.
  • Bread the Nuggets: Working in small batches, remove the chicken from the wash and toss in the seasoned pork panko. Press the breading firmly onto the meat to ensure a thick, even coating. Set the breaded pieces aside on a plate.
  • Air Fryer Instructions:
  • Arrange the nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary.
  • Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through. They are done when the exterior is deep golden brown and the chicken is firm.
  • Oven Instructions:
  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Place the nuggets on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Bake for 10–15 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through until cooked through.
  • Serve: Serve hot with your favorite carnivore-approved dipping sauce.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheating: To maintain the crunch, reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes.